CHANTECLER
I only live, dear, when I am killing myself giving great splendid cries!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Pressing close to his side._] I am proud of you!
CHANTECLER
[_With emotion._] Your head bows--
THE PHEASANT-HEN
I listen to the Day arising in your breast! I delight to hear first in
your lungs what by-and-by will be purple and gold on the mountain sides!
CHANTECLER
[_While the little distant houses begin to smoke in the dawn._] I
dedicate to you moreover those reawakened farmsteads. Man offers
trinkets, I--wreaths and plumes of smoke!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Looking off._] I can see your work growing,--growing in the distance.
CHANTECLER
[_Looking at her._] I can see it in your eyes!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
Over the meadows--
CHANTECLER
On your throat--[_In a smothered voice._] Oh, it is exquisite!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
What?
CHANTECLER
I am at once doing my duty, and making you more fair. I am gilding my
valley, while brightening your wing. [_Tearing himself from love, and
dashing toward the right._] But the shadow still fights all along the
line of retreat. There is much to be done over there! Cock-a-doodle-doo!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Looking up at the sky._] Oh, look!
CHANTECLER
[_Looking too, sadly._] How can I prevent it? The morning star is fading
out!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_In a tone of regret for the little bright spark which the growing
light must necessarily quench._] It is fading out--
CHANTECLER
Alas!--But shall we therefore despond? [_And tearing himself from
melancholy, he springs toward the left._] There is still much to do over
here. Cock-a--[_At this point the crowing of other_ COCKS _ascends from
the valley._ CHANTECLER _listens, then softly._] Hark! Do you hear
them now?
THE PHEASANT-HEN
Who dare--?
CHANTECLER
The other Cocks.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Bending above the plain._] They are singing in the rosy light--
CHANTECLER
Yes, they believe in the light as soon as they see it.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
They sing all in a haze of blue--
CHANTECLER
I sang in total blackness. My song rose from the cheerless shade, and
was the first to rise. It is when Night prevails that it's fine to
believe in the Light!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
How dare they sing when you are singing?
CHANTECLER
Let them sing! Their songs acquire significance from mingling with mine,
and their tardy but numerous cries unconsciously hasten the flight of
the dark. [_Straightening upon his hillock, he calls to the distant_
COCKS.] Now, all together!
CHANTECLER AND ALL THE COCKS
Cock-a-doodle-doo!
CHANTECLER
[_Alone, with familiar cordiality._] Forward, forward, boldly, Day!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Beside him, stamping her feet._] Boldly, Day!
CHANTECLER
[_Crying encouragements to the Light._] Yes, there, there before you, is
a roof for you to gild! Come, come, a touch of green on that patch of
waving hemp!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Beside herself with excitement._] A glimmer of white on that road!
CHANTECLER
A wash of blue on the river!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_In a great cry._] The Sun! Look, the Sun!
CHANTECLER
There he is, I can see him, but we must hale him from that grove! [_And
both of them, moving backward together, appear to be drawing something
after them._ CHANTECLER _prolonging his crow as if to drag up the_ SUN
_by it._] Cooooooo--
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Shouting above_ CHANTECLER'S _crow._] There he comes--
CHANTECLER
--oock-a--
THE PHEASANT-HEN
--climbing--
CHANTECLER
--doodle--
THE PHEASANT-HEN
--above--
CHANTECLER
--doooooo!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
--the poplars!
CHANTECLER
[_In a last, dry-throated, desperate crow._] Cock-a-doodle-doo [_Both
stagger, suddenly flooded with light._] It is done! [_He adds, in a tone
of satisfaction._] A proper Sun,--a giant! [_He totters toward a mossy
rise and drops against it._]
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Running to him, while all grows brighter and brighter._] One song now
to greet the beautiful rising Sun!
CHANTECLER
[_Very low._] I have no voice left. I spent it all. [_Hearing the other_
COCKS _crowing in the valley, he adds gently._] It matters not. He has
the songs and praises of the others.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Surprised._] What? After he appears, he hears no more from you?
CHANTECLER
No more.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Indignant._] But in that case, perhaps the Sun believes the other
Cocks have made him rise?
