Ez. Well? What was it that you saw?
Zach. (shaking head slowly). No man could tell All that I saw.
Ez. (eagerly). Nay, nay, what was it?
Zach. Nay, ’Twas but a man and maid upon the way. [Music of “Nowell” begins; it continues down to end of Zachary’s next speech. No more than that. But ... Ezra, ... such a man And such a maid as, since my days began, I never yet have seen.
Ben. What! fair to see Were they?
Zach. (very slowly, low voice). Ben-Ezra, in old prophecy I read of one, the Mother undefiled.... “A Virgin shall conceive and bear a child.... [He pauses now and then, as if to remember. For unto us,” Isaias sang, “a Son Is given.” And then I read King Solomon Speaks of a maiden, fairest of her race, Among the vineyards, young, and full of grace.... A fountain sealed and holy.... Well, my son, She whom I saw to-day was such an one. (Music ends.)
Ez. Uncle! you jest!
Zach. I jest not.
Ben. And the man That went with her?
Zach. Son, when I first began To see the couple coming up the height, I had no eyes for him; for all the night [He makes slow, sweeping gesture. Seemed full of glory from her face who came So wearily.