A Voice
[From the tree.] Duke, may I lay a plan before the assembly?
The Grand-duke
Scops! Let us hear!
All
[At sight of a small Owl dropping from a bough, and coming forward with tiny hops.] Scops, dear little Scops!
Scops
[Bowing before the Grand-duke.] You are aware, mighty Blind-by-day-and-seer-by-night, that in pleasant gardens up yonder hill a breeder of birds—termed aviculturist, raises for exhibitions—termed agricultural, the most magnificent Cocks of the most extraordinary varieties. Now, that great discoverer of rare birds, the Peacock, who, possessing a voice which pierces the ear-drum cannot abide a voice which pierces the darkness—the Peacock, whose specialty it is to confer celebrity upon every strange beast—
The Grand-duke
[To his neighbour.] From every strange region!
Scops
Cherishes the dream of presenting these same Cocks to-morrow, in the kitchen garden, at the—
All Together
[Laughing.] Guinea-hen’s!
Scops
And launching among her set these Birds whose glory will be the finishing blow to the glory of Chantecler.
The Blackbird
Flatten him out like a pan cake!
The Screech Owl
But those Cocks are always locked in!