SCENE III

Before curtain rises, invisible choir sings.

TTHE first Nowell the angel did say,[6]Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.Chorus.Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,Born is the King of Israel.2. They looked up and saw a StarShining in the East, beyond them far;And to the earth it gave great light,And so it continued both day and night.Chorus.Nowell ...3. (4.) This Star drew nigh to the North-West,O’er Bethlehem it took its rest;And there it did both stop and stay,Right over the place where Jesus lay.Chorus.Nowell ...4. (6.) Then let us all with one accordSing praises to our heavenly Lord,That hath made Heaven and earth of nought,And with His Blood mankind hath bought.Chorus.Nowell ...

TTHE first Nowell the angel did say,[6]Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Chorus.Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell,Born is the King of Israel.

2. They looked up and saw a StarShining in the East, beyond them far;And to the earth it gave great light,And so it continued both day and night.

Chorus.Nowell ...

3. (4.) This Star drew nigh to the North-West,O’er Bethlehem it took its rest;And there it did both stop and stay,Right over the place where Jesus lay.

Chorus.Nowell ...

4. (6.) Then let us all with one accordSing praises to our heavenly Lord,That hath made Heaven and earth of nought,And with His Blood mankind hath bought.

Chorus.Nowell ...

Scene—Hills outside Bethlehem. Lights very low. Starlit sky; rocks on either side; snow on ground, except round fire and shelter.R.A shelter of hurdles, open side facing audience, with a stool within it. A fire burning; heaps of skins round it.EzradiscoveredL.,looking out under his handL.;so he continues a while. EnterR.,from behind shelter,Ben-Ezrawith lamb.

Ben.Well, father, do you see him?Ez.(slowly, with pauses).No, not I! (Still looking.)Nought to be seen but snow and starry sky,And that great star that hangs above the town.[He makes a gestureL.Ben.Here is a lamb, new-born. (He shows it.)Ez.(without turning).Well, lay it down.[Ben.goes to shelter.An ill night to be born in! Frost and snow,Cold heaven above, and colder earth below.I marvel any tender creature should be bornOn such a night.Ben.I found it all forlorn,Crying beside its mother.Ez.Lay it by[Ben-Ezralays it by fire, wrapped up.And warm it.[He suddenly takes step or two toL.,relieved.Here comes Uncle Zachary!

Ben.Well, father, do you see him?

Ez.(slowly, with pauses).No, not I! (Still looking.)Nought to be seen but snow and starry sky,And that great star that hangs above the town.[He makes a gestureL.

Ben.Here is a lamb, new-born. (He shows it.)

Ez.(without turning).Well, lay it down.[Ben.goes to shelter.An ill night to be born in! Frost and snow,Cold heaven above, and colder earth below.I marvel any tender creature should be bornOn such a night.

Ben.I found it all forlorn,Crying beside its mother.

Ez.Lay it by[Ben-Ezralays it by fire, wrapped up.And warm it.[He suddenly takes step or two toL.,relieved.Here comes Uncle Zachary!

[EnterZach.slowly, on stick. All through this scene he speaks rather monotonously, as if bewildered.

Why, uncle, we had given you up for dead![Leads him towards shelter.Now, God be praised who brought you safe.Zach.I saidThe same an hour ago. (He comes towards fire.)Ez.Well, what’s the taleAt Bethlehem?Zach.(slowly).Nay, my old ears do fail;For, seems to me, the town was full of songAnd lights and music as I came along.Ben.Singing and music! Why, good uncle, sureThey all rejoice to-night, both rich and poor,To see old friends again. No doubt they sing.We, too, have heard it. Is that anythingSo strange?Zach.Nay, nay.... Well, give to me to eatAnd drink a bit. (He goes on into shelter.)Ez.Here, uncle, take your seatBeside the fire, and tell us of the wayYou’ve come along. We’ve heard no news to-day.

Why, uncle, we had given you up for dead![Leads him towards shelter.Now, God be praised who brought you safe.

Zach.I saidThe same an hour ago. (He comes towards fire.)

Ez.Well, what’s the taleAt Bethlehem?

Zach.(slowly).Nay, my old ears do fail;For, seems to me, the town was full of songAnd lights and music as I came along.

Ben.Singing and music! Why, good uncle, sureThey all rejoice to-night, both rich and poor,To see old friends again. No doubt they sing.We, too, have heard it. Is that anythingSo strange?

Zach.Nay, nay.... Well, give to me to eatAnd drink a bit. (He goes on into shelter.)

Ez.Here, uncle, take your seatBeside the fire, and tell us of the wayYou’ve come along. We’ve heard no news to-day.

