William.

All right, mother!

[He goes up and down controlling himself with difficulty. At this moment the second verse begins; scarcely are the first tones heard when with sudden resolution he goes to the door of the adjoining room.

Ida.

There lies he, oh children,

On hay and on straw,

And Joseph and Mary

Look on him with awe.

The honest souled shepherds

Kneel praying for love;