A morning star of song for other children
Who rest from Herod’s wrath. So you shall be
No more a forest sprite, but a hallow’d angel—
His shining angel with a sheathèd sword
To guard all childhood’s home. Keep here his star:
Farewell!
TREE
O fare you well, dear wanderers,
That have fulfilled with love my lonely dream!
(With lighted candles, in processional, the Shepherds with Manger, Mary and Joseph depart toward the desert. While the Chorus sings, Tree stands gazing after them.)