enjoin you, do no injury! Shepherdesses, counting the stitches of their
knitting, trample the grass all unaware that it's a crime to crush a
flower--even with a woman! But you, my Spouses, show considerate and
touching thought for the flowers whose only offence is growing wild. The
field-carrot has her right to bloom in beauty. Should you spy, as he
strolls across some flowery umbel, a scarlet beetle peppered with black
dots,--the stroller take, but spare his strolling-ground. The flowers of
one same meadow are sisters, as I hold, and should together fall beneath
the scythe!--Now you may go. [_They are leaving, he again calls them
back._] And remember, when chickens go to the--

A HEN
--fields--

CHANTECLER
--the foremost--

THE HENS ALL TOGETHER
--walks ahead!

CHANTECLER
You may go! [_They are again starting, he peremptorily calls them
back._] A word! [_In a stern voice._] Never when crossing the road stop
to peck! [_The_ HENS _bow in obedience._] Now let me see you cross!

A HORN
[_In the distance._] Honk! Honk! Honk!

CHANTECLER
[_Rushing in front of the_ HENS _and spreading his wings before them._]