Chantecler is a verse play in four acts written by Edmond Rostand. The play is notable in that all the characters are farmyard animals including the main protagonist, a chanticleer, or rooster. The play centers on the theme of idealism and spiritual sincerity, as contrasted with cynicism and artificiality. Much of the play satirizes modernist artistic doctrines from Rostand's romanticist perspective.
“I fall back
dazzled at beholding myself all rosy red,
At having, I myself, caused the sun to rise.”
Je recule
Ébloui de me voir moi même tout vermeil
Et d’avoir, moi, le coq, fait élever le soleil.
Act II, Sc. 3
Chantecler (1910)
“Malebranche would have it that not a soul is left; we humbly think that there still are hearts.”
Malebranche dirait qu’il n’y a plus une âme:
Nous pensons humblement qu’il reste encor des cœurs.
Prelude
Chantecler (1910)
“Without doubt
I can teach crowing: for I gobble.”
Sans doute
Je peux apprendre à coqueriquer: je glougloute.
Act I, Sc. 2
Chantecler (1910)
Et sonnant d’avance sa victoire,
Mon chant jaillit si net, si fier, si peremptoire
Que l’horizon, saisi d'un rose tremblement,
M’obéit.
Act II, Sc. 3
Chantecler (1910)
