,transcriber's ,notes3 ,underscores 80 before and after a word or phrase indicate italics in the original text4 ,small capitals have been converted to ,,solid capitals4 ,typographical errors have been silently corrected4 ,footnotes have all been moved to the end of the text4 ,a ,,mystery ,,play ,illustration ,lo6 ,gentiles in ,thy ,light shall walk2-- and ,kings1 all in the splendour bright ,of this ,thy rising4 ,lift ,thine eyes and see4 ,a ,,mystery ,,play ,,in ,,honour ,,of ,,the ,,nativity ,,of ,,our ,,lord ,,by ,,robert ,,hugh ,,benson ,,with ,,illustrations ,,longmans1 ,,green1 ,,and ,,co4 #ci ,,paternoster ,,row1 ,,london ,,new ,,york1 ,,bombay1 ,,and ,,calcutta #aijh ,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 #aijg and ,january #aijh4 ,it was acted six times altogether1 to full houses1 upon a temporary stage in the schoolroom of ,st4 ,mary's ,convent1 by the girls of the school1 whose ages ran from six to eighteen4 ,the scenery1 the properties1 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 it4 ,the cost1 therefore1 was extremely small2 the trouble only was great1 and this lay almost entirely in the learning of the parts and the rehearsals4 ,it is alleged sometimes1 as one reason for fearing such performances1 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 practised4 ,this fear1 of course1 was not absent from the minds of those responsible for this production1 but it proved wholly illusory4 ,the audience1 consisting of ,catholics and non-,catholics drawn from all classes1 was begged1 by a sentence on the printed programme1 to refrain from all applause and conversation1 and loyally responded to the request4 ,there was practically a dead silence from the first notes of the first carol to the departure of the audience at the end4 ,it has been thought worth while1 therefore1 in this age of ,pageants1 to print and publish the text of a play which has for its object the furthering of devotion to the ,nativity of our ,blessed ,lord1 and which has been put to the test of actual performance before a mixed assembly1 in the hope that others perhaps may venture upon a task which to its original promoters has appeared at least to justify its inception4 ,full directions are given in appendices as to the methods by which the staging was accomplished and the properties constructed1 as well as1 in the text itself1 minute stage directions as to the movements of the actors4 ,realism and passion have been studiously avoided in the training of these2 and in their place a kind of slow and deliberate simplicity has been arrived at throughout4 ,there was practically no attempt made to disguise the faces of the actors1 except in the matter of a brown stain applied to the faces and hands of a few1 and of two or three beards in the cases of old men4 ,in case1 however1 that the recommendations given in the book do not seem sufficient to others1 the author will be happy to answer any questions that he can4 ,the present edition contains illustrations1 appendices1 and stage directions2 a cheaper acting edition shortly to be issued will contain only the words with a few necessary remarks4 ,the collection from which the carols are taken is one compiled by ,dr4 ,stainer and the ,rev4 ,h4 ,r4 ,bramley1 under the title 8,christmas ,carols1 ,new and ,old40 ,it is published with music by ,novello4 ,acknowledgments are made in the proper places4 ,an admirable orchestral effect may be produced by the use of a piano and an ,american organ played together4 ,the play as a whole does not aspire to be considered a literary production2 it is only published as a practicable drama4 ,,dramatis ,,person ,,mary4 ,,joseph4 ,,tobias 7,landlord of ,inn at ,bethlehem74 ,,david 7his servant74 ,,zachary ,,ezra ,three ,shepherds4 ,,ben-,,ezra ,,eliphaz ,,nadab ,three ,merchants4 ,,uzziel ,,martha 7,a ,child74 ,,abel 7her brother74 ,,angels 7four74 ,,herald 7,an ,angel74 ,,scenes ,i4 ,road outside ,bethlehem4 ,,ii4 ,the ,kitchen of the ,inn4 ,,iii4 ,hills outside ,bethlehem4 ,,iv4 ,interior of the ,stable4 ,v4 ,the same4 ,,note4--,in the stage directions throughout1 8,r40 right of actor who faces the audience1 and 8,l40 his left4 ,illustration ,,prologue ,before curtain rises there is sung-- ,god rest you merry1 gentlemen1#a ,let nothing you dismay2 ,remember ,christ our ,saviour ,was born on ,christmas ,day1 ,to save us all from ,satan's power ,when we were gone astray4 ,chorus4 ,o6 tidings of comfort and joy4 #b4 ,in ,bethlehem1 in ,jewry1 ,this blessed ,babe was born1 ,and laid within a manger1 ,upon this blessed morn4 ,the which ,his mother ,mary ,did nothing take in scorn4 ,chorus4 ,o6 tidings 444 #c4 ,from ,god our ,heavenly ,father ,a blessed ,angel came1 ,and unto certain ,shepherds ,brought tidings of the same3 ,how that in ,bethlehem was born ,the ,son of ,god by name4 ,chorus4 ,o6 tidings 444 #d4 ,now to the ,lord sing praises ,all you within this place1 ,and with true love and brotherhood ,each other now embrace2 ,this holy tide of ,christmas ,all other doth deface4 ,chorus4 ,o6 tidings 444 ,curtains part--,enter ,,herald1 closing curtains behind him4 ,he bows low1 slowly1 with arms across his breast2 he recovers himself perfectly upright1 and begins in a clear1 declaiming voice-- ,good ,christians1 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 all4 ,for born ,he was1 a little ,child1 ,and ,mary was ,his mother mild1 ,and ,joseph guarded both of them ,within the cave of ,bethlehem4 ,here simple shepherds ran to view ,he makes a gesture with his right hand4 ,the ,lord alike of them and you3 ,here1 on their camels1 came to see ,he repeats gesture with his left hand4 ,their ,lord1 wise kings of ,araby4 ,here ,angels sang their praises meet1 ,and bowed before ,his little feet1 ,whose hands the heavens and earth have wrought ,he extends his hands slowly1 palms uppermost4 ,and1 pierced by nails1 our ransom bought4 ,to this same ,god the whole world wide ,bows and adores at ,christmastide4 ,he bows very slowly as he speaks the line4 ,we therefore1 too1 with good intent1 ,the simple story here present4 ,here sheep and shepherds shall you see1 ,the ,holy ,child and sweet ,mary1 ,great angels and good ,joseph too1 ,merchants1 and simple folks like you1 ,the sturdy landlord of the inn1 ,cold snow without and fire within-- ,all shall be shown as best we can1 ,in praise of ,jesus1 ,god and man4 ,he bows4 ,we therefore pray you of your grace ,to hear in silence and good face4 ,mock not1 if here or there we fail ,to set out well this holy tale4 ,keep silence1 too1 except ye sing1 ,as we shall do1 before our ,king4 ,and if we please you1 well1 why then1 ,we pray you1 hold your peace again4 ,and so ,god bless us all4 ,amen4 ,he signs himself2 bows2 and exit backwards through curtains4 ,illustration3 ,exeunt the three ,merchants4 ,,scene ,i ,road outside ,bethlehem4 ,sky1 stars1 snow4 ,up1 centre1 a little to left1 a stump of a tree4 ,as curtain begins to rise1 there is sung by invisible ,choir4444#b ,when ,christ was born of ,mary free ,in ,bethlehem1 that faire citie1 ,angels sang there1 with mirth and glee1 ,in excelsis gloria6 ,chorus 7repeat74 ,in excelsis 444 #b4 ,herdsmen beheld those angels bright1 ,to them appearing with great light1 ,who said1 8,god's ,son is born to-night10 ,in excelsis gloria4 ,chorus4 #c4 ,the ,king is come to save mankind1 ,as in ,scripture truths we find1 ,therefore this song we have in mind1 ,in excelsis gloria4 ,chorus4 #d4 ,then1 dear ,lord1 for ,thy great grace1 ,grant us in bliss to see ,thy face1 ,that we may sing to ,thy solace ,in excelsis gloria4 ,chorus4 ,then1 enter ,,zachary 7,l472 walking with a stick1 carrying a bundle and a lantern4 ,his shoulders are covered with snow4 ,he walks very slowly4 ,in centre of stage he halts1 looks about him slowly4 ,,zach4 ,now1 ,god have mercy6 ,i must rest awhile1 ,for mile on weary mile1 and mile on mile1 ,i've trudged on foot since break of day began1 ,and1 sure1 ,i'm but an old and ancient man4 ,he goes across to stump1 and sits on it slowly1 disposing his stick and bundle and lantern4 ,he settles himself deliberately1 folding his arms4 ,time was1 once1 long ago1 when ,i would run ,and leap and swim as good as any one4 ,aye1 aye1--to run a race or climb a wall-- ,aye1 aye1--,i'd beat 'em all1 ,i'd beat 'em all4 ,shakes his head reminiscently4 ,then passes his hands slowly down his knees4 ,but1 sure1 ,i'm stiff1 and my poor bones are old1 ,and night is bitter cold--'tis bitter cold4444 ,yes1 yes begins to look about him4 ,i've come a mighty step to-day4 ,why1 but-- ,stands up suddenly1 stares out 7,r471 under hand4 ,is that the town so far away8 ,i thought 'twas nearer4 ,but this pesky snow----6 ,at ,rachel's tomb the neighbours bade me go ,a mile or two4444 ,yes1 yes1 they told me so4444 ,sits again heavily4 ,and now ,i'm wearied out 444 and not so near ,as ,i had thought4444 7turns to 7,l471 stares out47 ,god bless me6 who comes here8 ,enter 7,l47 ,,eliphaz1 ,,nadab1 and ,,uzziel1 together1 arm-in-arm2 richly dressed2 muffled up2 carrying bundles1 walking with sticks4 ,,nad4 carries a lantern4 ,they come across briskly as they reach stump4 ,,zach4 suddenly stands up1 pulling his forelock4 ,they start violently apart4 ,,zach4 ,good gentlemen---- ,,eliph4 ,why1 murrain take the man ,for frighting of us so6 ,i never can ,abide these rustics4 ,he crosses over 7,r474 ,others remain 7,l474 ,,nad4 ,they've no sense1 ,i say1 ,to fright three gentlemen upon their way4 ,see here1 old man6 7,lifts stick threateningly47 ,,uzz4 ,no1 no4 ,let be6 let be6 ,he interposes his arm4 ,see here1 old man6 ,i'd have a word with thee4 ,are you a native here8 7,,zach4 nods47 ,why1 then1 ,i'll lay ,you'll guide us1 for1 ,i think1 we've lost