A MYSTERY PLAY
Lo! Gentiles in Thy Light shall walk;— and Kings, all in the splendour bright Of this Thy rising. Lift Thine eyes and see.
A MYSTERY PLAY
IN HONOUR OF THE
NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
BY
ROBERT HUGH BENSON
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO.
39 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON
NEW YORK, BOMBAY, AND CALCUTTA
1908
All rights reserved
FILIABVS · AMICIS
CONVENTVS · S · MARIAE · CANTABRIGIENSIS · ALVMNIS
QVARVM
ARDOR · PIETAS · REVERENTIA
INGENERAVIT · FOVIT · ILLVMINAVIT
LIBELLVM
VOTA · IMPLORANS
D · D
SCRIPTOR · INDIGNVS
PREFACE
THE following play was produced at Cambridge in December 1907 and January 1908. It was acted six times altogether, to full houses, upon a temporary stage in the schoolroom of St. Mary’s Convent, by the girls of the school, whose ages ran from six to eighteen. The scenery, the properties, and the costumes were constructed—with the exception of two simple Eastern dresses and a few weapons—out of materials lent to the convent or possessed by it. The cost, therefore, was extremely small; the trouble only was great, and this lay almost entirely in the learning of the parts and the rehearsals.
It is alleged sometimes, as one reason for fearing such performances, that the spirit of the age is very different from that in which this method of bringing the Christian mysteries before the eye was almost universally practised. This fear, of course, was not absent from the minds of those responsible for this production, but it proved wholly illusory. The audience, consisting of Catholics and non-Catholics drawn from all classes, was begged, by a sentence on the printed programme, to refrain from all applause and conversation, and loyally responded to the request. There was practically a dead silence from the first notes of the first carol to the departure of the audience at the end.
It has been thought worth while, therefore, in this age of Pageants, to print and publish the text of a play which has for its object the furthering of devotion to the Nativity of our Blessed Lord, and which has been put to the test of actual performance before a mixed assembly, in the hope that others perhaps may venture upon a task which to its original promoters has appeared at least to justify its inception. Full directions are given in appendices as to the methods by which the staging was accomplished and the properties constructed, as well as, in the text itself, minute stage directions as to the movements of the actors. Realism and passion have been studiously avoided in the training of these; and in their place a kind of slow and deliberate simplicity has been arrived at throughout. There was practically no attempt made to disguise the faces of the actors, except in the matter of a brown stain applied to the faces and hands of a few, and of two or three beards in the cases of old men.
In case, however, that the recommendations given in the book do not seem sufficient to others, the author will be happy to answer any questions that he can.
The present edition contains illustrations, appendices, and stage directions; a cheaper acting edition shortly to be issued will contain only the words with a few necessary remarks.
The collection from which the carols are taken is one compiled by Dr. Stainer and the Rev. H. R. Bramley, under the title “Christmas Carols, New and Old.” It is published with music by Novello. Acknowledgments are made in the proper places.
An admirable orchestral effect may be produced by the use of a piano and an American organ played together.
The play as a whole does not aspire to be considered a literary production; it is only published as a practicable drama.
DRAMATIS PERSONÆ
| Mary. | ||
| Joseph. | ||
| Tobias (Landlord of Inn at Bethlehem). | ||
| David (his servant). | ||
| Zachary |  | |
| Ezra | Three Shepherds. | |
| Ben-Ezra | ||
| Eliphaz | | |
| Nadab | Three Merchants. | |
| Uzziel | ||
| Martha (A Child). | ||
| Abel (her brother). | ||
| Angels (four). | ||
| Herald (An Angel). | ||
SCENES
| I. | [Road outside Bethlehem.] |
| II. | [The Kitchen of the Inn.] |
| III. | [Hills outside Bethlehem.] |
| IV. | [Interior of the Stable.] |
| V. | [The same.] |
Note.—In the stage directions throughout, “R.” = right of actor who faces the audience, and “L.” = his left.
PROLOGUE
Before curtain rises there is sung—
Chorus. O! tidings of comfort and joy.
2. In Bethlehem, in Jewry, This blessed Babe was born, And laid within a manger, Upon this blessed morn. The which His mother Mary Did nothing take in scorn.
Chorus. O! tidings ...
