Ez. Swooned, uncle!
Zach. Yes, my son, There in the snow, ere the descent began To fall to Bethlehem. And there I lay, All frozen, till the children came my way.
Ez. And they did succour you? God bless them, then.
Zach. God bless all children, as I say. For men [Music, “Nowell,” soft. It continues for a line or two. Are cruel hard.... I think that if came He— Whose coming is most sure by prophecy— ’Tis as a child He’ll come.
Ben. Whom mean you?
Zach. Why, I mean Messias.... Hark, is that the sky That’s singing? (Silent pause; music ends.)
Ez. Nay, I hear no sound at all. What mean you, uncle?... Sit you by the wall, [Zach. has finished eating. And cover you from cold. For sure the snow [Zach. shifts position. ’S enough to freeze a body.... Well, and so You came all safe to Bethlehem with those That succoured you so kindly.
Zach. Aye, God knows They succoured me!
Ez. And, as you came below, Was there no more you met? [Zach. turns and looks at him fixedly. Why look you so, Uncle? Why look so strangely?
Zach. Ezra.