’Tis but an old man, sleeping in the snow. Why—look how white he is! How white and old! He’ll take his death! The night is bitter cold. [Advances close to him with lantern. Sir, sir! Wake up.... Here, Abel, take the light! [Hands him lantern. He shrinks away. You silly boy! With God nor day nor night Can harm His children.... Here, sir, wake, awake! [Shakes him by arm. The night is cold. Sir![She kneels by him. For Messias’ sake!
[Zachary moans gently, lifts his head, looks round, sinks back.
Zach. (sleepily). Messias! eh? Messias? Why ... they ... said ... ’Twas dreams ... all dreams.[She shakes him. Why ... what is this?... my head ... Is heavy ... let me sleep....[Rolls over a little. Ah! let me sleep.... And dream Messias’ coming ... lest ... He ... weep ... To find no welcome.
Mar. (rapidly). Abel, here—[He is sobbing. Don’t cry.... Quick, boy, I tell you ... lest the old man die. [Together they lift him slowly, first up to tree, then on his feet. He clings to them. They move about; finally he sits down on stump, and begins to recover himself.
Zach. (rubbing eyes). Why, ’tis but children! And I thought that He Had sent His angels down to succour me, And bring me tidings that His Christ was here. [Looks round, then drops his head. No, dreams! All dreams it is. [Martha takes him by arm.
Mar. Sir! can you hear Me speak, good father? Can you see me plain? [He looks at her; recovers further.
Zach. Why, yes.... I heard you singing. Sing again That which you sang.[Releases his arm. Nay, nay, child, let me go! I’m well awake enough. ’Twas but the snow Bewildered me. What was that song so sweet I heard so plain? [Martha comes a little forward, smiling shyly.
Mar. Sir, to beguile our feet We sang a carol, made—Oh! long ago, Of times when God walked once with men below In Eden’s garden; whence all woe began From Satan’s tempting and the sin of man. That was the little song you heard so plain As we were coming.
Zach. Sing the song again.
[Martha and Abel stand side by side (R.).