Yet not till we have thanked this gentle Tree.

JOSEPH

Dear Tree, you have befriended in his need

This little Child new-born. So—for His sake—

Your gracious boughs shall evermore be green,

Nor ever in winter lose their April sap,

But freshly, at this season of His birth,

They shall be fragrant of the hallowed dreams

His happy heart bequeathes you.

TREE