The scene represented the fields round Bethlehem, where shepherds and shepherdesses were keeping their flocks during the watches of the night. One shepherd worn out with labour, another with 'hunting the wolf,' had fallen asleep; some shepherdesses followed their example; but one shepherd and one shepherdess were awake and communicating their thoughts to each other.
THIRD SHEPHERD.
A something keeps me wide awake;
My usual sleep I cannot take.
It is not my flock, I'm sure,
For the fold is quite secure;
In my heart a joy I feel
And I seem good news to hear ...
Meanwhile I shall turn my eyes
To the star-bespangled skies.