our way4 ,a piece of gold or so'll help you tell---- ,,zach4 ,why1 no1 good sir2 ,i need no gold---- ,,eliph4 7interrupting74 ,well1 well---- ,we're three good merchants1 come1 as you can see1 ,for this enrolling1 down from ,galilee1 ,and now we've missed our way4 ,,zach4 ,yes1 yes1 good friend1 ,i'll set you on your way1 if you'll but lend ,an arm to my old arm to bear me up2 ,for sure ,i've never had a bite or sup ,since break of day4 ,,uzz4 ,yes1 yes1 old man2 but tell ,us first our way2 and all will then be well4 ,,zach4 7pointing 7,r47 very deliberately74 ,why1 down the hill straight on1 another mile1 ,then to your right1 and so beyond the stile ,he makes gestures of pointing4 ,to where the vineyards stand--7remember them71 ,and that'll bring you straight to ,bethlehem4 ,he turns1 and gathers stick and bundle4 ,and now1 sir--comes forward--your good arm4 ,,uzz4 7avoiding74 ,why1 no1 no1 no1 ,you've given us all we asked4 ,we could not go ,with such a bag of bones6 ,that's not the way ,to make a contract4 ,come1 be off1 ,i say6 ,threatens him as ,,zach4 approaches again4 ,,zach4 ,sir1 sir2 ,i'm wearied out6 ,i'm done to death6 ,i'm old and weak of limb1 and short of breath4 ,i pray you-- ,seizes ,,eliphaz',s arm1 who shakes it off4 ,,eliph4 ,why1 here's impudence as well6 ,is't so you speak to men of ,israel8 ,threatens4 ,,zach4 ,sir 444for the love of ,god 444 ,,uzz4 ,why1 that's too good6 8,the love of ,god60--,i've always understood ,that ,god was ,justice6 ,eh6 good ,nadab1 eh8 ,he turns to ,,nad4 ,what do you think8 ,that never was the way ,we learned at school6 ,threatens ,,zachary4 ,hands off6 old man6 ,i say6 ,,eliph4 crosses 7,l474 ,,zach4 ,sir1 for ,messias' sake6444 ,,uzz4 ,why1 who is ,he8 ,,zach4 7solemnly74 ,sir1 it is ,he told of in prophecy1 ,who surely comes one day to set all right1 ,and judge in love and justice4 ,why1 this night ,maybe1 ,he'll come4 ,,uzz4 ,nay1 nay6 ,that's past a joke6 ,come1 gentlemen2 enough of crazy folk6 ,we must be going on a mile or two ,to shelter2 and1 my friend1 good-night to you6 ,exeunt 7,r47 three ,merchants1 saluting ,,zachary ironically4 ,,zachary stands looking after them1 hands raised4 ,he totters a step or two1 then he lets hands sink slowly4 ,,zach4 ,now1 ,god have mercy6 ,but ,i'm wearied sore4 ,begins to limp back to stump4 ,so wearied ,i have never been before4 ,he sits heavily on ground1 leaning against stump4 ,then1 after a pause4 ,my limbs that heavy6 ,lifts hands1 and lets them drop4 ,my old eyes1 that dim6 ,stares about1 bewildered4 ,why--if ,he came--,i could not look at ,him4444 ,his voice grows weaker4 ,dreams1 did they say8444 ,and old ,isaias too8444 ,he rolls his eyes4 ,david4444 ,and ,balaam 444 and the ,fleece of ,dew ,that ,gideon saw4444 ,why1 now1 how soft the snow4444 ,sleepy voice2 closing eyes4 ,i'll sleep 444 a bit 444 a bit 444 before 444 ,i 444 go4 ,sinks down4 ,music begins very softly1 and verse of carol is played through as he falls asleep4 ,then ,,martha and ,,abel begin to sing1 off4 ,and 444 ,god 444 have 444 pity on 444 all 444 poor folks 444 here below4 ,,mar4 ,,and ,,abel4#c ,the ,lord at first had ,adam made ,out of the dust and clay1 ,and in his nostrils breathed life4444 ,enter 7,l47 ,,martha and ,,abel1 carrying bundles1 with sticks1 over shoulders1 hand in hand4 ,,martha carries a lantern4 ,e'en as the ,scriptures say4 ,and then in ,eden's ,paradise ,he placed him to dwell ,that he within-- ,stop abruptly4 ,,mar4 ,why1 ,abel1 what's that lying by the tree8 ,,abel clings to her1 lets go1 tries to run4 ,nay1 nay1 be quiet6 ,here1 take hold of me4 ,she is staring at ,,zachary4 ,,abel4 ,oh6 ,martha1 ,martha1 ,i'm afraid-- ,tries to pull her away4 ,,mar4 ,no1 no4 ,she goes closer with him2 looks4 ',tis but an old man1 sleeping in the snow4 ,why--look how white he is6 ,how white and old6 ,he'll take his death6 ,the night is bitter cold4 ,advances close to him with lantern4 ,sir1 sir6 ,wake up4444 ,here1 ,abel1 take the light6 ,hands him lantern4 ,he shrinks away4 ,you silly boy6 ,with ,god nor day nor night ,can harm ,his children4444 ,here1 sir1 wake1 awake6 ,shakes him by arm4 ,the night is cold4 ,sir6 ,she kneels by him4 ,for ,messias' sake6 ,,zachary moans gently1 lifts his head1 looks round1 sinks back4 ,,zach4 7sleepily74 ,messias6 eh8 ,messias8 ,why 444 they 444 said 444 ',twas dreams 444 all dreams4 ,she shakes him4 ,why 444 what is this8444 my head 444 ,is heavy 444 let me sleep4444 ,rolls over a little4 ,ah6 let me sleep4444 ,and dream ,messias' coming 444 lest 444 ,he 444 weep 444 ,to find no welcome4 ,,mar4 7rapidly74 ,abel1 here-- ,he is sobbing4 ,don't cry4444 ,quick1 boy1 ,i tell you 444 lest the old man die4 ,together they lift him slowly1 first up to tree1 then on his feet4 ,he clings to them4 ,they move about2 finally he sits down on stump1 and begins to recover himself4 ,,zach4 7rubbing eyes74 ,why1 'tis but children6 ,and ,i thought that ,he ,had sent ,his angels down to succour me1 ,and bring me tidings that ,his ,christ was here4 ,looks round1 then drops his head4 ,no1 dreams6 ,all dreams it is4 ,,martha takes him by arm4 ,,mar4 ,sir6 can you hear ,me speak1 good father8 ,can you see me plain8 ,he looks at her2 recovers further4 ,,zach4 ,why1 yes4444 ,i heard you singing4 ,sing again ,that which you sang4 ,releases his arm4 ,nay1 nay1 child1 let me go6 ,i'm well awake enough4 ',twas but the snow ,bewildered me4 ,what was that song so sweet ,i heard so plain8 ,,martha comes a little forward1 smiling shyly4 ,,mar4 ,sir1 to beguile our feet ,we sang a carol1 made--,oh6 long ago1 ,of times when ,god walked once with men below ,in ,eden's garden2 whence all woe began ,from ,satan's tempting and the sin of man4 ,that was the little song you heard so plain ,as we were coming4 ,,zach4 ,sing the song again4 ,,martha and ,,abel stand side by side 7,r474 ,,mar4 ,,and ,,abel4 ,the ,lord at first had ,adam made ,out of the dust and clay1 ,and in his nostrils breathed life1 ,e'en as the ,scriptures say4 ,and then in ,eden's ,paradise ,he placed him to dwell1 ,that he within it should remain ,to dress and keep it well4 ,they turn to ,,zach4 ,,zach4 ,why-- ,chorus suddenly begins from behind scene4 ,children are terrified4 ,,zach4 stands up1 frightened4 ,they cling to him4 ,during the singing they recover themselves a little4 ,they look about1 standing all together 7,r47 facing 7,l474 ,,abel leaves the others and begins to move across stage1 looking in all directions4 ,,invisible ,,chorus4 ,now let good ,christians all begin ,a holier life to live2 ,and to rejoice and merry be ,for this is ,christmas ,eve4 #d4 ,now mark the goodness of the ,lord ,which ,he to mankind bore1 ,his mercy soon ,he did extend ,lost man for to restore2 ,and1 therefore1 to redeem our souls ,from death and hell and thrall1 ,he said ,his own dear ,son should be ,the ,saviour of us all4 ,chorus4 ,now let 444 ,,abel 7letting go74 ,why6 ,what was that8 ,who's singing there below8444 ,runs to ,,martha1 who is looking 7,l474 ,i'm frightened1 ,martha4444 ,martha6 let us go4 ,,zach41 also staring 7,l474 ,,zach4 ,why6 ,who comes here8 ,he goes a step4 ,an old man and a maid6 ,is that their singing8444 ,no 444 she seems afraid ,and weary4 ,children6 ,see how slow they wind6 ,looks intently1 under hand4 ,children6 look closer4444 ,who comes on behind8444 ,no 444 he is gone again4444 ,i thought ,i saw ,figures who came and went1 behind1 before1 ,as if to keep them4444 ,children1 do you see8 ,a silence4 ,illustration3 ,why6 ,who comes here8 ,an old man and a maid---- ,see how slow they wind6 ,,mar4 7looking74 ,i see a maiden1 and a man like thee4 ,old1 old and heavy4444 ,why1 sir1 look again6 ,why 444 who is that8 ,nay 444 nay1 ,i saw him plain-- ,all1 all in light--,nay1 but he's gone again4 ,the three shrink together backwards across the stage to 7,r47 as 7,l47 enter ,,joseph and ,,mary1 very slowly4 ,she leans on him4 ,they come up to tree4 ,she sinks on to it1 in his arms1 and drops her head4 ,he stands behind1 holding her4 ,so the tableau remains4 ,behind the scenes the ,chorus sings1 as below4 ,during the singing1 ,,abel advances step by step1 almost imperceptibly1 with ,,martha behind and ,,zachary last4 ,,chorus4 ,a ,virgin unspotted1 the ,prophet foretold1#d ,should bring forth a ,saviour1 which now we behold1 ,to be our ,redeemer from death1 hell1 and sin1 ,which ,adam's transgression had wrappd us in4 ,chorus4 ,aye and therefore be merry2 set sorrow aside1 ,christ ,jesus our ,saviour was born on this tide4 #b4 ,at ,bethlehem city in ,jewry it was ,that ,joseph and ,mary together did pass1 ,all for to be taxed with many one more2 ,great ,csar commanded the same should be so4 ,chorus4 ,aye and therefore 444 #c4 ,there were they constrained in a stable to lie1 ,where horses and asses they used for to tie1 ,their lodging so simple they took it no scorn1 ,but against the next morning our ,saviour was born4 ,chorus4 ,aye and therefore 444 ,at this point ,,abel reaches ,,mary1 and kneels down before her on his knees1 looking1 on her right1 and ,,martha on her left1 ,,zachary in centre4 ,during the next verses1 ,,mary opens her eyes1 sees them1 then slowly stretches out her hands on to their heads2 each kisses her hand4 ,then both ,,mary',s hands on ,,zachary',s head4 ,he takes them both and kisses them4 ,all this very slowly during following verse4 ,,invisible ,,chorus4 ,then ,god sent an angel from heaven so high1 ,to certain poor shepherds in fields where they lie1 ,and bade them no longer in sorrow to stay1 ,because that our ,saviour was born on this day4 ,chorus4 ,aye and therefore 444 ,then ,,mary is slowly supported by ,,joseph on her right1 with her arm round his shoulders1 and1 on the left1 in the