SEVENTH ACTION(The Three Wise Men)

AISLE II: ANOTHER PATHWAY INTO THE WILDERNESS

Entering from its farther end appear, in procession, the THREE WISE MEN, and theirFollowers. Lighted by torches of their Attendants, thisPageant of the Kingsmoves onward in oriental splendor.

Each KING wears a crown of gold.

The crown of the youngest, BELSHASAR, is set on a turban. He is clean shaven, pale and recluse. The garb of him and his Group has a tone of asceticism.

The crown of the middle-aged, MELCHIOR, is placed on a helmet. He is thick-set, black-bearded and sharp-eyed. A martial glitter touches him and his Group.

The crown of the oldest, CASPAR, is set on a high-peaked hat with wide flapping brims. His beard is silver white, his face ruddy and wrinkled with laughter. His ample gown is gorgeous with red dyes and jewels. Like him in jocular splendor are his Followers.

As they approach the place of the Tree, KINGS andFollowerscome singing a carol, led by the KINGS.

Carol 4. Trio and Chorus: “We Three Kings of Orient Are”BELSHASAR, MELCHIOR AND CASPARTRIOWe three kings of Orient are:Wending home, we traverse afarField and fountainMoor and mountainSeeking for our lost star.CHORUS(Of theThree Kingsand theirFollowers)O Star of Wonder,Star of Night,Star with royal beauty bright!Eastward leading,Home proceeding,Show once more Thy perfect light!TRIOWhere the guiding glory once shoneDark we wander onward and on,Watching, hoping,Dimly groping,Seeking the light that’s gone.CHORUSO Star of Wonder,Star of Night,Star with royal beauty bright!Eastward leading,Home proceeding,Show once more Thy perfect light!

Carol 4. Trio and Chorus: “We Three Kings of Orient Are”

BELSHASAR, MELCHIOR AND CASPAR

TRIO

We three kings of Orient are:Wending home, we traverse afarField and fountainMoor and mountainSeeking for our lost star.

We three kings of Orient are:

Wending home, we traverse afar

Field and fountain

Moor and mountain

Seeking for our lost star.

CHORUS

(Of theThree Kingsand theirFollowers)

O Star of Wonder,Star of Night,Star with royal beauty bright!Eastward leading,Home proceeding,Show once more Thy perfect light!

O Star of Wonder,

Star of Night,

Star with royal beauty bright!

Eastward leading,

Home proceeding,

Show once more Thy perfect light!

TRIO

Where the guiding glory once shoneDark we wander onward and on,Watching, hoping,Dimly groping,Seeking the light that’s gone.

Where the guiding glory once shone

Dark we wander onward and on,

Watching, hoping,

Dimly groping,

Seeking the light that’s gone.