Mother of the Son thou lov'st so dearly!

Another, whose character appears to be humility, addresses the new-born child:

Little child, pray spare me not ...

Though I'm small I shall delight

To wait upon you day and night,

To wash you or to warm your bed.[80]...

At this point Joseph returns with the provisions he has bought; he is distressed at his inability to receive becomingly this child of heaven, but resolving to give all that he has, he advances towards the stable. On a sudden he stops in surprise ... he looks ... a divine light fills the humble shed, and shines all around.

What a strange gleam

There comes from within!