Scops
I am coming to that. This evening, when a maid, having entered their wire-netted close, was scattering corn in a golden shower, I started up suddenly from the hollow of a pollard willow, and the girl—
An Owl
[To his neighbour.] What a bright mind, our little Scops!
Scops
At sight of the ill-omened bird—
All
[Cackling and rocking.] Ha, ha!
The Grand-duke
[Spreading his wings.] Hush! [All suddenly still.]
Scops
Fled, with one arm across her eyes! The cage was left open, and the whole fantastic host will meet Chantecler to-morrow at the—
All
[With peals of laughter.] Guinea-hen’s!
The Blackbird
He is not going. He has refused.
Scops
The devil!
The Cat
[Quietly.] Go on, Scops. He will be there.