SCENE IV
Before curtain rises, invisible Chorus sings.[7]
Curtain rises. Scene—Interior of stable. Back, centre (L.), a manger, with lamp burning in it above. Joseph and Mary kneeling before it motionless. Rest of stage dark. Mary kneels rather in foreground. The Child is just visible. Two angels stand throughout at the head and foot of the manger. If possible, one plays a violin, the other a zither.
3. Now a new Power has come on the earth, A match for the armies of hell, A Child is born who shall conquer the foe, And all the spirits of wickedness quell. For Mary’s Son is the Mighty One Whom the prophets of God foretell.
4.(5.) Faith sees no longer the stable floor, The pavement of sapphire is there; The clear light of Heaven streams out to the world, And angels of God are crowding the air. Heaven and Earth through the spotless Birth Are at peace on this night so fair.
[Mary slightly changes her position. Joseph lays censer down. Music modulates into Coventry Carol.
Lullay, Thou little tiny Child,[8] By-by, lull-y, lull-lay, Lullay, Thou little tiny Child, By-by, lully, lullay.
2. O sisters too, how may we do For to preserve this day, This poor youngling for whom we sing By-by, lully, lullay....
[Enter softly Martha and Abel, hand in hand. Abel is holding a toy-horse. They stand motionless, staring. Standing front (L.). They look the whole time at the crib.
3. (4.) Then woe is me, poor Child for Thee And ever mourn and say For thy parting, nor say nor sing By-by, lully, lullay.
Martha. Tread softly—[They advance a step or two.
Abel. Oh! but, Martha, is that He, The King you told me of?
Mar. Hush, wait and see. I think so.... Speak to her.
Abel. What shall I say?
Mar. Why, hail her by her name. I think you may.
Abel. What is her name?
Mar. Oh, Mary is her name. And that old man is Joseph.
Abel. And the same We saw just now?
Mar. Hush.... Yes.... Look on her face.... [They come a step nearer crib. Now speak aloud....
Abel. Hail! Mary, full of grace! The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou above All women.—Martha, Martha, may I move A little nearer?
Mar. Yes.[They move a step nearer.
Abel. And blest thy Son Whose name is—Sister, now I have begun I know not how to end.
Mar. Call Him the best Of all the names you know.
Abel. Why all the rest Are not so good as Jesus; for that is The word for Saviour. Will that do for His?
Mar. Yes, call him Jesus.
Abel. Blest is this thy Child Whose name is Jesus. Hail, O Mary mild! [Mary turns very slowly, smiling; makes the sign of the Cross, and turns again to adore. Abel. Oh! Martha, did you see the sign she made?
[Angels begin to come in and group themselves. They carry the Instruments of the Passion in humeral veils. They form group down stage (L.).
What did that mean?
Mar. I know not.
Abel. See Him laid So little, in the manger for His bed. Oh! Is He truly King of kings? You said You thought he was!
Mar. Why, yes, I think so. See The Angels all about His Majesty.
[Angels remain motionless, turned towards manger. During the following carol the children go across, step by step, nearer and nearer: they kneel down by Mary. Abel offers his horse. Mary takes it, and makes him put it by Child in Manger. Mary leans over manger and puts arms round Child.
Angels. When I view the Mother holding[9] In her arms the heavenly boy, Thousand blissful thoughts unfolding Melt my heart with sweetest joy. With her babe the hours beguiling, Mary’s soul in transport lives. God her Son upon her smiling, Thousand kisses fondly gives. As the sun his radiance flinging Shines upon the bright expanse, So the Child to Mary clinging Doth her gentle heart entrance. See the Virgin Mother bearing
[Enter Shepherds, followed by Dav. These fall on their knees, Zach. and Dav. together; and remain till end of singing. Zach. is nearest audience, then Dav., then Ezra, then Ben-Ezra.
Jesus by her arms embraced, Dew on softest roses gleaming, Violet with lily chaste. Each round other fondly twining, Pours the shafts of mutual love, Thick as flowers in meadow shining, Countless as the stars above. Oh! may one such arrow glowing, Sweetest Child which Thou dost dart Through Thy mother’s bosom going, Blessed Jesus, pierce my heart....
[Music continues softly until Mary rises. If possible, the music should be played on the violin only, which the Angel holds. The air is that of the preceding Carol.
Zach. (stretching out his arms). Did I not tell you so? Oh! see Him lie! Dimittis nunc in pace, Domine Me servum tuum.
Uzz. (pointing). See the angels great About the manger where He lies in state. Secundum verbum tuum, oculi Mei viderunt, quod præparasti Hoc tuum salutare.
Ben. (pointing). See the maid And mother undefiled, where He is laid, To worship Him. Ostende hunc fructum Ventris tui post hoc exsilium!
[Joseph rises. Then Mary lifts the Child, all others fall on their knees; and all the Angels. All remain absolutely still. Then, if this Scene is the last, she brings the Child to the front of the stage. Music stops. She lifts the Child as high as she can.
Mary. Magnificat anima mea Dominum.
[With the Child she makes the sign of the Cross over the audience.
Curtain.
Mary—Magnificat anima mea Dominum—
Adeste Fideles:—