[Zach.sits down, begins to eat. He talks slowly, with long pauses.Ezrasits by(L.)edge of shelter, cross-legged. He warms his hands at the fire. While he talks and listensBen-Ezrakeeps walking gently up and down(L.),now and then pausing to listen or speak.

Zach.First, then, near Rachel’s tomb, I saw three men;And then two children succoured me; and then——Ben.Succoured you, uncle? Why, what need was there?Zach.My son, sore need there was; for all the airTurned black and white about me, when those threeLeft me alone and would not succour meThere as I swooned.Ez.Swooned, uncle!Zach.Yes, my son,There in the snow, ere the descent beganTo fall to Bethlehem. And there I lay,All frozen, till the children came my way.Ez.And they did succour you? God bless them, then.Zach.God bless all children, as I say. For men[Music, “Nowell,” soft. It continuesfor a line or two.Are cruel hard.... I think that if came He—Whose coming is most sure by prophecy—’Tis as a child He’ll come.Ben.Whom mean you?Zach.Why,I mean Messias.... Hark, is that the skyThat’s singing? (Silent pause; music ends.)Ez.Nay, I hear no sound at all.What mean you, uncle?... Sit you by the wall,[Zach.has finished eating.And cover you from cold. For sure the snow[Zach.shifts position.’S enough to freeze a body.... Well, and soYou came all safe to Bethlehem with thoseThat succoured you so kindly.Zach.Aye, God knowsThey succoured me!Ez.And, as you came below,Was there no more you met?[Zach.turns and looks at him fixedly.Why look you so,Uncle? Why look so strangely?Zach.Ezra.Ez.Well?What was it that you saw?Zach.(shaking head slowly).No man could tellAll that I saw.Ez.(eagerly).Nay, nay, what was it?Zach.Nay,’Twas but a man and maid upon the way.[Music of “Nowell” begins; it continues downto end ofZachary’snext speech.No more than that. But ... Ezra, ... such a manAnd such a maid as, since my days began,I never yet have seen.Ben.What! fair to seeWere they?Zach.(very slowly, low voice).Ben-Ezra, in old prophecyI read of one, the Mother undefiled....“A Virgin shall conceive and bear a child....[He pauses now and then, as if to remember.For unto us,” Isaias sang, “a SonIs given.” And then I read King SolomonSpeaks of a maiden, fairest of her race,Among the vineyards, young, and full of grace....A fountain sealed and holy.... Well, my son,She whom I saw to-day was such an one. (Music ends.)Ez.Uncle! you jest!Zach.I jest not.Ben.And the manThat went with her?Zach.Son, when I first beganTo see the couple coming up the height,I had no eyes for him; for all the night[He makes slow, sweeping gesture.Seemed full of glory from her face who cameSo wearily.Ez.Who were they? What her name?Zach.(softly).Her name is Mary; for he told me so.And his is Joseph.[Discovers bundle by fire; he examines it in silence.What is this belowThe mantle?Ben.Nay, ’tis but a lamb.Zach.You sayA lamb? And born to-night? Here far awayDown in the snowy world? [He strokes its head tenderly.Ben.Why, surely so,’Twas born but hardly half-an-hour ago!Zach.And is it without blemish—fit to die[He speaks impressively.At God’s own altar?Ez.(impatiently).Yes, yes, yes, but whyAsk you me that? Nay, tell us of the maidAnd man you saw to-day. The lamb is laidContent enough.Zach.Content without its dam?Ben.Why, surely so!... Now, uncle, leave the lambAnd tell us what you saw.Zach.I saw but thoseI spoke of. Maid and man.Ben.But then, who knowsThe place they come from, or the place they lieTo-night?Zach.(indignantly).Nay, none doth know but God and I,And all the hosts of heaven, and beasts, maybe,That give them shelter!Ez.Why! what mysteryYou make of nothing, uncle!Zach.(still smouldering).Aye. Or ’tisThat you make nothing of great mysteries.Ben.Why, uncle——Zach.(emphatically).Nay, my son, I tell you this:That when I saw the wondrous maiden fair,I knelt me down; and lo! she blessed me there![He spreads out his hands.Ez.You, uncle! Blessed by her!Zach.Aye, aye; ’twas so.I think one day that many here belowWill envy me for that! Her hands she laidUpon my head, and spoke no words, that maid.Ez.Why, this is folly.Zach.(indignantly).Aye, God’s foolishness,Wiser than all men’s wisdom.[His tone changes to despondency.Yes, yes, yes!’Tis nought but foolishness.... And so we cameTo Bethlehem.Ben.(pensively).And Mary was her name?Zach.(slowly).Aye. Joseph and Mary; Joseph and Mary.Ben.Well,Uncle, and is that all you have to tell?Zach.Aye, that is all—save that all BethlehemSeemed full of glory, all to welcome them.Ben.Why, were the folks without to meet them?Zach.(excitedly).Nay;The folks were snug within. And yet I say’Twas full of glory.Ez.(makes soothing gesture).Uncle, rest awhile;You’re wearied. Well I see that. Mile on mileYou’ve trudged to-day.[Ben-Ezracrosses front to(R.)by edge of shelter.Zach.Aye, lad, and more than spaceI’ve travelled since I looked on Mary’s face.Ben.Nay, uncle; rest awhile. We’ll talk, maybe,Of lighter things....Zach.(ironically).Of wine and company,And wherewithal we shall be clothed—aye, speakOf all such matters as the Gentiles seek.Ben.Nay, we will talk of sheep, and lambs, and snow;And such things as God sends us here below.Zach.Aye, then, of Lambs.... Such as was born to-night.[He strokes bundle.Ez.Why, very well, if’t please you.Zach.Such a sightMight teach the simplest!... Have you heard, my son,How that the ancient prophets speak of oneWho as a lamb is silent, as a sheepBefore his shearers all his peace doth keep?Ez.(soothingly).Why, uncle, you’re all ’mazed to-night, it seems.Zach.Aye, so they told me. Dreams, they told me, dreams!Ben.(cheerfully).Well, as for sleep, I’m ready. What say you?[He stretches and yawns.