CHANTECLER
It matters not.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
But--
CHANTECLER
Hush! Come to my heart and let me thank you. Never has there been a
lovelier dawn.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
But what will repay you for all your pains?
CHANTECLER
Echoes of awakening life down in the valley! [_Confused living noises
are beginning to mount from below._] Tell me of them. I have not the
strength to listen for myself.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Runs to the top of the rise, and listens._] I hear a finger knocking
against the rim of a brazen sky--
CHANTECLER
[_With closed eyes._] The Angelus.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
Other strokes, which sound like a human Angelus after the divine--
CHANTECLER
The forge-hammer.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
Lowing,--then a song--
CHANTECLER
The plow.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Continuing to listen._] Sounds as of a bird's nest fallen into the
little street--
CHANTECLER
[_With growing emotion._] The school!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
Imps of whom I catch no glimpse buffet one another in the water--
CHANTECLER
Women washing linen.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
And suddenly, on all sides, what are they--iron locusts rubbing their
wings together?
CHANTECLER
[_Half rising, in the fullness of pride._] Ah, if scythes are whetting,
the reapers will soon be harvesting the golden grain! [_The sounds
increase and mingle: bells, hammers, washer-women's wooden spades,
laughter, singing, grinding of steel, cracking of whips._] All at work!
And I have done that!--Oh, impossible!--Pheasant-hen, help me! This is
the dreadful moment! [_He looks wildly about him._] I made the sunrise!
I did! Wherefore And how? And where? No sooner does my reason
return--than I go mad! For I who believe I have power to
rekindle the
celestial gold--I--well--oh, it is dreadful--
THE PHEASANT-HEN
What is?
CHANTECLER
I am humble-minded, modest! You will never tell?
THE PHEASANT-HEN
No, no!
CHANTECLER
You promise? Ah! let my enemies never know!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Moved._] Chantecler!
CHANTECLER
I feel myself unworthy of my glory. Why was I chosen, even I, to drive
out black night? No sooner have I brought the heavens to a white glow,
than the pride which lifted me aloft drops dead. I fall to earth. What,
I, so small, I made the immeasurable dawn? And having done this, I must
do it again? Nay, but I cannot! Nay, it would be vain! Never need I
attempt it! Despair overtakes me--Comfort me, love!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Tenderly._] My own!
CHANTECLER
Such a burden of responsibility resting upon me! That inspiring breath
which I await when I scratch in the sand, will it come again? I feel the
whole future depending upon an incomprehensible something which might
perchance fail me! Do you understand now the anguish gnawing me? Ah, the
swan is certain, by bending his neck, to find under water the grasses he
delights in; the eagle, when he swoops from the blue, sure of falling
upon his prey; and you are ever sure of finding in the earth the well
supplied nests of the ants,--but I, for whom my own work remains a
mystery, I, possessed ever by the fear of the morrow, am I sure of
finding my song in my heart?
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Clasping him with her wings._] Surely, you will find it, surely!
CHANTECLER
Yes, talk to me like that. I listen, I heed you. You must believe me
when I believe, and not when I doubt. Tell me again--
THE PHEASANT-HEN
You are beautiful!
CHANTECLER
About that I care very little.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
And you sang beautifully!
CHANTECLER
Say that I sang badly, but tell me that it is I who make--
THE PHEASANT-HEN
Indeed, indeed, I admire you beyond all bounds and measure!
CHANTECLER
No,--tell me that what I told you is true--
THE PHEASANT-HEN
What?
CHANTECLER
That it is I who make--
THE PHEASANT-HEN
Yes, my glorious Beloved, yes, it is you who make the dawn appear!
THE BLACKBIRD
[_Suddenly appearing._] Well, well, old man!
SCENE FOURTH
THE SAME, THE BLACKBIRD
CHANTECLER
The Blackbird!--My secret!
THE BLACKBIRD
[_Bowing with every sign of admiration._] Allow me to--
CHANTECLER
That inveterate mocker! [_To the_ PHEASANT-HEN.] Leave us not alone! My
soul is still open--his mockery would enter in!