3. From God our Heavenly Father A blessed Angel came, And unto certain Shepherds Brought tidings of the same: How that in Bethlehem was born The Son of God by name.
Chorus. O! tidings ...
4. Now to the Lord sing praises All you within this place, And with true love and brotherhood Each other now embrace; This holy tide of Christmas All other doth deface.
Curtains part—Enter Herald, closing curtains behind him. He bows low, slowly, with arms across his breast; he recovers himself perfectly upright, and begins in a clear, declaiming voice—
Good Christians, now the time is near [here] When long ago our Saviour dear Came hither from His heavenly hall To teach and help and save us all. For born He was, a little Child, And Mary was His mother mild, And Joseph guarded both of them Within the cave of Bethlehem. Here simple shepherds ran to view [He makes a gesture with his right hand. The Lord alike of them and you: Here, on their camels, came to see [He repeats gesture with his left hand. Their Lord, wise kings of Araby. Here Angels sang their praises meet, And bowed before His little feet, Whose hands the heavens and earth have wrought [He extends his hands slowly, palms uppermost. And, pierced by nails, our ransom bought. To this same God the whole world wide Bows and adores at Christmastide. [He bows very slowly as he speaks the line.
We therefore, too, with good intent, The simple story here present. Here sheep and shepherds shall you see, The Holy Child and sweet Mary, Great angels and good Joseph too, Merchants, and simple folks like you, The sturdy landlord of the inn, Cold snow without and fire within— All shall be shown as best we can, In praise of Jesus, God and man. [He bows. We therefore pray you of your grace To hear in silence and good face. Mock not, if here or there we fail To set out well this holy tale. Keep silence, too, except ye sing, As we shall do, before our King. And if we please you, well, why then, We pray you, hold your peace again. And so God ☩ bless us all. Amen. [He signs himself; bows; and exit backwards through curtains.
Exeunt the three Merchants.
SCENE I
Road outside Bethlehem. Sky, stars, snow. Up, centre, a little to left, a stump of a tree. As curtain begins to rise, there is sung by invisible Choir....[2]
Chorus (repeat). In excelsis ...
2. Herdsmen beheld those angels bright, To them appearing with great light, Who said, “God’s Son is born to-night,” In excelsis gloria. [Chorus.]
3. The King is come to save mankind, As in Scripture truths we find, Therefore this song we have in mind, In excelsis gloria. [Chorus.]
4. Then, dear Lord, for Thy great grace, Grant us in bliss to see Thy face, That we may sing to Thy solace In excelsis gloria. [Chorus.]
Then, enter Zachary (L.); walking with a stick, carrying a bundle and a lantern. His shoulders are covered with snow. He walks very slowly. In centre of stage he halts, looks about him slowly.
Zach. Now, God have mercy! I must rest awhile, For mile on weary mile, and mile on mile, I’ve trudged on foot since break of day began, And, sure, I’m but an old and ancient man.
[He goes across to stump, and sits on it slowly, disposing his stick and bundle and lantern. He settles himself deliberately, folding his arms.
Time was, once, long ago, when I would run And leap and swim as good as any one. Aye, aye,—to run a race or climb a wall— Aye, aye,—I’d beat ’em all, I’d beat ’em all.
[Shakes his head reminiscently. Then passes his hands slowly down his knees.
But, sure, I’m stiff, and my poor bones are old, And night is bitter cold—’tis bitter cold.... Yes, yes [begins to look about him]. I’ve come a mighty step to-day. Why, but—
[Stands up suddenly, stares out (R.), under hand.
Is that the town so far away? I thought ’twas nearer. But this pesky snow——! At Rachel’s tomb the neighbours bade me go A mile or two.... Yes, yes, they told me so....
[Sits again heavily.
And now I’m wearied out ... and not so near As I had thought.... (turns to (L.), stares out.) God bless me! who comes here?
[Enter (L.) Eliphaz, Nadab, and Uzziel, together, arm-in-arm; richly dressed; muffled up; carrying bundles, walking with sticks. Nad. carries a lantern. They come across briskly as they reach stump. Zach. suddenly stands up, pulling his forelock. They start violently apart.
Zach. Good gentlemen——
Eliph. Why, murrain take the man For frighting of us so! I never can Abide these rustics. [He crosses over (R.). Others remain (L.).
