Zach. Sir, for Messias’ sake!...
Uzz. Why, who is He?
Zach. (solemnly). Sir, it is He told of in prophecy, Who surely comes one day to set all right, And judge in love and justice. Why, this night Maybe, He’ll come.
Uzz. Nay, nay! That’s past a joke! Come, gentlemen; enough of crazy folk! We must be going on a mile or two To shelter; and, my friend, good-night to you!
[Exeunt (R.) three Merchants, saluting Zachary ironically. Zachary stands looking after them, hands raised. He totters a step or two, then he lets hands sink slowly.
Zach. Now, God have mercy! But I’m wearied sore. [Begins to limp back to stump. So wearied I have never been before. [He sits heavily on ground, leaning against stump. Then, after a pause. My limbs that heavy![Lifts hands, and lets them drop. My old eyes, that dim! [Stares about, bewildered. Why—if He came—I could not look at Him.... [His voice grows weaker. Dreams, did they say?... And old Isaias too?... [He rolls his eyes. David.... And Balaam ... and the Fleece of Dew That Gideon saw.... Why, now, how soft the snow.... [Sleepy voice; closing eyes. I’ll sleep ... a bit ... a bit ... before ... I ... go. [Sinks down. Music begins very softly, and verse of carol is played through as he falls asleep. Then Martha and Abel begin to sing, off. And ... God ... have ... pity on ... all ... poor folks ... here below.
Mar. and Abel.[3] The Lord at first had Adam made Out of the dust and clay, And in his nostrils breathed life.... [Enter (L.) Martha and Abel, carrying bundles, with sticks, over shoulders, hand in hand. Martha carries a lantern. E’en as the Scriptures say. And then in Eden’s Paradise He placed him to dwell That he within—[Stop abruptly.
Mar. Why, Abel, what’s that lying by the tree? [Abel clings to her, lets go, tries to run. Nay, nay, be quiet! Here, take hold of me. [She is staring at Zachary.
Abel. Oh! Martha, Martha, I’m afraid— [Tries to pull her away.
Mar. No, no. [She goes closer with him; looks.