same way1 by ,,martha and ,,abel4 ,,zachary slowly gathers up bundles and sticks and lantern4 ,then presently after the shepherds did spy1 ,vast numbers of angels to stand in the sky2 ,they joyfully talked1 and sweetly did sing1 ,to ,god be all glory1 our heavenly ,king4 ,chorus4 ,aye and therefore 444 ,they begin to go out 7,r47 in the above order4 ,as they disappear 7,r471 enter 7,l47 two tall angels bearing swords in right hand and burning tapers in left1 and two small angels bearing tapers only4 ,these pairs slowly cross stage1 and as curtain comes down they are still passing1 and simultaneously the last chorus ends4 ,to teach us humility all this was done1 ,and learn we from thence haughty pride for to shun1 ,a manger ,his cradle1 who came from above1 ,the great ,god of mercy1 of peace1 and of love4 ,chorus4 ,aye and therefore 444 ,,curtain4 ,a quiet piece of music begins and continues until ,carol4 ,illustration ,illustration3 ,the three ,merchants rise in alarm-- ,,scene ,,ii ,before curtain rises1 invisible ,choir sings-- ,come let us all sweet carols sing1#e ,omni relicto tdio ,of ,mary1 ,mother of our ,king1 ,christoque ,jesu ,filio4 ,when she had borne that ,holy ,thing4 ,reponit in prsepio 7bis74 #b4 ,now ,gabriel sweeping from the sky1 ,missus a ,deo nuntius1 ,these tidings beareth from on high1 ,ltissimis pastoribus1 ,behold your ,god on earth doth lie1 ,invenietis protinus4 #d4 ,quickly away the shepherds flew1 ,clara ,gabrielis voce1 ,rejoicing as if filled anew1 ,bono ,bacchico liquore1 ,leaping and dancing nigh they drew1 ,simul in ,bethlehem ,jud4 #f4 ,they entered then the hallowed cave1 ,jesum hic adoraverunt1 ,the best of all they had they gave1 ,puerumque oraverunt1 ,pardon for that was lacking crave1 ,subitoque abierunt4 ,,curtain ,,rises ,,scene--,kitchen of inn4 ,in centre a fire3 pot over it4 ,white walls4 ,two doors ,r4 and ,l41 ,r4 into street1 ,l4 into inn4 ,a table ,r4 with three stools4 ,discovered ,,tobias1 stirring pot1 and ,,david busying himself with plates at the table4 ,after curtain is up1 ,,tobias leaves spoon in pot1 and comes forward4 ,during all this scene he is plainly uneasy and indecisive4 ,he relapses into silence1 then rouses himself to speak4 ,,tob4 ,and you have heard it1 ,david8 ,they speak softly4 ,,dav4 ,yes1 all day1 ,good master1 have ,i heard them4 ,,tob4 8,them10 you say8 ,why1 who are they8 ,he looks steadily at ,,dav41 with folded arms4 ,,dav4 ,i know not1 but the sound ,was that of singing in the air1 and round ,he makes gesture4 ,about2 and steps1 and wings2 and everywhere ,i heard them plainly4 ,,tob4 ,was it from the air ,you heard it8 ,,dav4 ,aye1 sir4 ,,tob4 ,nothing have you seen8 ,,dav4 ,no1 sir4 ,a silence4 ,,tob4 ,now1 ,david1 what doth all this mean8444 ,i1 too1 have heard4444 ,say not a word of this ,to any man4444 ,for these are mysteries4 ,clamour of voices and stamping4 ,,tob4 leaps back to pot and begins stirring again4 ,,dav4 turns to plates1 c4 ,,tob4 ,now1 boy1 make haste4444 ,hark to the guests below4 ,shouts4 ,coming1 sirs1 coming4444 ,yes1 boy1 take and go4 ,exit ,,dav4 7,l47 with plates and bread4 ,i'll bring this presently4 ,god bless us6 ,why ,murmur without4 ,i never heard such tumult4 ,no1 not ,i ,in all my days4 ,knocking heard on door 7,r474 ,yes1 yes1 come in1 come in4 ,enter 7,r47 ,,three ,,merchants4 ,,eliph4 ,well1 my good host1 and have you room within8 ,,tob4 ,what8 ,more of them8 ,who are you1 gentlemen8 ,,eliph4 ,why1 we are merchants three1 come back again ,to ,bethlehem1 as all the world doth know1 ,for our enrolment4 ,through the frost and snow ,we've trudged full many a mile4 ,and have you space ,for three good gentlemen8 ,he sits down heavily4 ,,tob4 ,why1 all the place ,is full from roof to garret4 ,tumult breaks out again4 ,hark to them6 ,why1 all mankind seems come to ,bethlehem6 ,,nad4 ,well1 well6 ,have you no beds8 ,,tob4 ,not one to spare1 ,nor bite nor sup1 ,i think4 ,he makes despairing gesture4 ,,uzz4 7pointing to pot74 ,what have you there8 ,enter ,,dav4 7,l474 ,,tob4 ,no1 no1 good sir6 ,first come first served1 ,i say4 ,to ,,dav4 ,here1 lad1 make haste4 ,come6 bear the pot away4 ,,dav4 takes it and exit 7,l474 ,,eliph4 ,why1 but you cannot turn us out6 ',tis night ,and freezing cold4 ,we must have food and light ,and roof above us4 ,,nad4 ,let us have the floor ,here in this kitchen1 if you have no more4 ,,tob4 ,well1 gentlemen1 ,i tell you1 as ,i live1 ,i have no better and no more to give4 ,,eliph4 ,well1 we must make a shift to rest and dine4 ,a loaf of bread you have1 at least1 and wine1 ,and skins1 ,i'll warrant you1 to keep the cold ,from killing us4 ,the sheep within the fold ,seemed well-nigh frozen as we passed them by4 ,,tob4 ,well1 gentlemen1 if you can shift1 then ,i ,will do my best to please you4 ,sit you down4 ,,nad4 and ,,uzz4 sit2 unloose wrappings4 ,enter ,,dav4 7,l474 ,well1 are they served there8 ,,dav4 ,yes1 sir4 ,he stands waiting4 ,,tob4 ,all the town ,is full4 ,i never saw the like before6 ,to ,,dav4 ,here1 lad6 make haste6 ,go1 fetch a bottle more1 ,and bread and meat4 ,these gentlemen must dine4 ,exit ,,dav4 7,l474 7,to ,,three47 ,i promise you1 a cup of our good wine ,will set you up1 sirs4 ,he sets out plates and cups4 ,,eliph4 ,ah6 ,i warrant you ,we'll do good justice to a cup or two4 ,they range themselves4 ,enter ,,dav4 with bottle1 mugs1 bread1 and meat1 and exit again 7,l474 ,they begin to eat and drink4 ,landlord stands with arms akimbo by fire1 watching4 ,now and again he comes to table1 helps them to wine1 c41 and goes back1 as conversation continues4 ,,tob4 ,and was all quiet as you came8 ,he looks at them curiously4 ,,nad4 ,why1 yes4 ,all was as still as death--a wilderness ,of snow and frost4 ,,tob4 ,and did you see no man8 ,very earnestly1 leaning on table4 ,,nad4 ,why1 yes1 a few4 ,just as the road began ,to come to ,rachel's tomb we passed a maid ,and old man1 and her arm in his was laid2 ,he pauses to eat during this speech4 ,he is very cool and self-contained4 ,and they were walking--walking wondrous slow3 ,he makes a little gesture4 ,the maid seemed wearied4444 ,and an hour ago ,two children2 and then afterwards again ,some old fool of a shepherd-man2 and then ,none further1 till we reached the market-square4 ,,tob4 ,ah6 yes4 ,a mighty company was there ,of neighbours1 come to see the folk arrive ,from all the country4 ,he begins to walk about uneasily1 pensively4 ,there is a long silence4 ,the three eat4 ,then he suddenly comes back4 ,as ,i am alive1 ,i could have sworn that more were there than men4 ,,eliph4 ,what1 women8 ,,tob4 ,aye1 and more4 7,he looks darkly47 ,,eliph4 ,well1 children1 then8 ,,tob4 ,aye1 more than human-kind4 ,they stare at him1 dropping food4 ,once and again1 ,he looks at them earnestly1 making gestures4 ,speaking softly-- ,as ,i looked out upon the folks1 it seemed ,something was forward--somewhat--or ,i dreamed6-- ,of more than earthly business4 ,for the air ,seemed full of singing1 runnings to and fro1 ,then silences again--rushes of sound-- ,footsteps1 it seemed1 moved on the frozen ground1 ,as if some company1 to come and go ,was set1 all busy1 in the market-square4 ,,eliph4 7after pause74 ,bah6 ,you were dreaming1 man6 ,the air was keen1 ,and you were weary4444 ,there was nothing seen8 ,he seems a little disturbed4 ,,tob4 ,no2 for ,i asked my lad if aught were there ,that he could see---- ,,nad4 ,bah6 ,you and your market-square6 ,a dreamer6 ,like the old man on the hill ,who babbled of ,god's ,love and ,justice till ,i was all wearied--and ,messias' name1 ,who comes one day1 he said4 ,why1 but the same ,old tale is past and gone for you and me ,since old ,isaias babbled prophecy4 7,scornfully47 8,a ,virgin shall conceive10 he said6444 ,,choir softly sings a line or two-- 8,a ,virgin unspotted1 the ,prophet foretold1 ,should bring forth a ,saviour whom now we44440 ,,tob4 7starting74 ,what is that sound8 ,do you hear nothing8 ,they stare4 ,clamour breaks out in room 7,l471 and music stops4 ,gone again1 and drowned6 ,but you heard nothing8 ,enter ,,david 7,l47 running1 excited4 ,he stops dead4 ,,eliph4 7after pause74 ,why1 the man is mad6 ,singing and footsteps6 ,what next8 ,here1 you lad1 ,did you hear aught now8 ,,dav4 7frightened74 ,sir1 what did you say8 ,,eliph4 7banging table impatiently74 ,did you hear aught just now8 ,from far away ,a sound of singing8 ,,dav4 ,why1 sir1 yes--all day-- ,and now again6 ,silence4 ,they eye one another uneasily4 ,,nad4 7to ,,tob474 ,bah6 ,here1 a cup of wine ,will clear your hearing4 ,i dare wager mine ',s as good as yours4 ,some drunken fellow there ,is noisy in his cups4 ,holds out cup of wine to ,,tob41 who takes it hesitatingly4 ,,tob4 7after pause74 ,well1 sir1 ,i swear ,i never heard nor drunk nor sober sing ,as fair as this ,i heard4 7,drinks47 ,,eliph4 7easily74 ,why1 anything ,may maze a man on such a night1 when snow ,and cold conspire to starve the senses4 ,go ,and see your other guests4 ,perhaps4444 ,maybe ,you'll find them singing4 ,,tob4 begins to go out 7,l47 slowly4 ,aye1 come back to me1 ,exit ,,tob4 7,l47 with ,,dav4 whispering to him4 ,and we three'll join them4 7,to other two47 ,did you ever hear ,such madness8 ,,uzz4 ,bah6 ,why1 all the world is mad ,save such as you and ,i4 ,as for that lad1 ,i swear he spoke so just to please the man4 ,,nad4 ,but to come back to where we first began-- ,air of 8,a ,virgin0 sung by ,,choir with closed lips2 it continues very faintly down to where ,,eliph4 opens the door4 ,what think you of ,messias and that tale ,the prophets tell8 ,,eliph4 ,well1 may not prophets fail ,as much as any man8 ,i hold such men ,no better than this dreamer back again4 ,once1 as a child1 ,i thought it otherwise1 ,and deemed