Nad. They’ve no sense, I say, To fright three gentlemen upon their way. See here, old man! (Lifts stick threateningly.)
Uzz. No, no. Let be! let be! [He interposes his arm. See here, old man! I’d have a word with thee. Are you a native here? (Zach. nods.) Why, then, I’ll lay You’ll guide us, for, I think, we’ve lost our way. A piece of gold or so’ll help you tell——
Zach. Why, no, good sir; I need no gold——
Eliph. (interrupting). Well, well—— We’re three good merchants, come, as you can see, For this enrolling, down from Galilee, And now we’ve missed our way.
Zach. Yes, yes, good friend, I’ll set you on your way, if you’ll but lend An arm to my old arm to bear me up; For sure I’ve never had a bite or sup Since break of day.
Uzz. Yes, yes, old man; but tell Us first our way; and all will then be well.
Zach. (pointing (R.) very deliberately). Why, down the hill straight on, another mile, Then to your right, and so beyond the stile [He makes gestures of pointing. To where the vineyards stand—(remember them), And that’ll bring you straight to Bethlehem. [He turns, and gathers stick and bundle. And now, sir—[comes forward]—your good arm.
Uzz. (avoiding). Why, no, no, no, You’ve given us all we asked. We could not go With such a bag of bones! That’s not the way To make a contract. Come, be off, I say! [Threatens him as Zach. approaches again.
Zach. Sir, sir; I’m wearied out! I’m done to death! I’m old and weak of limb, and short of breath. I pray you— [Seizes Eliphaz’s arm, who shakes it off.
Eliph. Why, here’s impudence as well! Is’t so you speak to men of Israel? [Threatens.
Zach. Sir ...for the love of God ...
Uzz. Why, that’s too good! “The love of God!”—I’ve always understood That God was Justice! Eh! good Nadab, eh? [He turns to Nad. What do you think? That never was the way We learned at school![Threatens Zachary. Hands off! old man! I say! [Eliph. crosses (L.).
Zach. Sir, for Messias’ sake!...
Uzz. Why, who is He?
Zach. (solemnly). Sir, it is He told of in prophecy, Who surely comes one day to set all right, And judge in love and justice. Why, this night Maybe, He’ll come.
Uzz. Nay, nay! That’s past a joke! Come, gentlemen; enough of crazy folk! We must be going on a mile or two To shelter; and, my friend, good-night to you!
[Exeunt (R.) three Merchants, saluting Zachary ironically. Zachary stands looking after them, hands raised. He totters a step or two, then he lets hands sink slowly.
Zach. Now, God have mercy! But I’m wearied sore. [Begins to limp back to stump. So wearied I have never been before. [He sits heavily on ground, leaning against stump. Then, after a pause. My limbs that heavy![Lifts hands, and lets them drop. My old eyes, that dim! [Stares about, bewildered. Why—if He came—I could not look at Him.... [His voice grows weaker. Dreams, did they say?... And old Isaias too?... [He rolls his eyes. David.... And Balaam ... and the Fleece of Dew That Gideon saw.... Why, now, how soft the snow.... [Sleepy voice; closing eyes. I’ll sleep ... a bit ... a bit ... before ... I ... go. [Sinks down. Music begins very softly, and verse of carol is played through as he falls asleep. Then Martha and Abel begin to sing, off. And ... God ... have ... pity on ... all ... poor folks ... here below.
Mar. and Abel.[3] The Lord at first had Adam made Out of the dust and clay, And in his nostrils breathed life.... [Enter (L.) Martha and Abel, carrying bundles, with sticks, over shoulders, hand in hand. Martha carries a lantern. E’en as the Scriptures say. And then in Eden’s Paradise He placed him to dwell That he within—[Stop abruptly.
Mar. Why, Abel, what’s that lying by the tree? [Abel clings to her, lets go, tries to run. Nay, nay, be quiet! Here, take hold of me. [She is staring at Zachary.
Abel. Oh! Martha, Martha, I’m afraid— [Tries to pull her away.
Mar. No, no. [She goes closer with him; looks.