THE BLACKBIRD
Ripping!
CHANTECLER
Where have you come from?
THE BLACKBIRD
[_Indicating an empty overturned flower-pot._] From that flower-pot.
CHANTECLER
But how--?
THE BLACKBIRD
I was having my early snack cozily in the earthenware retreat you see,
when suddenly--oh, allow me to express at once the amazement, the
admiration--
CHANTECLER
Eavesdropping inside a pot! How can you stoop to--
THE BLACKBIRD
Hang the pot! I've had a sensation! I tell you I was wild! My feet were
doing such a horn-pipe I had trouble to keep my eye steady at the
peep-hole.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
You could see us?
THE BLACKBIRD
[_Showing the hole at the bottom of the flower-pot._] Could I see you!
Yonder stump of red cone has exactly the black hole to let through my
yellow bill. Apologies,--but it was too tempting! A bird of taste, I am.
THE PHEASANT-HEN
For the sake of this sincere tribute, I forgive you all the rest!
CHANTECLER
But--
THE BLACKBIRD
[_Coming and going in excitement._] Oh, wonderful, and again wonderful,
and then again wonderful!--Hear me rant!
CHANTECLER
[_Amazed._] What, is it possible that you--?
THE BLACKBIRD
Am I given to gush? This time, old man, it's the genuine article,
Enthusiasm with a capital E!
CHANTECLER
Are you in earnest?
THE BLACKBIRD
Must I send you a blankety carrier-pigeon with the news?--That Cock and
that crow,--oh, my soul!--And then the day breaking,--oh, my stars!
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_To_ CHANTECLER.] There seems to be no reason, dear, why I should not
leave you alone together.
CHANTECLER
But where are you going?
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Slightly ashamed of her own frivolity._] I am going to the--
THE BLACKBIRD
The Guinea-hen's Day he's just given the finishing touches to!
CHANTECLER
[_To the_ PHEASANT-HEN.] Must I go too?
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Tenderly._] No, after rising to such heights, I think you may be
excused from the Guinea-hen's at home!
CHANTECLER
[_With a touch of sadness._] You, however, are going?
THE PHEASANT-HEN
[_Gaily._] I want to show off your sunshine on my dress! I will be back
directly. Wait for me here.
THE BLACKBIRD
Yes, much better keep out of the way.
CHANTECLER
[_Looking at him._] Wherefore?
THE BLACKBIRD
[_Quickly._] Nothing! [_Falling into fresh ecstasies._] Oh, this blessed
Cock of ours!
CHANTECLER
[_To the_ PHEASANT-HEN.] You will not be long?
THE PHEASANT-HEN
The merest moment. [_Low to him before leaving._] You see, even the
Blackbird is impressed! [_She flies off._]
SCENE FIFTH
CHANTECLER, THE BLACKBIRD
CHANTECLER
[_Coming back to the_ BLACKBIRD.] And so that habitual skeptical
sneer--?
THE BLACKBIRD
Wiped out! My satirical whistling, as the Dog called it, now expresses
pure admiration. Listen, like this: [_He whistles admiringly._]
Tew!--How is that?--Tew-tew [_Nodding soberly._] That's all right!
CHANTECLER
[_Innocently._] You are not such a bad fellow, after all. I said so to
the Dog.
THE BLACKBIRD
[_With profound conviction._] You're a wonderful old boy!
CHANTECLER
[_Modestly._] Oh!
THE BLACKBIRD
To come it over the Hens--[_He again whistles Admiringly._] make them
believe that he engineers the dawn! [CHANTECLER _starts._] A simple
idea, but it took you to get on to it! Brother, I believe you were
hatched in Columbus' egg!
CHANTECLER
But--
THE BLACKBIRD
All other Don Juans are donkeys beside you! Says he to himself: Make the
daybreak to impress little pheasant-hens! And does it, too--succeeds!
CHANTECLER
[_In a smothered voice._] Be still!
&nbs
p; THE BLACKBIRD
Neat, the little roof which must be gilded! Complete, the ladder for the
Motes!
CHANTECLER
[_In a spasm of pain._] Be still!
