CHANTECLER
[_Comforting him._] Be not downcast!

PATOU
[_Lifting his head again._] No, it is too silly and too weak! I'll shout
it if I please! [_He howls with the whole power of his lungs._]
Stars!--[_Then in a tone of relief._] There, I feel better!

CHICKENS
[_Passing at the back, mocking._] Stars!--Ho! Stars for ours! Stars!
[_They go off, fooling and giggling._]

PATOU
Hear them! Our pullets will be whistling soon like blackbirds!

CHANTECLER
[_Proudly strutting up and down._] What care I? I sing, and have on my
side the Hens.

PATOU
Trust not to the hearts of Hens--or of crowds. You are too willing to
take the price of your singing in lip-service.

CHANTECLER
But love--love is glory awarded in kisses!

PATOU
Ah! I, too, was young once, I had my wilding devil's beauty,--an
inflammatory eye, an inflammable heart. Well, I was deceived. For a