’Tis but an old man, sleeping in the snow. Why—look how white he is! How white and old! He’ll take his death! The night is bitter cold. [Advances close to him with lantern. Sir, sir! Wake up.... Here, Abel, take the light! [Hands him lantern. He shrinks away. You silly boy! With God nor day nor night Can harm His children.... Here, sir, wake, awake! [Shakes him by arm. The night is cold. Sir
Why! Who comes here? An old man and a maid——
See how slow they wind!
Mar. (looking). I see a maiden, and a man like thee. Old, old and heavy.... Why, sir, look again! Why ... who is that? Nay ... nay, I saw him plain— All, all in light—Nay, but he’s gone again.
[The three shrink together backwards across the stage to (R.) as (L.) enter Joseph and Mary, very slowly. She leans on him. They come up to tree. She sinks on to it, in his arms, and drops her head. He stands behind, holding her. So the tableau remains. Behind the scenes the Chorus sings, as below. During the singing, Abel advances step by step, almost imperceptibly, with Martha behind and Zachary last.
Chorus. A Virgin unspotted, the Prophet foretold,[4] Should bring forth a Saviour, which now we behold, To be our Redeemer from death, hell, and sin, Which Adam’s transgression had wrappèd us in.
Chorus. Aye and therefore be merry; set sorrow aside, Christ Jesus our Saviour was born on this tide.
2. At Bethlehem city in Jewry it was That Joseph and Mary together did pass, All for to be taxed with many one more; Great Cæsar commanded the same should be so.
Chorus. Aye and therefore ...
3. There were they constrained in a stable to lie, Where horses and asses they used for to tie, Their lodging so simple they took it no scorn, But against the next morning our Saviour was born.
Chorus. Aye and therefore ...
[At this point Abel reaches Mary, and kneels down before her on his knees, looking, on her right, and Martha on her left, Zachary in centre. During the next verses, Mary opens her eyes, sees them, then slowly stretches out her hands on to their heads; each kisses her hand. Then both Mary’s hands on Zachary’s head. He takes them both and kisses them. All this very slowly during following verse.
Invisible Chorus. Then God sent an angel from heaven so high, To certain poor shepherds in fields where they lie, And bade them no longer in sorrow to stay, Because that our Saviour was born on this day.
Chorus. Aye and therefore ...
[Then Mary is slowly supported by Joseph on her right, with her arm round his shoulders, and, on the left, in the same way, by Martha and Abel. Zachary slowly gathers up bundles and sticks and lantern.
Then presently after the shepherds did spy, Vast numbers of angels to stand in the sky; They joyfully talked, and sweetly did sing, To God be all glory, our heavenly King.
Chorus. Aye and therefore ...
[They begin to go out (R.) in the above order. As they disappear (R.), enter (L.) two tall angels bearing swords in right hand and burning tapers in left, and two small angels bearing tapers only. These pairs slowly cross stage, and as curtain comes down they are still passing, and simultaneously the last chorus ends.
To teach us humility all this was done, And learn we from thence haughty pride for to shun, A manger His cradle, who came from above, The great God of mercy, of peace, and of love.
Chorus. Aye and therefore ...
Curtain.
[A quiet piece of music begins and continues until Carol.
The three Merchants rise in alarm—
SCENE II
Before curtain rises, invisible Choir sings—
2. Now Gabriel sweeping from the sky, Missus a Deo nuntius, These tidings beareth from on high, Lætissimis pastoribus, Behold your God on earth doth lie, Invenietis protinus.
4. Quickly away the shepherds flew, Clara Gabrielis voce, Rejoicing as if filled anew, Bono Bacchico liquore, Leaping and dancing nigh they drew, Simul in Bethlehem Judæ.
6. They entered then the hallowed cave, Jesum hic adoraverunt, The best of all they had they gave, Puerumque oraverunt, Pardon for that was lacking crave, Subitoque abierunt.
Curtain Rises
Scene—Kitchen of inn. In centre a fire: pot over it. White walls. Two doors R. and L., R. into street, L. into inn. A table R. with three stools. Discovered Tobias, stirring pot, and David busying himself with plates at the table. After curtain is up, Tobias leaves spoon in pot, and comes forward. During all this scene he is plainly uneasy and indecisive. He relapses into silence, then rouses himself to speak.
Tob. And you have heard it, David?[They speak softly.
