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! 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. THE BLACKBIRD [_Looking at him from a distance._] What do you know about it, pocket panther? THE CAT I saw a Pheasant-hen exciting his admiration, and I saw that he would go. THE BLACKBIRD It’s when you’re sound asleep that you see everything! THE GRAND-DUKE [_To_ SCOPS.] Very well, then, let us suppose him going. SCOPS Chantecler, for all his fame, has retained his bluff country squire’s frankness. When he sees this-- THE BLACKBIRD [_Prompting._] Tea-fight-- SCOPS And the contortions of those-- THE BLACKBIRD [_Same business._] Snobs-- SCOPS In the presence of those-- THE BLACKBIRD [_Same business._] Big guns-- SCOPS He is sure to say things which they are equally sure to take up. THE GRAND-DUKE [_Thrilled._] And do you believe that a cock-fight--? SCOPS Such is my fond hope. THE CAT But listen, Scops. Suppose Chantecler should win? SCOPS Know, Angora, that there will be among those fancy cocks a genuine game-cock, lean, with tawny wing, the same who-- THE BLACKBIRD [_Seeing the_ OWLS _puff out their feathers for joy._] Sensation among the audience!