Chorus. Nowell ...
Scene—Hills outside Bethlehem. Lights very low. Starlit sky; rocks on either side; snow on ground, except round fire and shelter. R. A shelter of hurdles, open side facing audience, with a stool within it. A fire burning; heaps of skins round it. Ezra discovered L., looking out under his hand L.; so he continues a while. Enter R.,from behind shelter, Ben-Ezra with lamb.
Ben. Well, father, do you see him?
Ez. (slowly, with pauses). No, not I! (Still looking.) Nought to be seen but snow and starry sky, And that great star that hangs above the town. [He makes a gesture L.
Ben. Here is a lamb, new-born. (He shows it.)
Ez. (without turning). Well, lay it down. [Ben. goes to shelter. An ill night to be born in! Frost and snow, Cold heaven above, and colder earth below. I marvel any tender creature should be born On such a night.
Ben. I found it all forlorn, Crying beside its mother.
Ez. Lay it by [Ben-Ezra lays it by fire, wrapped up. And warm it. [He suddenly takes step or two to L., relieved. Here comes Uncle Zachary!
[Enter Zach. slowly, on stick. All through this scene he speaks rather monotonously, as if bewildered.
Why, uncle, we had given you up for dead! [Leads him towards shelter. Now, God be praised who brought you safe.