[_Jumping and casting himself on_ CHANTECLER.] Merciful powers!

CHANTECLER
But what a nervous bird it is--a golden pheasant!

GOLDEN PHEASANT
I have no breath left! I ran too hard!-[_Faints._]

THE BLACKBIRD
Puff!--Out goes his light!

CHANTECLER
[_Upholding the_ PHEASANT _with one wing._] How beautiful he is, with
drooping neck and softly ruffled throat-feathers! [_He runs to the
drinking-trough._] Water!--One almost hesitates to dim such beauty with
a wetting--[_He splashes him vigorously with his other wing._]

THE GOLDEN PHEASANT
[_Coming to._] I am pursued! Oh, hide me!

THE BLACKBIRD
"And the villain still--" Here's melodrama!

[_To the_ PHEASANT.] How the dickens did he manage to miss you?

THE PHEASANT
Surprise!--The huntsman was looking for a little grey lark. Seeing me
rise, he cried, "Thunder!" He saw but a flash of gold, and I a flash of
fire.--But the dog is chasing me, a horrible dog--[_Seeing_ PATOU _he
quickly adds._] I am speaking of a hunting-dog! [_To_ CHANTECLER.]