Zach.First, then, near Rachel’s tomb, I saw three men;And then two children succoured me; and then——

Ben.Succoured you, uncle? Why, what need was there?

Zach.My son, sore need there was; for all the airTurned black and white about me, when those threeLeft me alone and would not succour meThere as I swooned.

Ez.Swooned, uncle!

Zach.Yes, my son,There in the snow, ere the descent beganTo fall to Bethlehem. And there I lay,All frozen, till the children came my way.

Ez.And they did succour you? God bless them, then.

Zach.God bless all children, as I say. For men[Music, “Nowell,” soft. It continuesfor a line or two.Are cruel hard.... I think that if came He—Whose coming is most sure by prophecy—’Tis as a child He’ll come.

Ben.Whom mean you?

Zach.Why,I mean Messias.... Hark, is that the skyThat’s singing? (Silent pause; music ends.)

Ez.Nay, I hear no sound at all.What mean you, uncle?... Sit you by the wall,[Zach.has finished eating.And cover you from cold. For sure the snow[Zach.shifts position.’S enough to freeze a body.... Well, and soYou came all safe to Bethlehem with thoseThat succoured you so kindly.

Zach.Aye, God knowsThey succoured me!

Ez.And, as you came below,Was there no more you met?[Zach.turns and looks at him fixedly.Why look you so,Uncle? Why look so strangely?

Zach.Ezra.

Ez.Well?What was it that you saw?

Zach.(shaking head slowly).No man could tellAll that I saw.

Ez.(eagerly).Nay, nay, what was it?

Zach.Nay,’Twas but a man and maid upon the way.[Music of “Nowell” begins; it continues downto end ofZachary’snext speech.No more than that. But ... Ezra, ... such a manAnd such a maid as, since my days began,I never yet have seen.

Ben.What! fair to seeWere they?

Zach.(very slowly, low voice).Ben-Ezra, in old prophecyI read of one, the Mother undefiled....“A Virgin shall conceive and bear a child....[He pauses now and then, as if to remember.For unto us,” Isaias sang, “a SonIs given.” And then I read King SolomonSpeaks of a maiden, fairest of her race,Among the vineyards, young, and full of grace....A fountain sealed and holy.... Well, my son,She whom I saw to-day was such an one. (Music ends.)

Ez.Uncle! you jest!

Zach.I jest not.

Ben.And the manThat went with her?

Zach.Son, when I first beganTo see the couple coming up the height,I had no eyes for him; for all the night[He makes slow, sweeping gesture.Seemed full of glory from her face who cameSo wearily.

Ez.Who were they? What her name?

Zach.(softly).Her name is Mary; for he told me so.And his is Joseph.[Discovers bundle by fire; he examines it in silence.What is this belowThe mantle?

Ben.Nay, ’tis but a lamb.

Zach.You sayA lamb? And born to-night? Here far awayDown in the snowy world? [He strokes its head tenderly.

Ben.Why, surely so,’Twas born but hardly half-an-hour ago!

Zach.And is it without blemish—fit to die[He speaks impressively.At God’s own altar?

Ez.(impatiently).Yes, yes, yes, but whyAsk you me that? Nay, tell us of the maidAnd man you saw to-day. The lamb is laidContent enough.