that all was holy1 and the skies ,crowded with angels1 and the earth ,i trod ,all holy as the dwelling-place of ,god4 ,and now6 ,why1 ,i know better4444 7,drinks47 ,,nad4 ,as for me1 ,i'm with you4 7,drinks47 ,,uzz4 ,so am ,i4 ,the ,sadducee ,seems wisest of the lot4 ,they pledge one another4 ,knocking heard 7,r474 ,why1 who comes here8 ,he pauses4 ,then he goes to door 7,r47 impatiently1 and opens it4 ,a burst of music4 ,silence4 ,he seems to listen4 ,no1 no6 ,no room6 ,nor here1 nor anywhere6444 ,listens4 ,i tell you1 ,no6 ,there's not a bed to spare4 ,listens4 ,,nad4 ,who's that8 7,,uzz4 begins to stare towards door1 listening47 ,,eliph4 7after pause74 ,the landlord's out4444 ,what's that8444 ,why1 then ,you'd best find shelter as you may4 ,closes door2 comes back4 ,as he comes to seat1 knocking4 ,again6 ,rises angrily2 goes to door1 flings open4 ,after pause-- ,that's no affair of mine6 ,i tell you1 ,go4 ,and find room where you may4 ,above1 below1 ,the place is packed4 ,be off6 ,be off1 ,i say6 ,half-closes door1 listening4 ,no2 not for such as you4 ,the host's away1 ,up in ,jerusalem4 ,i'm master here2 ,that's my last word4 ,bangs door2 comes to seat4 ,knocking4 ,he rises furiously4 ,here's impudence1 ,i swear6 ,opens door once more4 ,i'll set the dogs upon you4444 ,i don't care4444 ,pause4 ,yes1 to the stable then1 with ox and ass4 ,bangs door2 returns growling2 sits4 ,,nad4 ,who were the knaves8 ,,eliph4 ,that old man and the lass ,we saw up yonder4 ,,uzz4 7who has been listening intently74 ,was there no one more8 ,i could have sworn ,i heard them at the door-- ,a multitude of footsteps4 ,,eliph4 7hands trembling1 head jerking74 ,bah6 what stuff6 ,the two were there4 ,no more6 ,and quite enough4 ,he drinks4 ,the two stare4 ,,nad4 ,what ails you1 friend8 ,,eliph4 7furiously74 ,ails me6 ,why-- ,enter ,,tob4 and ,,dav4 hurriedly 7,l474 ,,tob4 ,who came then8 ,i swear ,i heard the music once again4 ,and knocking4 ,was there no one at the door8 ,he hurries across to ,r41 but stops irresolute4 ,,eliph4 ,music8 ,what foolery is this8 ,,nad4 7coolly74 ,before ,you came just now1 two folks were here1 but now ,gone otherwhere to seek for shelter4 ,,tob4 ,how8 ,he hastens to door 7,r471 followed by ,,dav4 ,gone otherwhere6 ,why1 there's no room to find ,in all the place4 ,opens door2 looks out4 ,very faint music1 8,a ,virgin unspotted 44420 it continues down to end of scene4 ,it surely were unkind ,to turn a dog away on such a night4 7,turns from door47 ,where are they gone8 ,here1 ,david1 bring a light4 ,,dav4 does so4 ,he looks4 ,,nad4 ,nay1 they are gone4 ,here1 drink a cup with me4 ,,dav4 7crying out1 pointing74 ,oh6 master1 look6 ,,tob4 7looking eagerly74 ,eh8 eh8 ,what is't you see8 ,,dav4 ,there master1 there6 ,the ,,three ,,merchants rise in alarm and stand ,l41 staring ,r4 ,,eliph4 ,what is it8 ,speak1 ,i say4 ,,tob4 7staring out74 ,no4 ,i see nothing6 ,,dav4 ,there1 across the way6 ,all1 all in light they move1 a countless host4 ,he falls on knee4 ,,eliph4 ,bah6 bah6 ,what foolery6 ,he sees a ghost4 ,shrinks in fear and anger4 ,,tob4 7quietly74 ,my lad1 ,i can see nothing4444 ,that's the byre ,where lie the cattle4 ,,dav4 7suddenly crying out and pointing74 ,see6 all1 all afire ,with glory6 ,,eliph4 7in terror1 as are others74 ,here1 man6 ,shut the door6 ,they continue there4 ,well1 if you will not1 ,i will4 ,sidles along wall2 shuts door angrily4 ,one fool more ,or less in such a household matters not4 ,,nad4 7recovering74 ,why1 landlord6 your old wits are clean forgot ,and wildered4 ,,uzz4 ,drink a cup of wine with me6 ,there's no cure for such madness but good company4 ,slowly ,,tob4 comes across to table1 still listening4 ,,dav4 slips out ,r4 ,,eliph4 follows ,,tob4 ,all fill cups1 ,,tob4 still listening4 ,music swells up2 dies again4 ,,tob41 after pause1 touches his cup with the others4 ,they all drink4 ,,curtain4 ,pastoral symphony begins at once1 and continues until the ,carol4 ,illustration ,illustration3 ,angel4--,gloria in ,excelsis ,deo4-- ,,scene ,,iii ,before curtain rises1 invisible choir sings4 ,the first ,nowell the angel did say1#f ,was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay2 ,in fields where they lay keeping their sheep1 ,on a cold winter's night that was so deep4 ,chorus4 ,nowell1 ,nowell1 ,nowell1 ,nowell1 ,born is the ,king of ,israel4 #b4 ,they looked up and saw a ,star ,shining in the ,east1 beyond them far2 ,and to the earth it gave great light1 ,and so it continued both day and night4 ,chorus4 ,nowell 444 #c4 7#d47 ,this ,star drew nigh to the ,north-,west1 ,o'er ,bethlehem it took its rest2 ,and there it did both stop and stay1 ,right over the place where ,jesus lay4 ,chorus4 ,nowell 444 #d4 7#f47 ,then let us all with one accord ,sing praises to our heavenly ,lord1 ,that hath made ,heaven and earth of nought1 ,and with ,his ,blood mankind hath bought4 ,chorus4 ,nowell 444 ,,scene--,hills outside ,bethlehem4 ,lights very low4 ,starlit sky2 rocks on either side2 snow on ground1 except round fire and shelter4 ,r4 ,a shelter of hurdles1 open side facing audience1 with a stool within it4 ,a fire burning2 heaps of skins round it4 ,,ezra discovered ,l41 looking out under his hand ,l42 so he continues a while4 ,enter ,r41from behind shelter1 ,,ben-,,ezra with lamb4 ,,ben4 ,well1 father1 do you see him8 ,,ez4 7slowly1 with pauses74 ,no1 not ,i6 7,still looking47 ,nought to be seen but snow and starry sky1 ,and that great star that hangs above the town4 ,he makes a gesture ,l4 ,,ben4 ,here is a lamb1 new-born4 7,he shows it47 ,,ez4 7without turning74 ,well1 lay it down4 ,,ben4 goes to shelter4 ,an ill night to be born in6 ,frost and snow1 ,cold heaven above1 and colder earth below4 ,i marvel any tender creature should be born ,on such a night4 ,,ben4 ,i found it all forlorn1 ,crying beside its mother4 ,,ez4 ,lay it by ,,ben-,,ezra lays it by fire1 wrapped up4 ,and warm it4 ,he suddenly takes step or two to ,l41 relieved4 ,here comes ,uncle ,zachary6 ,enter ,,zach4 slowly1 on stick4 ,all through this scene he speaks rather monotonously1 as if bewildered4 ,why1 uncle1 we had given you up for dead6 ,leads him towards shelter4 ,now1 ,god be praised who brought you safe4 ,,zach4 ,i said ,the same an hour ago4 7,he comes towards fire47 ,,ez4 ,well1 what's the tale ,at ,bethlehem8 ,,zach4 7slowly74 ,nay1 my old ears do fail2 ,for1 seems to me1 the town was full of song ,and lights and music as ,i came along4 ,,ben4 ,singing and music6 ,why1 good uncle1 sure ,they all rejoice to-night1 both rich and poor1 ,to see old friends again4 ,no doubt they sing4 ,we1 too1 have heard it4 ,is that anything ,so strange8 ,,zach4 ,nay1 nay4444 ,well1 give to me to eat ,and drink a bit4 7,he goes on into shelter47 ,,ez4 ,here1 uncle1 take your seat ,beside the fire1 and tell us of the way ,you've come along4 ,we've heard no news to-day4 ,,zach4 sits down1 begins to eat4 ,he talks slowly1 with long pauses4 ,,ezra sits by 7,l47 edge of shelter1 cross-legged4 ,he warms his hands at the fire4 ,while he talks and listens ,,ben-,,ezra keeps walking gently up and down 7,l471 now and then pausing to listen or speak4 ,,zach4 ,first1 then1 near ,rachel's tomb1 ,i saw three men2 ,and then two children succoured me2 and then---- ,,ben4 ,succoured you1 uncle8 ,why1 what need was there8 ,,zach4 ,my son1 sore need there was2 for all the air ,turned black and white about me1 when those three ,left me alone and would not succour me ,there as ,i swooned4 ,,ez4 ,swooned1 uncle6 ,,zach4 ,yes1 my son1 ,there in the snow1 ere the descent began ,to fall to ,bethlehem4 ,and there ,i lay1 ,all frozen1 till the children came my way4 ,,ez4 ,and they did succour you8 ,god bless them1 then4 ,,zach4 ,god bless all children1 as ,i say4 ,for men ,music1 8,nowell10 soft4 ,it continues for a line or two4 ,are cruel hard4444 ,i think that if came ,he-- ,whose coming is most sure by prophecy-- ',tis as a child ,he'll come4 ,,ben4 ,whom mean you8 ,,zach4 ,why1 ,i mean ,messias4444 ,hark1 is that the sky ,that's singing8 7,silent pause2 music ends47 ,,ez4 ,nay1 ,i hear no sound at all4 ,what mean you1 uncle8444 ,sit you by the wall1 ,,zach4 has finished eating4 ,and cover you from cold4 ,for sure the snow ,,zach4 shifts position4 ',s enough to freeze a body4444 ,well1 and so ,you came all safe to ,bethlehem with those ,that succoured you so kindly4 ,,zach4 ,aye1 ,god knows ,they succoured me6 ,,ez4 ,and1 as you came below1 ,was there no more you met8 ,,zach4 turns and looks at him fixedly4 ,why look you so1 ,uncle8 ,why look so strangely8 ,,zach4 ,ezra4 ,,ez4 ,well8 ,what was it that you saw8 ,,zach4 7shaking head slowly74 ,no man could tell ,all that ,i saw4 ,,ez4 7eagerly74 ,nay1 nay1 what was it8 ,,zach4 ,nay1 ',twas but a man and maid upon the way4 ,music of 8,nowell0 begins2 it continues down to end of ,,zachary',s next speech4 ,no more than that4 ,but 444 ,ezra1 444 such a man ,and such a maid as1 since my days began1 ,i never yet have seen4 ,,ben4 ,what6 fair to see ,were they8 ,,zach4 7very slowly1 low voice74 ,ben-,ezra1 in old prophecy ,i read of one1 the ,mother undefiled4444 8,a ,virgin shall conceive and bear a child4444 ,he pauses now and then1 as if to remember4 ,for unto us10 ,isaias sang1 8a ,son ,is given40 ,and then ,i read ,king ,solomon ,speaks of a maiden1 fairest of her race1 ,among the vineyards1 young1 and full of grace4444 ,a fountain sealed and holy4444 ,well1 my son1 ,she whom ,i saw to-day was such an one4 7,music ends47 ,,ez4 ,uncle6 you jest6 ,,zach4 ,i jest not4 ,,ben4 ,and the man ,that went with her8 ,,zach4 ,son1 when ,i first began ,to see the couple coming up the height1 ,i had no eyes for him2 for all the night ,he makes slow1 sweeping gesture4 ,seemed full