THE IVY (who has tied up the DOG like a parcel) Where shall we put him?... I've muzzled him finely.... He can't utter a word....
THE OAK Fasten him tight down there behind my trunk; to my big root.... We will decide later what had best be done with him....
(The IVY and the POPLAR carry the DOG behind the OAK'S trunk.)
THE OAK Is that done?... Well, now that we are rid of this inconvenient witness, of this renegade, let us deliberate in accordance with justice and truth.... I will not conceal from you the deep and painful nature of my emotion.... This is the first time that it is given to us to judge Man and make him feel our power.... I do not think that, after the harm which he has done us, after the monstrous injustice which we have suffered, there can remain the least doubt as to the sentence that awaits him....
ALL THE TREES and ALL THE ANIMALS No! No! No!... No doubt at all!... Hanging!... Death!... The injustice has been too great!... The abuse too wicked!... It has lasted too long!... Crush him!... Eat him!... At once!... Here and now!...
TYLTYL (to the CAT) What is the matter with them?... Are they displeased?...
THE CAT Don't be alarmed.... They are a little annoyed because Spring is late.... Leave it to me; I will settle it all....
THE OAK This unanimity was inevitable.... We must now decide, in order to avoid reprisals, which form of execution will be the most practical, the easiest, the quickest and the safest, which will leave the fewest accusing traces when Man finds the little bodies in the forest....
TYLTYL What is all this about?... What is he driving at?... I am getting tired of this.... He has got the Blue Bird; let him hand it over....
THE BULL (coming forward) The most practical and the surest way is a good butt with the horns in the pit of the stomach.... Shall I go at him?...