Zach.Content without its dam?

Ben.Why, surely so!... Now, uncle, leave the lambAnd tell us what you saw.

Zach.I saw but thoseI spoke of. Maid and man.

Ben.But then, who knowsThe place they come from, or the place they lieTo-night?

Zach.(indignantly).Nay, none doth know but God and I,And all the hosts of heaven, and beasts, maybe,That give them shelter!

Ez.Why! what mysteryYou make of nothing, uncle!

Zach.(still smouldering).Aye. Or ’tisThat you make nothing of great mysteries.

Ben.Why, uncle——

Zach.(emphatically).Nay, my son, I tell you this:That when I saw the wondrous maiden fair,I knelt me down; and lo! she blessed me there![He spreads out his hands.

Ez.You, uncle! Blessed by her!

Zach.Aye, aye; ’twas so.I think one day that many here belowWill envy me for that! Her hands she laidUpon my head, and spoke no words, that maid.

Ez.Why, this is folly.

Zach.(indignantly).Aye, God’s foolishness,Wiser than all men’s wisdom.[His tone changes to despondency.Yes, yes, yes!’Tis nought but foolishness.... And so we cameTo Bethlehem.

Ben.(pensively).And Mary was her name?

Zach.(slowly).Aye. Joseph and Mary; Joseph and Mary.

Ben.Well,Uncle, and is that all you have to tell?

Zach.Aye, that is all—save that all BethlehemSeemed full of glory, all to welcome them.

Ben.Why, were the folks without to meet them?

Zach.(excitedly).Nay;The folks were snug within. And yet I say’Twas full of glory.

Ez.(makes soothing gesture).Uncle, rest awhile;You’re wearied. Well I see that. Mile on mileYou’ve trudged to-day.[Ben-Ezracrosses front to(R.)by edge of shelter.

Zach.Aye, lad, and more than spaceI’ve travelled since I looked on Mary’s face.

Ben.Nay, uncle; rest awhile. We’ll talk, maybe,Of lighter things....

Zach.(ironically).Of wine and company,And wherewithal we shall be clothed—aye, speakOf all such matters as the Gentiles seek.

Ben.Nay, we will talk of sheep, and lambs, and snow;And such things as God sends us here below.

Zach.Aye, then, of Lambs.... Such as was born to-night.[He strokes bundle.

Ez.Why, very well, if’t please you.

Zach.Such a sightMight teach the simplest!... Have you heard, my son,How that the ancient prophets speak of oneWho as a lamb is silent, as a sheepBefore his shearers all his peace doth keep?

Ez.(soothingly).Why, uncle, you’re all ’mazed to-night, it seems.

Zach.Aye, so they told me. Dreams, they told me, dreams!

Ben.(cheerfully).Well, as for sleep, I’m ready. What say you?[He stretches and yawns.

[At this point Angels begin to come in softly one by one behind; take places. Music also—“Nowell”—begins very softly and continues when Angel speaks.

Ez.Uncle, you’re weary. Shall we sleep?Zach.Aye, do;Sleep you, and I’ll keep watch. The wolf, maybe,Will visit us by dawn.—[Slowly to left.]—Or if not he,Perchance another Lamb.Ben.(sitting down(R.)).Nay, nay, not so;It is for us to watch.Zach.I tell you no.Lest when He come, He find me sleeping. Sleep,Ben-Ezra; ’tis for me the watch to keep.

Ez.Uncle, you’re weary. Shall we sleep?

Zach.Aye, do;Sleep you, and I’ll keep watch. The wolf, maybe,Will visit us by dawn.—[Slowly to left.]—Or if not he,Perchance another Lamb.

Ben.(sitting down(R.)).Nay, nay, not so;It is for us to watch.

Zach.I tell you no.Lest when He come, He find me sleeping. Sleep,Ben-Ezra; ’tis for me the watch to keep.

[The two settle themselves for sleep.Zacharyremains bolt-upright facing audience, seated. Music continues—a little louder. He starts, then rises softly. Comes out, and sees the angels, and stands aghast. Suddenly lights turned up to the full. Angels all stretch arms up and out.Zacharyfalls on his knees. The two others awaken; rush out. Then, to the ordinary plainsong melody of mass—

Angel.Gloria in Excelsis Deo.Chorus(in simple harmony).Et in terra pax, hominibus bonæ voluntatis.

Angel.Gloria in Excelsis Deo.

Chorus(in simple harmony).Et in terra pax, hominibus bonæ voluntatis.

Curtain.

[Immediately after curtain, a piece of music begins and continues till carol.

Man, standing.

Lullay, Thou little tiny Child.—

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