Zach. I said The same an hour ago. (He comes towards fire.)
Ez. Well, what’s the tale At Bethlehem?
Zach. (slowly). Nay, my old ears do fail; For, seems to me, the town was full of song And lights and music as I came along.
Ben. Singing and music! Why, good uncle, sure They all rejoice to-night, both rich and poor, To see old friends again. No doubt they sing. We, too, have heard it. Is that anything So strange?
Zach. Nay, nay.... Well, give to me to eat And drink a bit. (He goes on into shelter.)
Ez. Here, uncle, take your seat Beside the fire, and tell us of the way You’ve come along. We’ve heard no news to-day.
[Zach. sits down, begins to eat. He talks slowly, with long pauses. Ezra sits by (L.) edge of shelter, cross-legged. He warms his hands at the fire. While he talks and listens Ben-Ezra keeps walking gently up and down (L.), now and then pausing to listen or speak.
Zach. First, then, near Rachel’s tomb, I saw three men; And then two children succoured me; and then——
Ben. Succoured you, uncle? Why, what need was there?
Zach. My son, sore need there was; for all the air Turned black and white about me, when those three Left me alone and would not succour me There as I swooned.