of glory from her face who came ,so wearily4 ,,ez4 ,who were they8 ,what her name8 ,,zach4 7softly74 ,her name is ,mary2 for he told me so4 ,and his is ,joseph4 ,discovers bundle by fire2 he examines it in silence4 ,what is this below ,the mantle8 ,,ben4 ,nay1 'tis but a lamb4 ,,zach4 ,you say ,a lamb8 ,and born to-night8 ,here far away ,down in the snowy world8 ,he strokes its head tenderly4 ,,ben4 ,why1 surely so1 ',twas born but hardly half-an-hour ago6 ,,zach4 ,and is it without blemish--fit to die ,he speaks impressively4 ,at ,god's own altar8 ,,ez4 7impatiently74 ,yes1 yes1 yes1 but why ,ask you me that8 ,nay1 tell us of the maid ,and man you saw to-day4 ,the lamb is laid ,content enough4 ,,zach4 ,content without its dam8 ,,ben4 ,why1 surely so6444 ,now1 uncle1 leave the lamb ,and tell us what you saw4 ,,zach4 ,i saw but those ,i spoke of4 ,maid and man4 ,,ben4 ,but then1 who knows ,the place they come from1 or the place they lie ,to-night8 ,,zach4 7indignantly74 ,nay1 none doth know but ,god and ,i1 ,and all the hosts of heaven1 and beasts1 maybe1 ,that give them shelter6 ,,ez4 ,why6 what mystery ,you make of nothing1 uncle6 ,,zach4 7still smouldering74 ,aye4 ,or 'tis ,that you make nothing of great mysteries4 ,,ben4 ,why1 uncle---- ,,zach4 7emphatically74 ,nay1 my son1 ,i tell you this3 ,that when ,i saw the wondrous maiden fair1 ,i knelt me down2 and lo6 she blessed me there6 ,he spreads out his hands4 ,,ez4 ,you1 uncle6 ,blessed by her6 ,,zach4 ,aye1 aye2 'twas so4 ,i think one day that many here below ,will envy me for that6 ,her hands she laid ,upon my head1 and spoke no words1 that maid4 ,,ez4 ,why1 this is folly4 ,,zach4 7indignantly74 ,aye1 ,god's foolishness1 ,wiser than all men's wisdom4 ,his tone changes to despondency4 ,yes1 yes1 yes6 ',tis nought but foolishness4444 ,and so we came ,to ,bethlehem4 ,,ben4 7pensively74 ,and ,mary was her name8 ,,zach4 7slowly74 ,aye4 ,joseph and ,mary2 ,joseph and ,mary4 ,,ben4 ,well1 ,uncle1 and is that all you have to tell8 ,,zach4 ,aye1 that is all--save that all ,bethlehem ,seemed full of glory1 all to welcome them4 ,,ben4 ,why1 were the folks without to meet them8 ,,zach4 7excitedly74 ,nay2 ,the folks were snug within4 ,and yet ,i say ',twas full of glory4 ,,ez4 7makes soothing gesture74 ,uncle1 rest awhile2 ,you're wearied4 ,well ,i see that4 ,mile on mile ,you've trudged to-day4 ,,ben-,,ezra crosses front to 7,r47 by edge of shelter4 ,,zach4 ,aye1 lad1 and more than space ,i've travelled since ,i looked on ,mary's face4 ,,ben4 ,nay1 uncle2 rest awhile4 ,we'll talk1 maybe1 ,of lighter things4444 ,,zach4 7ironically74 ,of wine and company1 ,and wherewithal we shall be clothed--aye1 speak ,of all such matters as the ,gentiles seek4 ,,ben4 ,nay1 we will talk of sheep1 and lambs1 and snow2 ,and such things as ,god sends us here below4 ,,zach4 ,aye1 then1 of ,lambs4444 ,such as was born to-night4 ,he strokes bundle4 ,,ez4 ,why1 very well1 if't please you4 ,,zach4 ,such a sight ,might teach the simplest6444 ,have you heard1 my son1 ,how that the ancient prophets speak of one ,who as a lamb is silent1 as a sheep ,before his shearers all his peace doth keep8 ,,ez4 7soothingly74 ,why1 uncle1 you're all 'mazed to-night1 it seems4 ,,zach4 ,aye1 so they told me4 ,dreams1 they told me1 dreams6 ,,ben4 7cheerfully74 ,well1 as for sleep1 ,i'm ready4 ,what say you8 ,he stretches and yawns4 ,at this point ,angels begin to come in softly one by one behind2 take places4 ,music also--8,nowell0--begins very softly and continues when ,angel speaks4 ,,ez4 ,uncle1 you're weary4 ,shall we sleep8 ,,zach4 ,aye1 do2 ,sleep you1 and ,i'll keep watch4 ,the wolf1 maybe1 ,will visit us by dawn4--,slowly to left4--,or if not he1 ,perchance another ,lamb4 ,,ben4 7sitting down 7,r4774 ,nay1 nay1 not so2 ,it is for us to watch4 ,,zach4 ,i tell you no4 ,lest when ,he come1 ,he find me sleeping4 ,sleep1 ,ben-,ezra2 'tis for me the watch to keep4 ,the two settle themselves for sleep4 ,,zachary remains bolt-upright facing audience1 seated4 ,music continues--a little louder4 ,he starts1 then rises softly4 ,comes out1 and sees the angels1 and stands aghast4 ,suddenly lights turned up to the full4 ,angels all stretch arms up and out4 ,,zachary falls on his knees4 ,the two others awaken2 rush out4 ,then1 to the ordinary plainsong melody of mass-- ,,angel4 ,gloria in ,excelsis ,deo4 ,,chorus 7in simple harmony74 ,et in terra pax1 hominibus bon voluntatis4 ,,curtain4 ,immediately after curtain1 a piece of music begins and continues till carol4 ,illustration ,illustration3 ,lullay1 ,thou little tiny ,child4-- ,,scene ,,iv ,before curtain rises1 invisible ,chorus sings4#g ,like silver lamps in a distant shrine ,the stars are sparkling bright1 ,the bells of the ,city of ,god ring out1 ,for the ,son of ,mary was born to-night4 ,the gloom is past1 and the morn at last ,is coming with orient light4 ,curtain rises4 ,,scene--,interior of stable4 ,back1 centre 7,l471 a manger1 with lamp burning in it above4 ,,joseph and ,,mary kneeling before it motionless4 ,rest of stage dark4 ,,mary kneels rather in foreground4 ,the ,,child is just visible4 ,two angels stand throughout at the head and foot of the manger4 ,if possible1 one plays a violin1 the other a zither4 #c4 ,now a new ,power has come on the earth1 ,a match for the armies of hell1 ,a ,child is born who shall conquer the foe1 ,and all the spirits of wickedness quell4 ,for ,mary's ,son is the ,mighty ,one ,whom the prophets of ,god foretell4 #d47e47 ,faith sees no longer the stable floor1 ,the pavement of sapphire is there2 ,the clear light of ,heaven streams out to the world1 ,and angels of ,god are crowding the air4 ,heaven and ,earth through the spotless ,birth ,are at peace on this night so fair4 ,,mary slightly changes her position4 ,,joseph lays censer down4 ,music modulates into ,coventry ,carol4 ,lullay1 ,thou little tiny ,child1#h ,by-by1 lull-y1 lull-lay1 ,lullay1 ,thou little tiny ,child1 ,by-by1 lully1 lullay4 #b4 ,o sisters too1 how may we do ,for to preserve this day1 ,this poor youngling for whom we sing ,by-by1 lully1 lullay4444 ,enter softly ,,martha and ,,abel1 hand in hand4 ,,abel is holding a toy-horse4 ,they stand motionless1 staring4 ,standing front 7,l474 ,they look the whole time at the crib4 #c4 7#d47 ,then woe is me1 poor ,child for ,thee ,and ever mourn and say ,for thy parting1 nor say nor sing ,by-by1 lully1 lullay4 ,,martha4 ,tread softly-- ,they advance a step or two4 ,,abel4 ,oh6 but1 ,martha1 is that ,he1 ,the ,king you told me of8 ,,mar4 ,hush1 wait and see4 ,i think so4444 ,speak to her4 ,,abel4 ,what shall ,i say8 ,,mar4 ,why1 hail her by her name4 ,i think you may4 ,,abel4 ,what is her name8 ,,mar4 ,oh1 ,mary is her name4 ,and that old man is ,joseph4 ,,abel4 ,and the same ,we saw just now8 ,,mar4 ,hush4444 ,yes4444 ,look on her face4444 ,they come a step nearer crib4 ,now speak aloud4444 ,,abel4 ,hail6 ,mary1 full of grace6 ,the ,lord is with thee4 ,blessed art thou above ,all women4--,martha1 ,martha1 may ,i move ,a little nearer8 ,,mar4 ,yes4 ,they move a step nearer4 ,,abel4 ,and blest thy ,son ,whose name is--,sister1 now ,i have begun ,i know not how to end4 ,,mar4 ,call ,him the best ,of all the names you know4 ,,abel4 ,why all the rest ,are not so good as ,jesus2 for that is ,the word for ,saviour4 ,will that do for ,his8 ,,mar4 ,yes1 call him ,jesus4 ,,abel4 ,blest is this thy ,child ,whose name is ,jesus4 ,hail1 ,o ,mary mild6 ,,mary turns very slowly1 smiling2 makes the sign of the ,cross1 and turns again to adore4 ,,abel4 ,oh6 ,martha1 did you see the sign she made8 ,angels begin to come in and group themselves4 ,they carry the ,instruments of the ,passion in humeral veils4 ,they form group down stage 7,l474 ,what did that mean8 ,,mar4 ,i know not4 ,,abel4 ,see ,him laid ,so little1 in the manger for ,his bed4 ,oh6 ,is ,he truly ,king of kings8 ,you said ,you thought he was6 ,,mar4 ,why1 yes1 ,i think so4 ,see ,the ,angels all about ,his ,majesty4 ,angels remain motionless1 turned towards manger4 ,during the following carol the children go across1 step by step1 nearer and nearer3 they kneel down by ,,mary4 ,,abel offers his horse4 ,,mary takes it1 and makes him put it by ,,child in ,manger4 ,,mary leans over manger and puts arms round ,,child4 ,,angels4 ,when ,i view the ,mother holding#i ,in her arms the heavenly boy1 ,thousand blissful thoughts unfolding ,melt my heart with sweetest joy4 ,with her babe the hours beguiling1 ,mary's soul in transport lives4 ,god her ,son upon her smiling1 ,thousand kisses fondly gives4 ,as the sun his radiance flinging ,shines upon the bright expanse1 ,so the ,child to ,mary clinging ,doth her gentle heart entrance4 ,see the ,virgin ,mother bearing ,enter ,,shepherds1 followed by ,,dav4 ,these fall on their knees1 ,,zach4 and ,,dav4 together2 and remain till end of singing4 ,,zach4 is nearest audience1 then ,,dav41 then ,,ezra1 then ,,ben-,,ezra4 ,jesus by her arms embraced1 ,dew on softest roses gleaming1 ,violet with lily chaste4 ,each round other fondly twining1 ,pours the shafts of mutual love1 ,thick as flowers in meadow shining1 ,countless as the stars above4 ,oh6 may one such arrow glowing1 ,sweetest ,child which ,thou dost dart ,through ,thy mother's bosom going1 ,blessed ,jesus1 pierce my heart4444 ,music continues softly until ,,mary rises4 ,if possible1 the music should be played on the violin only1 which the ,,angel holds4 ,the air is that of the preceding ,carol4 ,,zach4 7stretching out his arms74 ,did ,i not tell you so8 ,oh6 see ,him lie6 ,dimittis nunc in pace1 ,domine ,me servum tuum4 ,,uzz4 7pointing74 ,see the angels great ,about the manger where ,he lies in state4 ,secundum verbum tuum1 oculi ,mei viderunt1 quod prparasti ,hoc tuum salutare4 ,,ben4 7pointing74 ,see the maid ,and mother undefiled1 where ,he is laid1 ,to worship ,him4 ,ostende hunc fructum ,ventris tui post hoc exsilium6 ,,joseph rises4 ,then ,,mary lifts the ,,child1 all others fall on their knees2 and all the ,,angels4 ,all remain absolutely still4 ,then1 if this ,scene is the last1 she brings the ,,child to the front of the stage4 ,music stops4 ,she lifts the ,,child as high as she can4 ,,mary4 ,magnificat anima mea ,dominum4 ,with the ,,child she makes the sign of the ,cross over the audience4 ,,curtain4 ,illustration ,illustration3 ,mary--,magnificat anima mea ,dominum-- ,illustration3 ,adeste ,fideles3-- ,,scene ,v ,the ,epiphany4 ,handel's 8,largo0 is played before curtain rises4 ,if this ,scene is acted1 in previous ,scene ,,joseph does not cense the manger2 and ,,mary does not come to front with ,,child4 ,she only lifts ,,child1 says the words set down4 ,after which ,curtain descends4 ,before ,curtain rises the first verse of the following carol is sung4 ,i4 ,we three ,kings of ,orient are2#aj ,bearing gifts we traverse afar ,field and fountain1 moor and mountain1 ,following yonder star4 ,chorus4 ,o star of wonder1 star of night1 ,star with royal beauty bright1 ,westward leading1 still proceeding1 ,guide us to ,thy perfect light4 ,curtain rises again on same scene as before4 ,but the ,manger is not there4 ,in centre back of stage stands a dais1 and upon it a tall chair1 bare2 two unlighted candles stand upon dais4 ,discovered1 ,,martha and ,,abel1 seated upon dais4 ,,abel has book in his hands1 reading4 ,,martha is sewing a child's dress4 ,lights are high4 ,a silence follows close of carol4 ,,ii4 ,,melch4 ,born a ,king1 on ,bethlehem's plain1 ,gold ,i bring to crown ,him again1 ,king for ever1 ceasing never1 ,over us all to reign4 ,chorus4 ,o star of wonder1 c4 ,,iii4 ,,gasp4 ,frankincense to offer have ,i1 ,incense owns a ,deity nigh4 ,prayer and praising1 all men raising1 ,worship ,him1 ,god most ,high4 ,chorus4 ,o star of wonder1 c4 ,,iv4 ,,balth4 ,myrrh is mine1 its bitter perfume ,breathes a life of gathering gloom2 ,sorrowing1 sighing1 bleeding1 dying1 ,sealed in the stone-cold tomb4 ,chorus4 ,o star of wonder1 c4 ,v4 ,glorious now behold ,him arise1 ,king and ,god and sacrifice1 ,alleluia1 ,alleluia2 ,earth to the heavens replies4 ,chorus4 ,o star of wonder1 c4 ,,mar4 7looking up74 ,read it again4 7,she listens47 ,,abel 7reading74 8,lo6 ,gentiles in ,thy ,light ,shall walk2 and kings1 all in the splendour bright ,of this ,thy rising4 ,lift ,thine eyes and see6 ,lo6 they are gathered2 lo6 they come to ,thee6 ,behold1 ,thy sons and daughters come from far0 7pause74 ,and then again 444 8,from ,madian and ,epha1 ,from ,saba too they come 444 a company ,of kings on camels--all shall come to ,thee4 ,and myrrh and gold and incense bring with them ,to show ,god's glory in ,jerusalem40 ,he looks up4 ,,mar4 7meditatively1 sewing74 ,why1 'tis most strange--this ancient prophecy6 ,surely it stands as plain as plain can be6 ,and yet no kings or camels6 ,,abel 7clasping his knees74 ,martha1 dear1 ,how ,i should love to see them6 ,,mar4 ,have no fear4 ',twill come to pass1 if ,god hath spoken so4444 ,where is our ,lady8 ,she stands up and comes to front 7,r474 ,,abel 7putting book down74 ,oh6 an hour ago ,she went with ,jesus in her arms1 to see ,the sheepfolds4 ,joseph and old ,zachary ,went with her4 ,,mar4 7walking meditatively74 ,twelve full days have gone and past1 ,and yet no kings or camels4 ,,abel 7clasping his knees74 ,why1 how fast ',tis gone4444 ,why1 heaven itself is not more sweet-- ,to look on ,jesus6--kiss ,his hands and feet ,and kneel before our ,lady6 ,,mar4 ,silly boy6 ,why1 this is heaven6444 for all is peace and joy ,where ,jesus is4 ,why now-- ,enter ,,dav41 running 7,r474 ,,dav4 ,they's coming in4 ,violin begins1 off1 8,adeste ,fideles40 ,quick1 ,martha1 quick--the lights6 ,signs to music4 ,now then1 begin4 ,organ takes up ,adeste 444 with violin4 ,,abel springs up at ,,david',s entrance2 runs to side1 gets tapers and lights two candles that stand beside chair4 ,he takes one1 ,,dav4 takes other4 ,,mar4 picks up basket of flowers4 ,all three go to entrance 7,r47 and wait1 facing audience1 looking out4 ,enter 7,r47 two ,,angels1 playing violin and zither2 then ,,angels bearing instruments of the ,passion2 then ,,zach4 with spear2 then two ,,shepherds with spears2 then1 after slight pause1 ,,mary1 cloaked1 carrying ,,child2 then ,,joseph1 and two more ,,angels with swords4 ,,mar4 slips in behind two ,,shepherds1 and walks backwards1 strewing flowers1 ,,abel and ,,dav4 place themselves on either side of ,,mary with candles and walk with her4 ,the procession takes curve to front and comes up to chair4 ,,mary stands at chair1 slips off cloak into ,,joseph',s hands1 and sits4 ,candles placed by her4 ,,joseph stands behind 7,r471 ,,angels group themselves at back4 ,,shepherds pass to 7,l47 front4 ,,mar41 ,,abel1 and ,,dav4 seat themselves on dais2 ,,zach4 stands by dais 7,l472 ,,joseph behind chair 7,r474 ,,zach4 ,well1 children1 here we are--come back1 you see-- ,jesus and ,joseph both1 and ,queen ,mary1 ,to home in ,bethlehem4444 ,how have you sped ,meantime while we were gone8 ,,mar4 ,why1 ,abel read ,a little2 and ,i sewed a little4 ,,zach4 7lifting book74 ,what is this8 ,,mar4 ,why1 we were reading that--the prophecies ,of kings and camels1 ,uncle1 who1 they say ,shall come to worship ,jesus4444 ,where are they8 ,,zach4 ,nay1 child1 but ask our ,lady3 she knows best4 ,he signs to her4 ,,mar4 ,show it her1 ,abel4 ,,abel jumps up1 opens book1 steps on dais1 and points out passage1 first genuflecting4 ,,abel4 ,here6 and all the rest ,that follows 444 here 444 and here 444 here1 do you see8444 ,,zach4 comes and looks over book4 ,now will you tell us1 please1 your ,majesty8 ,,zach4 ,nay1 let me read it4 ,he takes book and comes 7,l47 front4 8,gentiles in thy light ,shall walk2 and kings1 all in the splendour bright ,of this thy rising4 ,lift ,thine eyes and see ,lo6 they are gathered 444 lo6 they come to ,thee4 ,behold ,thy sons and daughters come from far40 ,looks at ,,mary and back4 444 ,why1 that would mean that following the star ,they come from ,orient and from ,araby4444 ,and yet they come not 444 will your ,majesty4 ,breaks off as ,,mary turns and looks out 7,r474 ,distant jangled murmur4 444 ,why now1 what sound is that8 ,how loud it swells ,high on the wind6--,why1 sure6 'tis camel-bells4 ,,mary remains passive1 smiling4 ,all others look out eagerly 7,r474 ,sound comes nearer1 footsteps1 bells1 murmur of voices4 ,children spring up4 ,,angels continually look at ,,child4 ,,dav4 7excitedly1 pointing74 ,oh6 look6 the camels--see how slow they wind4 ,look6 look6 ,here are the kings6 and there behind ,the servants follow 444 ,see1 they're coming 444 ,see6444 ,now they are stopping6 ,oh6 ,i'm glad that we ,were here to see it6444 ,now they're kneeling down-- ,the camels1 at the door--and all the town ,is out to see them4 ,,abel 7pointing74 ,look6 they're taking out ,the bundles and the gold2 and all about ,the people crowding4444 ,why6 how grand they are6 ,,dav4 7pointing74 ,oh look6 look at that sceptre6444 ,grander far ,than ,herod's4 ,,abel 7pointing74 ,and the crowns6 ,why1 that's the gold ,isaias told us of4 ,,dav4 ,why1 look how old ,that first one is4 ,,abel4 7,a little frightened1 taking holding of ,,martha47 ,oh1 ,martha1 stand by me4 7,to ,,mary47 ,they're coming up the steps1 your ,majesty4 ,,mary makes gesture to ,,zach4 to go ,r4 ,,zach4 steps ,r4 ,knocking4 ,,zach4 ,yes1 sir2 and who are you8 ,,gaspar 7without74 ,he speaks slowly and gravely4 ,we come from far1 ,led by the shining of a splendid star4 ,our names are ,gaspar1 ,melchior1 ,balthasar4 ,,zach4 ,whom do ye seek8 ,,gasp4 ,we seek a new-born ,king1 ,to bring ,him gold1 and every precious thing ,that kings should have4 ,,zach4 ,and is that all8 ,,gasp4 ,nay1 nay2 ,we bring ,him myrrh2 for ,he shall die one day4 ,,zach4 ,what8 ,he shall die8444 ,he glances at ,mary4 ,and is that all8 ,,gasp4 ,why1 no1 ,it is not all2 for all men here below ,shall die4 ,but ,god our ,lord shall rise from thence1 ,and therefore do we bring ,him frankincense4 ,pause4 ,,zach4 7very slowly and impressively74 ,and is that all8 ,,gasp4 ,nay4 ,as is meet and right1 ,we bring our darkness to ,his ,heavenly ,light4 ,our ignorance to ,the ,wise2 our sicknesses ,to ,him for health2 our sins to ,his ,righteousness4 ,aye2 all our nature1 ringed about with ,hell ,and ,heathendom to ,him1 the ,king of ,israel4 ,,zach4 7making gesture of welcome74 ,come in1 then1 since ye know these mysteries2 ,for here ,he dwells1 and this ,his ,palace is4 ,he goes across again 7,l47 genuflecting4 ,children stand back1 staring4 ,enter1 slowly1 ,,gaspar1 ,,melchior1 and ,,balthasar1 followed by two servants with bundles1 c4 ,the three come down 7,r47 and stand facing towards ,,mary2 they bow profoundly4 ,,mary bows back4 ,,gasp4 7courteously74 ,that is our ,lady8 ,,zach4 ,yes4 ,,melch4 ,and that her ,son1 ,the ,king of ,kings8 ,,zach4 ,yes1 sir4 ,,melch4 7clasping his hands74 ,oh6 well begun ,was this our journey4 ,,balt4 ,and well ended too4 7,to ,,mary47 ,hail1 ,mary1 full of grace6 ,he bows to her again4 ,,melch4 ,the ,lord in truth ,is with her6 ,in her arms1 in very sooth6 ,,mary holds out ,,child4 ,,zach4 makes a sign to them4 ,they bow again profoundly as 8,adeste0 begins to be played1 then1 one by one1 they go up in order4 ,each genuflects before dais1 then1 kneeling on dais1 kiss the ,,child',s foot and ,,mary',s hand2 then each retires back to ,r4 front and kneels once more4 ,music ends4 ,,gaspar lifts two crowns from ,,servant',s tray1 and holds them out2 then sceptre4 ,,gasp4 ,here be two crowns of gold for ,him and ,thee2 ,and here a sceptre all of gems4 ,,melch4 7leaning forward with censer boat74 ,for me ,i bring sweet frankincense4 ,,balt4 7leaning forward with casket74 ,and ,i but myrrh ,to offer here4444 ,lord ,joseph1 give them her4 ,,joseph advances1 takes crowns1 genuflects1 places them on dais1 then the casket1 finally the censer1 into which he puts incense2 he kneels2 all kneel4 ,he censes throne with three double swings4 ,he stands1 genuflects1 and goes back4 ,,gaspar turns to tray1 lifts a cope1 still kneeling4 ,,melchior takes a little silk robe4 ,,gasp4 ,will not my ,lady take a gift or two ,of silk and satin1 broidered through and through ,with jewels8 ,,melch4 ,and a many-coloured dress ,fit for the ,little ,king of ,righteousness4 ,,joseph steps forward1 takes the gifts1 and lays them at ,,mary',s feet4 ,then ,,abel steps forward with ,,martha4 ,,abel 7to ,,gasp474 ,will you not speak for us8 ,,mar4 ,some word to tell ,to ,jesus1 for to show we love ,him well8 ,we--and the people here ,signs to audience4 ,who have no gold ,nor myrrh nor frankincense2 yet1 young and old ,alike1 desire to show that for their parts ,they love their ,infant ,king with all their hearts4 ,,zach4 ,aye1 speak1 ,king ,gaspar1 at this holy tide ,for us who have no gold--and all poor folks beside4 ,,gaspar rises1 looks at audience1 then back to ,,mary4 ,then suddenly and fervently speaks4 ,his voice rises in tone and force as he speaks1 till he ends passionately4 ,,gasp4 ,why1 yes2 the greatest gift is yet ungiven1 ,for ,he1 who for our sake came down from ,heaven1 ,has all already4 ,for ,his glory fills ,the earth3 the cattle on a thousand hills1 ,the birds1 the beasts1 the fishes2 gold and gem1 ,ivory of ,ophir--all are ,his2 for them ,he made1 and they are ,his4 ,stretches arms4 ,so we entreat ,to offer here before ,his holy feet ,that which alone ,he asks of us--the love ,for whose poor sake ,he came here from above1 ,since we1 as best we can1 have played our parts1 ,he kneels1 stretches hands4 ,all kneel with him4 ,oh6 ,,jesus1 ,,mary1 ,,joseph1 take our hearts4 ,to ,,jesus1 ,,mary1 ,,joseph1 wondrous three1 ,all glory1 praise1 and honour endless be ,from men and angels now and through eternity4 ,music of 8,adeste ,fideles0 instantly begins1 ff42 the curtain comes down2 then rises again to show ,,mary coped and crowned2 then after one chord all begin to sing--all on their knees4 ,at end of first verse ,,gaspar rises1 then ,,melchior1 ,,balthasar1 ,,zachary1 ,,two ,,shepherds1 ,,abel1 ,,martha1 ,,david1 ,,servants1 ,,angels--each one by one comes up1 genuflects at dais1 and kisses the ,,child',s foot and ,,mary',s hand4 ,meantime ,,joseph1 kneeling at side1 censes them4 ,at end of last chorus1 as last line begins1 ,,mary stands1 and as she makes ,sign of ,cross with ,,child1 all cross themselves4 ,,curtain4 ,illustration ,,appendices ,i4 ,,the ,,scenery ,the stage on which the play was acted was about four feet in height1 twenty-four in width1 and twenty-four in depth4 ,it was furnished temporarily with footlights consisting of gas-tubing pierced by seven burners shaded with tin head-lights permanently fixed1 two side-lights also permanent1 and two incandescent burners behind the back-scene4 ,as substitutes for all these except the last1 oil lamps are suggested1 hung or standing and guarded with wire2 for the last1 a strong acetylene light4 ,the scenery throughout consisted of these things only--a permanent back scene1 hung from a roller1 constructed of opaque1 dark1 grey-blue paper pierced irregularly with very small holes2 six wings1 three on a side2 two dark curtains hung on a wire to slide backwards or forwards across the back-scene1 about a dozen dust-sheets and a quantity of brown paper and cotton-wool4 7,it must be remembered that the object was not to produce startling stage effects1 but rather a soothing and suggestive background47 ,these extremely simple accessories were employed as follows3 ,first ,scene4--,the curtains were drawn back out of sight altogether behind the backmost wings4 ,the floor was entirely and irregularly covered with dust-sheets1 and1 to aid the appearance of irregularity1 various objects1 such as footstools and blocks of wood were placed beneath them4 ,the wings were managed in this manner4 ,each of them was a light framework of about three feet in width and ten in height4 ,one side of them 7that presented to the audience in this scene7 was covered with large sheets of brown paper of all shades1 deliberately crumpled and bulging1 and1 here and there stained with paint4 ,upon the upper side of each irregularity was gummed a flat thick piece of wide wadding1 following the curve of the paper1 to represent fallen snow4 ,these six wings1 placed of course not parallel with the back-scene but slightly towards it1 provided three exits on each side1 two of which only were used4 ,finally1 the back-scene1 painted with whitewash at its bottom to represent a distant line of snow-covered hills1 hung full in view4 ,all lights except the incandescent burners behind were turned extremely low2 and the result of this elementary composition was a really astonishing effect of a snowy defile between rocks1 seen at night time1 with a sky blazing with stars4 ,the light necessary for the seeing of the actors' faces was supplied by the lanterns they carried4 ,second ,scene4--,the curtains were drawn forward so as nearly to meet in the centre1 giving a glimpse only of the back-scene which throughout the entire play remained in its place4 ,the wings were reversed1 showing their other sides to the audience4 ,these reverse sides were covered with smooth yellowish paper1 painted to represent large blocks of pale stone4 ,the wings1 it must be said1 had no attachment at the foot1 but the heads of them turned in iron forks1 like the rowlocks of a boat1 reversed and fixed to beams above at the proper intervals4 ,one of the wings1 that nearest the back-scene 7,r471 was painted to represent a tall door with iron scrollwork across it4 ,lights up4 ,third ,scene4--,this was the same as the first1 but the large properties used in this prevented a sense of monotony4 ,lights down4 ,fourth ,scene4--,this was the same again1 with other large properties4 ,lights half down4 ,fifth ,scene4--,this was the same again with further properties4 ,lights up4 ,finally1 overhead throughout were hung ordinary 8flies10 or long strips of cotton1 as broad as the stage and about two feet deep4 ,,ii4 ,,the ,,properties ,under this head it is proposed to describe chiefly those properties that needed actual construction4 ,for all the articles used throughout1 such as the table and stools in the kitchen-scene1 it is enough to say that they should be as simple and rough as possible4 ,they should be even rather dirty4 ,in the first scene there is no property used beyond those connected with costumes 7to be described later7 except the tree-stump on which the shepherd sits4 ,this is simply a three-legged stool with a dust-sheet draped over it4 ,in the second scene1 there is the fire over which the inn-keeper is cooking4 ,a strong black bandbox was taken1 and from it were cut out sections1 supported by uprights1 making it to resemble a road-mender's brazier4 ,on the floor of this stood a cylindrical candle-lantern with a burning candle within2 and round this lantern was wrapped red flannel4 ,between the flannel and the bars of the 8brazier0 were inserted sticks at irregular intervals4 ,the whole thing was placed on a three-legged stool1 and a brown cooking-dish rested on the top4 ,in the third scene this fire figured again1 standing on the ground4 ,most of the stage ,r4 was occupied by the shepherds' shelter1 with room1 however1 left to pass both behind and before it4 ,the shelter was constructed of a three-sided clothes-horse1 about six feet high2 and this was hung all over and roofed by pieces of old sacking and deer-skins4 ,the opening was towards the audience4 ,a hurdle1 standing on end1 projected above the roof4 ,the 8lamb0 was life-size1 ingeniously made out of cotton-wool1 with a cotton skin on which were painted eyes and mouth4 ,it is wrapped throughout in a piece of sacking1 so that no more of it need be finished than the head and front legs4 ,in the fourth scene the chief property is the crib4 ,a box was taken about four feet long1 by three by two1 and set on one of its long sides upon a table4 ,the whole of the box and table was then covered with crumpled and painted brown paper1 resembling that fastened to the wings2 straw was laid inside1 and a silver lamp hung from the edge to the upper side4 ,the starry sky at the back was variegated by a large hurdle projecting from behind the crib4 ,the bambino was supplied by a well-known firm in ,london4#aa ,in the fifth scene1 from which the crib is absent1 the principal property is the throne and dais4 ,this needs little comment4 ,the dais came from a schoolroom2 and the chair was a very tall armless one of yellowish wood4 ,two tall mahogany candlesticks stood on either side upon the dais4 ,the book used by the boy was a large leather volume bound by strings4 ,,iii4 ,,the ,,costumes ,before treating these in detail1 it is necessary to treat first the general principles that were followed4 ,these were3 #a4 ,that the drapery should be voluminous4 #b4 ,that the colours should be dark and soft4 #c4 ,that the dresses should be shaped after ,eastern models4 #d4 ,that all such things as tinsel and spangles should be utterly eschewed4 ,now the foundations of ,eastern dress are the following3 #a4 ,the ,tunic4--,this is a long-sleeved garment resembling an alb4 ,it may be of any colour1 or white4 ,in the case of young men and boys it is