Chorus. Aye and therefore ...
[At this point Abel reaches Mary, and kneels down before her on his knees, looking, on her right, and Martha on her left, Zachary in centre. During the next verses, Mary opens her eyes, sees them, then slowly stretches out her hands on to their heads; each kisses her hand. Then both Mary’s hands on Zachary’s head. He takes them both and kisses them. All this very slowly during following verse.
Invisible Chorus. Then God sent an angel from heaven so high, To certain poor shepherds in fields where they lie, And bade them no longer in sorrow to stay, Because that our Saviour was born on this day.
Chorus. Aye and therefore ...
[Then Mary is slowly supported by Joseph on her right, with her arm round his shoulders, and, on the left, in the same way, by Martha and Abel. Zachary slowly gathers up bundles and sticks and lantern.
Then presently after the shepherds did spy, Vast numbers of angels to stand in the sky; They joyfully talked, and sweetly did sing, To God be all glory, our heavenly King.
Chorus. Aye and therefore ...
[They begin to go out (R.) in the above order. As they disappear (R.), enter (L.) two tall angels bearing swords in right hand and burning tapers in left, and two small angels bearing tapers only. These pairs slowly cross stage, and as curtain comes down they are still passing, and simultaneously the last chorus ends.
To teach us humility all this was done, And learn we from thence haughty pride for to shun, A manger His cradle, who came from above, The great God of mercy, of peace, and of love.
Chorus. Aye and therefore ...