The shepherds and shepherdesses approach respectfully, and puny as the child appears, they recognise in him the height of the eternal Majesty, and worship him:

THIRD SHEPHERD.

... Thou art the promised seed

To Adam after his misdeed.

Abraham and David on this relied,

And both alike were justified.

SECOND SHEPHERD.

The eye beholds a weak and powerless child;

But faith which comes of knowledge bids us bow