King. We have brought from the rising of the sun, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh, and a share of every noble precious treasure there is in the world. It is not possible for the whole world to give a thing we have not with us; and we have brought another thing the world has not to give, the knowledge and sense and wisdom of our own hearts. We have been gathering it through the years, from youth to old age; and we put it first of all these things. (They lay gold and spices, and other treasures before the Child.)
Shepherd. We have brought fleeces, and cheeses, and a little lamb with us as an offering. We have no other thing to give. We are old now, and we have got this wisdom from God, that there is nothing better worth giving than the things God has given to us. (They put down their own offerings. The two women come round to the front.)
The First Woman. Oh, do you see that?
Second Woman. King of the World, he said! Oh, are we not the unhappy sinners?
First Woman. My bitter grief for myself and yourself!
Second Woman. I am lost for ever. There is no forgiveness for me to find for the thing I did!
First Woman. Nor for myself.
Second Woman. You were not so guilty as I was.
First Woman. Let us go; and let us hide ourselves under some scalp of a rock, in a hole in the earth, or in the middle of the woods!
Second Woman. Let us then hasten that we may hide ourselves.