Dav. Yes, all day, Good master, have I heard them.
Tob. “Them,” you say? Why, who are they? [He looks steadily at Dav., with folded arms.
Dav. I know not, but the sound Was that of singing in the air, and round [He makes gesture. About; and steps, and wings; and everywhere I heard them plainly.
Tob. Was it from the air You heard it?
Dav. Aye, sir.
Tob. Nothing have you seen?
Dav. No, sir.[A silence.
Tob. Now, David, what doth all this mean?... I, too, have heard.... Say not a word of this To any man.... For these are mysteries. [Clamour of voices and stamping. [Tob. leaps back to pot and begins stirring again. Dav. turns to plates, &c.
Tob. Now, boy, make haste.... Hark to the guests below. [Shouts. Coming, sirs, coming.... Yes, boy, take and go. [Exit Dav. (L.) with plates and bread. I’ll bring this presently. God bless us! Why [Murmur without. I never heard such tumult. No, not I In all my days.[Knocking heard on door (R.). Yes, yes, come in, come in. [Enter (R.) Three Merchants.
Eliph. Well, my good host, and have you room within?
Tob. What? More of them? Who are you, gentlemen?
Eliph. Why, we are merchants three, come back again To Bethlehem, as all the world doth know, For our enrolment. Through the frost and snow We’ve trudged full many a mile. And have you space For three good gentlemen? [He sits down heavily.
Tob. Why, all the place Is full from roof to garret.[Tumult breaks out again. Hark to them! Why, all mankind seems come to Bethlehem!
Nad. Well, well! Have you no beds?
Tob. Not one to spare, Nor bite nor sup, I think.[He makes despairing gesture.
Uzz. (pointing to pot). What have you there? [Enter Dav. (L.).
Tob. No, no, good sir! First come first served, I say. To Dav. Here, lad, make haste. Come! bear the pot away. [Dav. takes it and exit (L.).
Eliph. Why, but you cannot turn us out! ’Tis night And freezing cold. We must have food and light And roof above us.
Nad. Let us have the floor Here in this kitchen, if you have no more.
Tob. Well, gentlemen, I tell you, as I live, I have no better and no more to give.
Eliph. Well, we must make a shift to rest and dine. A loaf of bread you have, at least, and wine, And skins, I’ll warrant you, to keep the cold From killing us. The sheep within the fold Seemed well-nigh frozen as we passed them by.
Tob. Well, gentlemen, if you can shift, then I Will do my best to please you. Sit you down. [Nad. and Uzz. sit; unloose wrappings.
Enter Dav. (L.). Well, are they served there?
Dav. Yes, sir.[He stands waiting.
Tob. All the town Is full. I never saw the like before! To Dav. Here, lad! make haste! Go, fetch a bottle more, And bread and meat. These gentlemen must dine. [Exit Dav. (L.). (To Three.) I promise you, a cup of our good wine Will set you up, sirs.[He sets out plates and cups.
Eliph. Ah! I warrant you We’ll do good justice to a cup or two.
[They range themselves. Enter Dav. with bottle, mugs, bread, and meat, and exit again (L.). They begin to eat and drink. Landlord stands with arms akimbo by fire, watching. Now and again he comes to table, helps them to wine, &c., and goes back, as conversation continues.
Tob. And was all quiet as you came? [He looks at them curiously.
Nad. Why, yes. All was as still as death—a wilderness Of snow and frost.
Tob. And did you see no man? [Very earnestly, leaning on table.
Nad. Why, yes, a few. Just as the road began To come to Rachel’s tomb we passed a maid And old man, and her arm in his was laid; [He pauses to eat during this speech. He is very cool and self-contained. And they were walking—walking wondrous slow: [He makes a little gesture. The maid seemed wearied.... And an hour ago Two children; and then afterwards again Some old fool of a shepherd-man; and then None further, till we reached the market-square.
Tob. Ah! yes. A mighty company was there Of neighbours, come to see the folk arrive From all the country.
[He begins to walk about uneasily, pensively. There is a long silence. The three eat. Then he suddenly comes back.
As I am alive, I could have sworn that more were there than men.
Tob. Aye, and more.(He looks darkly.)
Eliph. Well, children, then?
