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![She kneels by him. For Messias’ sake!

[Zachary moans gently, lifts his head, looks round, sinks back.

Zach. (sleepily). Messias! eh? Messias? Why ... they ... said ... ’Twas dreams ... all dreams.[She shakes him. Why ... what is this?... my head ... Is heavy ... let me sleep....[Rolls over a little. Ah! let me sleep.... And dream Messias’ coming ... lest ... He ... weep ... To find no welcome.

Mar. (rapidly). Abel, here—[He is sobbing. Don’t cry.... Quick, boy, I tell you ... lest the old man die. [Together they lift him slowly, first up to tree, then on his feet. He clings to them. They move about; finally he sits down on stump, and begins to recover himself.

Zach. (rubbing eyes). Why, ’tis but children! And I thought that He Had sent His angels down to succour me, And bring me tidings that His Christ was here. [Looks round, then drops his head. No, dreams! All dreams it is. [Martha takes him by arm.

Mar. Sir! can you hear Me speak, good father? Can you see me plain? [He looks at her; recovers further.

Zach. Why, yes.... I heard you singing. Sing again That which you sang.[Releases his arm. Nay, nay, child, let me go! I’m well awake enough. ’Twas but the snow Bewildered me. What was that song so sweet I heard so plain? [Martha comes a little forward, smiling shyly.

Mar. Sir, to beguile our feet We sang a carol, made—Oh! long ago, Of times when God walked once with men below In Eden’s garden; whence all woe began From Satan’s tempting and the sin of man. That was the little song you heard so plain As we were coming.

Zach. Sing the song again.

[Martha and Abel stand side by side (R.).

Mar. and Abel. The Lord at first had Adam made Out of the dust and clay, And in his nostrils breathed life, E’en as the Scriptures say.

And then in Eden’s Paradise He placed him to dwell, That he within it should remain To dress and keep it well.

[They turn to Zach.

Zach. Why—

[Chorus suddenly begins from behind scene. Children are terrified. Zach. stands up, frightened. They cling to him. During the singing they recover themselves a little. They look about, standing all together (R.) facing (L.). Abel leaves the others and begins to move across stage, looking in all directions.

Invisible Chorus. Now let good Christians all begin A holier life to live; And to rejoice and merry be For this is Christmas Eve.

4. Now mark the goodness of the Lord Which He to mankind bore, His mercy soon He did extend Lost man for to restore;

And, therefore, to redeem our souls From death and hell and thrall, He said His own dear Son should be The Saviour of us all.

Chorus. Now let ...

Abel (letting go). Why! What was that? Who’s singing there below?... [Runs to Martha, who is looking (L.). I’m frightened, Martha.... Martha! let us go. [Zach., also staring (L.).

Zach. Why! Who comes here?[He goes a step. An old man and a maid! Is that their singing?... No ... she seems afraid And weary. Children! See how slow they wind! [Looks intently, under hand. Children! look closer.... Who comes on behind?... No ... he is gone again.... I thought I saw Figures who came and went, behind, before, As if to keep them.... Children, do you see? [A silence.

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.