And the angels depart upon their mission.
The scene changes, and we are once more in the stable at Bethlehem. Mary awakes and is still alone. Her heart is agitated by the most astounding thoughts: the mystery of God which she discerns surprises and confounds her.
Strange! a virgin ... yet a mother
Of a son above all other,
Very God and very man!
Emanuel! of the Father dearest Son ...
May my hands be joined with thine?
May thy lips be touched by mine?
At this moment the angels sent by God arrive: they enter the wretched stable, filling it with their glory, and each salutes the poor virgin of Nazareth in his own fashion. One of them says:
All hail, happy dame,