2. Now Gabriel sweeping from the sky, Missus a Deo nuntius, These tidings beareth from on high, Lætissimis pastoribus, Behold your God on earth doth lie, Invenietis protinus.
4. Quickly away the shepherds flew, Clara Gabrielis voce, Rejoicing as if filled anew, Bono Bacchico liquore, Leaping and dancing nigh they drew, Simul in Bethlehem Judæ.
6. They entered then the hallowed cave, Jesum hic adoraverunt, The best of all they had they gave, Puerumque oraverunt, Pardon for that was lacking crave, Subitoque abierunt.
Curtain Rises
Scene—Kitchen of inn. In centre a fire: pot over it. White walls. Two doors R. and L., R. into street, L. into inn. A table R. with three stools. Discovered Tobias, stirring pot, and David busying himself with plates at the table. After curtain is up, Tobias leaves spoon in pot, and comes forward. During all this scene he is plainly uneasy and indecisive. He relapses into silence, then rouses himself to speak.
Tob. And you have heard it, David?[They speak softly.
Dav. Yes, all day, Good master, have I heard them.
Tob. “Them,” you say? Why, who are they? [He looks steadily at Dav., with folded arms.
Dav. I know not, but the sound Was that of singing in the air, and round [He makes gesture. About; and steps, and wings; and everywhere I heard them plainly.