All
[Cackling.] Ha, ha!
The Grand-duke
[Spreading his wings.] Hush! [They resume their sinister stillness.]
The Screech-owl
But his song has not acted any the less directly on our gall-bladders for the fun that has been made of him. He has grown stronger than ever since he was found ridiculous.
All
What shall we do?
The Screech-owl
The Peacock, that great booby—
All
[Cackling and rocking.] Ha, ha!
The Grand-duke
[Opening his wings.] Hush! [All instantly motionless.]
The Screech-owl
Through the Peacock, likewise working in our cause, the Cock came out of fashion. But his song is just as inconvenient, in fashion or out of it. He is all the more proudly uncompromising for no longer being in style.
All
What shall we do?
An Owl
Cut his throat!