drawn through the girdle up to the knees4 #b4 ,the ,burnous or ,mantle4--,this is more difficult to describe2 but it may be constructed by taking a large rectangular piece of stuff1 about four feet deep by six feet wide4 ,imagine this spread out on the ground4 ,then take the top corners and fold them in about eighteen inches along the top edge1 folding in at the same time the whole length of the stuff below4 ,sew along the top edge only to right and left1 thus making supports for the shoulders4 ,then cut at either side1 near the top1 in the crease of the stuff1 two wide arm-holes4 ,finally1 fix about eighteen inches down the front1 on the folded stuff1 a strong hook and eye on either side4 ,the ,burnous1 then1 is generally worn simply as a wide and voluminous cloak1 fastened by the hook and eye2 but in the case of one or two the arms may be put through the holes4 ,it should be made of heavy stuff1 and should hang loosely and even clumsily4 ,it may be variegated with effect by long strips of stuff or some other colour attached down the front of the folded wings and straight over the shoulders down the back4 #c4 ,the ,girdle4--,this may be of rope in the case of the poor1 and of rich stuffs in the case of the rich4 ,when the girdle is wide weapons may be thrust into it4 #d4 ,the ,head-dress4--,this is of two kinds3 7#a7 ,the turban proper1 made of voluminous thin material wound round the head and tucked into the top4 7#b7 ,a large thin piece of stuff1 made to fit the head by a ring of elastic on the inner side and flowing down behind over the shoulders and back4 #e4 ,the ,foot-gear4--,this must consist of sandals1 with the addition1 in the case of those whose skirts are worn to the knee1 of voluminous stuff wrapped round the leg and tied there by cris-cross bindings of string or leather1 or the material used by gardeners for tying up plants4 ,now1 if these principles are followed1 the rest is easy4 7,the 8,kings0 and the 8,angels0 need separate treatment47 #a4 ,mary4--,she wears a night-dress to her feet4 ,over this she wears a tunic of dark-blue muslin1 also coming to her feet2 a white burnous2 a long white veil2 and sandals4 ,in the fifth scene she is1 after the first fall of the curtain1 robed in a white cope1 and crowned4 ,a sceptre is also put into her hands4 ,the crown was an imperial one1 constructed of cardboard covered with crumpled gold paper1 with strings of jewels and brooches1 over a crumpled cap of dark-blue velvet4 ,the sceptre can be made in the same kind of way4 #b4 ,joseph4--,he wears a white tunic to his feet1 with heavy white or yellowish girdle2 a dark-red burnous striped with white2 and a white handkerchief over his head and shoulders4 ,he is bearded and browed with grey over a stained face4 ,see below4 #c4 ,tobias4--,he wears a dark-blue tunic with broad brown girdle1 brown burnous and turban of 8,rhodian0 silk4 ,he is girt to just below the knee1 and wears hose and sandals4 ,his face is stained and eyebrows darkened4 #d4 ,david4--,he wears simply a short-sleeved dark-green tunic and cord girdle2 hose and sandals4 #e4 ,zachary4--,he wears a long yellowish tunic to his feet1 a brown burnous striped with white1 a brown handkerchief on his head2 and sandals4 ,he is bearded and browed with grey over a stained face4 ,see below4 #f4 ,ezra and ,ben-,ezra4--,these are in short dark-brown tunics and are wrapped in deer-skins4 ,if skins are not available1 burnouses must be substituted4 ,ezra wears a red handkerchief on his head1 and ,ben-,ezra a white turban4 ,they carry spears4 #g4 ,the ,three ,merchants4--,these are all in long tunic and burnous of various darkish colours4 ,all wear turbans and sandals1 and ,eliphaz a fur wrap4 ,the stuffs used should be of better quality than the others1 each of them wearing at least one piece of silk4 ,each has a broad girdle1 in which is a knife or two4 ,they may carry or wear beads4 ,martha4--,she wears a white tunic1 falling half-way between knee and foot1 and dark-blue burnous2 hose and sandals4 ,abel4--,he wears a white tunic and deer-skin1 with hose and sandals4 ,herald4--,he is dressed simply in a long girded white tunic and sandals4 ,the ,angels4--,these1 as a foundation1 wear night-dresses1 girded4 ,over this each wears the dress of one of the three ,greater ,orders4 ,the 8priest-angels0 wear crossed stoles2 the 8deacon-angels0 dalmatics1 and the 8subdeacon-angels0 tunicles4 ,these garments are all made of voluminous white butter-muslin4 ,they should wear no wings or spangles or colours of any kind whatsoever4 ,their hair is combed out at length over their shoulders4 ,two 8priest-angels0 carry drawn swords upright4 ,the ,three ,kings4--,these must be dressed as gorgeously as possible1 with any materials available2 but the following points may be remembered with advantage4 ,the colours used should be splendid1 but not light or gaudy4 7,if1 for example1 light-blue is used1 it is seen at once to be entirely out of scale with the other figures--heliotrope and purple and dark-red or green are far more effective47 ,each should present one predominant colour4 ,each should wear1 in addition to tunic and mantle1 a long train pinned to the shoulders1 edged with ermine4 7,ermine is produced effectively by long strips of cotton wadding dotted with black stuff 8tails407 ,the crowns should be set inside or outside of voluminous turbans of silk4 ,the jewellery worn by them should be heavy and effective and barbaric2 for example1 a twisted serpent of gold paper turned up the arm1 or a heavy collar across the shoulders4 ,the ,servant of the ,kings should be dressed on the same lines1 but without mantle or train4 ,gaspar should be bearded and browed with grey2 all four persons should be heavily stained on face and hands4 ,a suitable stain may be obtained from ,mr4 ,peck1 chemist1 ,trumpington ,street1 ,cambridge1 such as is used in the 8,greek ,play0 at the ,university4 ,the beards used should not be the ordinary beards made in a piece4 ,hair should be obtained from a theatrical property shop1 and affixed piece by piece with strong spiritgum4 ,for those who wear beards a few lines upon the face are generally necessary to blend the complexion with the hair4 ,,iv4 ,,the ,,method ,,of ,,acting ,it must be remembered that the play does not attempt realism4 ,it is full of deliberate anachronisms4 ,to act1 then1 in a realistic manner would be to appeal to the eye in one key and to the dramatic perception in another4 ,it was found therefore necessary during the rehearsals to insist again and again upon a certain conventionality in gestures and tones of voices4 ,the actors were encouraged to be slow1 to speak extremely clearly1 and to make large deliberate gestures rather than spontaneous movements--to beckon1 for instance1 with the arm rather than the hand4 7,this method was1 of course1 that followed in the recent performances of 8,everyman407 ,on these lines it was found that the play occupied slightly over two hours4 ,especially necessary was this system in the case of such characters as those of the 8,herald10 8,mary10 8,joseph10 and the 8,three ,kings40 ,the 8,herald10 standing outside the curtains1 holds himself perfectly upright for the most part4 ,when he bows1 he bows low with both hands across the breast2 when he signs himself with the cross1 he slowly 8envelops0 himself as ,m4 ,huysmans says in his movement4 ,the appeal of 8,mary0 also depends entirely 7since she does not speak7 upon extremely slow1 dignified movements4 ,when she swoons she remains motionless1 sunk upon herself2 when she moves1 she does so with extreme deliberation2 she looks for a long time at the character to whom she directs herself1 before moving in his regard4 ,in the same manner1 8,joseph0 is lost always in a contemplation of 8,mary02 his eyes are fixed on her2 he keeps the same attitude for long together4 ,so1 too1 with the 8,three ,kings40 ,they carry themselves extremely upright1 they make sweeping gestures1 they chant rather than speak1 they bow and genuflect slowly and profoundly4 ,the 8,children0 only are allowed to be spontaneous1 without being abrupt4 ,the character of 8,zachary0 is the most difficult of performance4 ,he has to avoid prosiness on one side and passion on the other2 8deliberateness0 must be his watch-word4 ,i am afraid he is rather a tiresome person2 but he is as necessary as the ,greek chorus1 to whom he corresponds4 ,he appears less tiresome if he is represented by a very tall actor who carries himself bent4 ,those responsible1 then1 for rehearsals1 must not be afraid of long silences in which little happens4 ,the play is intended as a series of meditations rather than of dramatic situations and developments4 ,again and again1 if the grouping is arranged upon a wide and semi-heroic scale1 the actors will be found to fall into tableaux1 which may well be looked at in silence4 ,during the longer of these involuntary tableaux1 however1 music is sung or played4 ,printed by ,,ballantyne1 ,,hanson ,,co4 ,edinburgh ,london ,,footnotes3 #a ,bramley and ,stainer's 8,christmas ,carols1 ,new and ,old10 #ast ,series1 ,no4 #a4 #b ,b4 ,s41 #ast ,series1 ,no4 #ai4 #c ,b4 ,s41 #bnd ,series1 ,no4 #ba4 #d ,b4 ,s41 #ast ,series1 ,no4 #c4 #e ,this carol is printed here by the kind permission of ,messrs4 ,novello and ,co4 7,b4 ,s41 #crd ,series1 ,no4 #di74 #f ,b4 ,s41 #ast ,series1 ,no4 #f4 #g ,b4 ,s41 #ast ,series1 ,no4 #b4 #h ,b4 ,s41 #crd ,series1 ,no4 #fa #i ,b4 ,s41 #ast ,series1 ,no4 #aa4 #aj ,b4 ,s41 #crd ,series1 ,no4 #de4 #aa ,the 8,instruments of the ,passion0 are as follows3 ,a spear1 a sponge on a reed1 a crown of thorns1 three nails1 a board painted with ,,inri4 ,these can easily be bought or made1 and are carried visibly in white humeral veils4