Tob. Aye, more than human-kind. [They stare at him, dropping food. Once and again, [He looks at them earnestly, making gestures. Speaking softly— As I looked out upon the folks, it seemed Something was forward—somewhat—or I dreamed!— Of more than earthly business. For the air Seemed full of singing, runnings to and fro, Then silences again—rushes of sound— Footsteps, it seemed, moved on the frozen ground, As if some company, to come and go Was set, all busy, in the market-square.
Eliph. (after pause). Bah! You were dreaming, man! The air was keen, And you were weary.... There was nothing seen? [He seems a little disturbed.
Tob. No; for I asked my lad if aught were there That he could see——
Nad. Bah! You and your market-square! A dreamer! Like the old man on the hill Who babbled of God’s Love and Justice till I was all wearied—and Messias’ name, Who comes one day, he said. Why, but the same Old tale is past and gone for you and me Since old Isaias babbled prophecy. (Scornfully.) “A Virgin shall conceive,” he said!...
Choir softly sings a line or two—
“A Virgin unspotted, the Prophet foretold, Should bring forth a Saviour whom now we....”
Tob. (starting). What is that sound? Do you hear nothing? [They stare. Clamour breaks out in room (L.), and music stops. Gone again, and drowned! But you heard nothing? [Enter David (L.) running, excited. He stops dead.
Eliph. (after pause). Why, the man is mad! Singing and footsteps! What next? Here, you lad, Did you hear aught now?
Dav. (frightened). Sir, what did you say?
Eliph. (banging table impatiently). Did you hear aught just now? From far away A sound of singing?
Dav. Why, sir, yes—all day— And now again! [Silence. They eye one another uneasily.
Nad. (to Tob.). Bah! Here, a cup of wine Will clear your hearing. I dare wager mine ’S as good as yours. Some drunken fellow there Is noisy in his cups. [Holds out cup of wine to Tob., who takes it hesitatingly.
Tob. (after pause). Well, sir, I swear I never heard nor drunk nor sober sing As fair as this I heard. (Drinks.)
Eliph. (easily). Why, anything May maze a man on such a night, when snow And cold conspire to starve the senses. Go And see your other guests. Perhaps.... Maybe You’ll find them singing. [Tob. begins to go out (L.) slowly. Aye, come back to me, [Exit Tob. (L.) with Dav. whispering to him. And we three’ll join them. (To other two.) Did you ever hear Such madness?
Uzz. Bah! Why, all the world is mad Save such as you and I. As for that lad, I swear he spoke so just to please the man.
Nad. But to come back to where we first began—
[Air of “A Virgin” sung by Choir with closed lips; it continues very faintly down to where Eliph. opens the door.
What think you of Messias and that tale The prophets tell?
Eliph. Well, may not prophets fail As much as any man? I hold such men No better than this dreamer back again. Once, as a child, I thought it otherwise, And deemed that all was holy, and the skies Crowded with angels, and the earth I trod All holy as the dwelling-place of God. And now! Why, I know better.... (Drinks.)
Nad. As for me, I’m with you. (Drinks.)
Uzz. So am I. The Sadducee Seems wisest of the lot. [They pledge one another. Knocking heard (R.). Why, who comes here? [He pauses. Then he goes to door (R.) impatiently, and opens it. A burst of music. Silence. He seems to listen. No, no! No room! Nor here, nor anywhere!... [Listens. I tell you, No! There’s not a bed to spare. [Listens.
Nad. Who’s that? (Uzz. begins to stare towards door, listening.)
Eliph. (after pause). The landlord’s out.... What’s that?... Why, then You’d best find shelter as you may. [Closes door; comes back. As he comes to seat, knocking. Again! [Rises angrily; goes to door, flings open. After pause— That’s no affair of mine! I tell you, Go. And find room where you may. Above, below, The place is packed. Be off! Be off, I say! [Half-closes door, listening. No; not for such as you. The host’s away, Up in Jerusalem. I’m master here; That’s my last word. [Bangs door; comes to seat. Knocking. He rises furiously. Here’s impudence, I swear! [Opens door once more. I’ll set the dogs upon you.... I don’t care.... [Pause. Yes, to the stable then, with ox and ass. [Bangs door; returns growling; sits.
Nad. Who were the knaves?