THE BLACKBIRD
And the access of modesty, a sweet little final touch! I kiss my hand to
you! Oh, he knows how--no mistake he knows--
CHANTECLER
[_Constraining himself, in a curt voice._] The Dawn? Certainly, I know
her. I think I may claim that honor!
THE BLACKBIRD
You precious fakir! Don't you consider you have succeeded?
CHANTECLER
In bringing on the day? Yes, certainly, I have succeeded admirably, in
this case.
THE BLACKBIRD
Oh, you do it so well! How awfully well he does it!
CHANTECLER
Making the light? Of course, I have done it so often! I am used to it.
The Sun obeys me.
THE BLACKBIRD
So, worthy Joshua! You feel the dawn coming, and then you crow! For
lightness of touch and richness of invention, give us a lyric poet!
CHANTECLER
[_Bursting forth._] Wretch!
THE BLACKBIRD
[_Surprised._] Are you keeping it up with me? [_Winking._] Oh, we know
how the thing is done!
CHANTECLER
You may know,--not I! I just open my heart and sing!
THE BLACKBIRD
[_Hopping about._] That's the idea!
CHANTECLER
Blackbird, laugh at everything besides, but not at that, if you love me!
THE BLACKBIRD
I love you!
CHANTECLER
[_Bitterly._] With half a heart!
THE BLACKBIRD
Can't say a word about his _Fiat Lux?_
CHANTECLER
Not that! Not that!
THE BLACKBIRD
Old man, it's not my fault that I'm no gull.
CHANTECLER
[_Looking after him as he hops about._] He cannot keep still long
enough, I suppose, to let the sacred truth sink in. [_Trying to stop him
in his hopping._] You behold the agony of emotion shaking me. No more
baffle and keep me off with words!
THE BLACKBIRD
[_Hopping past him._] Catch, if you can, and convince me!
CHANTECLER
[_Imploring._] It's a matter of life--my profoundest life! Oh, convince
you I must, if only for a second! I feel the holy impulse to struggle
with your soul!
THE BLACKBIRD
[_Hopping past him._] Do you!
CHANTECLER
In solemn earnest, at the bottom of your heart, you did--did you
not?--believe me?
THE BLACKBIRD
I believe you!
CHANTECLER
[_With pressing anguish._] You must in some manner be aware of the
dreadful cost to me of that song? Come, use your reason. To sing as you
heard me sing, you must realise that I needed--
THE BLACKBIRD
A whopping muscle and a tolerable nerve!
CHANTECLER
No, let us not make light of serious things, responsible winged
creatures that we are!
THE BLACKBIRD
Let us go in for heavy-weight truths, by all means!
CHANTECLER
But can't you see that to look straight at the sun, rising before his
eyes by the exertions of his larynx, one must have at the same time--
THE BLACKBIRD
Stentorian lungs and the eyes of a lynx! [_He hops out of the way._]
CHANTECLER
[_Controlling himself._] No, I cannot give up the hope of winning this
soul to the truth! [_With desperate patience._] Come, now, have you any
conception, unhappy bird, of what dawn actually is?
THE BLACKBIRD
I should say so! It's the time of day when fluffy Aurora gets busy, as
it were, and plays ball!
CHANTECLER
But what do you say when you see the dawn shining upon the mountains?
THE BLACKBIRD
Mountains, I say, what on earth are you blushing about?
CHANTECLER
And what do you say when you hear me singing in the furrow long before
the cricket is awake?
THE BLACKBIRD
Cricket, I say, you scandalous slug-a-bed! [_He hops out of the way._]
CHANTECLER
[_Beside himself._] Are you conscious of no impulse to exclaim, cry out,
when I have made a dawn so fine and fiery-red that the heron, flying in
the early glow, looks from afar like a flamingo?
THE BLACKBIRD
Sure, brother, sure! I feel like shouting, "Bully, do it again!" [_He
hops out of the way._]
CHANTECLER
[_Exhausted._] That soul! I am more spent with chasing it than with a
whole day's grasshopper hunting! [_Violently._] Did you not see the sky?
Chantecler Page 8
