ELIZABETH. Poor duckling! The pond was freezing then!
PEASANT (_nodding_). Then he tried to find a place among the rushes on the
moor, but the birds drove him from there.
ELIZABETH. Why did they all treat him so, father?
PEASANT. I do not know, unless it is because he is so ugly.
WIFE. Come now to dinner, father--Elizabeth. By the time we have finished,
our duckling will be warmed and awake.
[_They go into the kitchen. The Duckling stirs and looks about._]
HEN. Can you lay eggs?
DUCKLING (_politely_). No, madam.
CAT. Can you set up your back?
DUCKLING. No, dear sir.
CAT. Can you purr?
DUCKLING (_frightened_). No.
HEN. Then you can't stay here.
DUCKLING. Do not drive me out, I pray you!
CAT. Will you learn to purr?
HEN. And to lay eggs?
DUCKLING (_sadly_). Alas, I can do nothing but swim.
CAT. Swim! Well, I must say that is very queer.
DUCKLING. Oh, no, dear sir! It is most pleasant when the waters close over
your head and you plunge to the bottom.
CAT. Plunge to the bottom, indeed! I'd never think of doing such a silly
thing!
HEN. Nor I!
CAT. 'T is clear you can't remain here.
DUCKLING. Where am I to go?
CAT. Go lie in the rushes.
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