Eliph. That old man and the lass We saw up yonder.
Uzz. (who has been listening intently). Was there no one more? I could have sworn I heard them at the door— A multitude of footsteps.
Eliph. (hands trembling, head jerking). Bah! what stuff! The two were there. No more! And quite enough. [He drinks. The two stare.
Nad. What ails you, friend?
Eliph. (furiously). Ails me! Why—
[Enter Tob. and Dav. hurriedly (L.).
Tob. Who came then? I swear I heard the music once again. And knocking. Was there no one at the door? [He hurries across to R., but stops irresolute.
Eliph. Music? What foolery is this?
Nad. (coolly). Before You came just now, two folks were here, but now Gone otherwhere to seek for shelter.
Tob. How? [He hastens to door (R.), followed by Dav. Gone otherwhere! Why, there’s no room to find In all the place.
[Opens door; looks out. Very faint music, “A Virgin unspotted ...;” it continues down to end of scene.
It surely were unkind To turn a dog away on such a night. (Turns from door.) Where are they gone? Here, David, bring a light. [Dav. does so. He looks.
Nad. Nay, they are gone. Here, drink a cup with me.
Dav. (crying out, pointing). Oh! master, look!
Tob. (looking eagerly). Eh? eh? What is’t you see?
Dav. There master, there! [The Three Merchants rise in alarm and stand L., staring R.
Eliph. What is it? Speak, I say.
Tob. (staring out). No. I see nothing!
Dav. There, across the way! All, all in light they move, a countless host. [He falls on knee.
Eliph. Bah! bah! What foolery! He sees a ghost. [Shrinks in fear and anger.
Tob. (quietly). My lad, I can see nothing.... That’s the byre Where lie the cattle.
Dav. (suddenly crying out and pointing). See! all, all afire With glory!
Eliph. (in terror, as are others). Here, man! Shut the door! [They continue there. Well, if you will not, I will. [Sidles along wall; shuts door angrily. One fool more Or less in such a household matters not.
Nad. (recovering). Why, landlord! your old wits are clean forgot And wildered.
Uzz. Drink a cup of wine with me! There’s no cure for such madness but good company.
[Slowly Tob. comes across to table, still listening. Dav. slips out R. Eliph. follows Tob. All fill cups, Tob. still listening. Music swells up; dies again. Tob., after pause, touches his cup with the others. They all drink.
Curtain.
Pastoral symphony begins at once, and continues until the Carol.
Angel.—Gloria in Excelsis Deo.—
SCENE III
Before curtain rises, invisible choir sings.
Chorus. Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Born is the King of Israel.
2. They looked up and saw a Star Shining 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 accord Sing 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. Ezra discovered L., looking out under his hand L.; so he continues a while. Enter R.,from behind shelter, Ben-Ezra with 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 gesture L.
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 born On such a night.
Ben. I found it all forlorn, Crying beside its mother.
Ez. Lay it by [Ben-Ezra lays it by fire, wrapped up. And warm it. [He suddenly takes step or two to L., relieved. Here comes Uncle Zachary!
[Enter Zach. 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 said The same an hour ago. (He comes towards fire.)
Ez. Well, what’s the tale At Bethlehem?
Zach. (slowly). Nay, my old ears do fail; For, seems to me, the town was full of song And lights and music as I came along.
Ben. Singing and music! Why, good uncle, sure They all rejoice to-night, both rich and poor, To see old friends again. No doubt they sing. We, too, have heard it. Is that anything So strange?
Zach. Nay, nay.... Well, give to me to eat And drink a bit. (He goes on into shelter.)
Ez. Here, uncle, take your seat Beside the fire, and tell us of the way You’ve come along. We’ve heard no news to-day.
[Zach. sits down, begins to eat. He talks slowly, with long pauses. Ezra sits by (L.) edge of shelter, cross-legged. He warms his hands at the fire. While he talks and listens Ben-Ezra keeps 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 air Turned black and white about me, when those three Left me alone and would not succour me There as I swooned.
Ez. Swooned, uncle!
Zach. Yes, my son, There in the snow, ere the descent began To 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 continues for 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 sky That’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 so You came all safe to Bethlehem with those That succoured you so kindly.
Zach. Aye, God knows They 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.