Chorus. O star of wonder, &c.
IV. Balth. Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume Breathes a life of gathering gloom; Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
Chorus. O star of wonder, &c.
V. Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and sacrifice, Alleluia, Alleluia; Earth to the heavens replies.
Mar. (looking up). Read it again. (She listens.)
Abel (reading). “Lo! Gentiles in Thy Light Shall walk; and kings, all in the splendour bright Of this Thy rising. Lift Thine eyes and see! Lo! they are gathered; lo! they come to Thee! Behold, Thy sons and daughters come from far” (pause). And then again ... “From Madian and Epha, From Saba too they come ... a company Of kings on camels—all shall come to Thee. And myrrh and gold and incense bring with them To show God’s glory in Jerusalem.” [He looks up.
Mar. (meditatively, sewing). Why, ’tis most strange—this ancient prophecy! Surely it stands as plain as plain can be! And yet no kings or camels!
Abel (clasping his knees). Martha, dear, How I should love to see them!
Mar. Have no fear. ’Twill come to pass, if God hath spoken so.... Where is our Lady? [She stands up and comes to front (R.).