Abel (putting book down). Oh! an hour ago She went with Jesus in her arms, to see The sheepfolds. Joseph and old Zachary Went with her.
Mar. (walking meditatively). Twelve full days have gone and past, And yet no kings or camels.
Abel (clasping his knees). Why, how fast ’Tis gone.... Why, heaven itself is not more sweet— To look on Jesus!—kiss His hands and feet And kneel before our Lady!
Mar. Silly boy! Why, this is heaven!... for all is peace and joy Where Jesus is. Why now— [Enter Dav., running (R.).
Dav. They’s coming in.
[Violin begins, off, “Adeste Fideles.”
Quick, Martha, quick—the lights![Signs to music. Now then, begin.
[Organ takes up Adeste ... with violin. Abel springs up at David’s entrance; runs to side, gets tapers and lights two candles that stand beside chair. He takes one, Dav. takes other. Mar. picks up basket of flowers. All three go to entrance (R.) and wait, facing audience, looking out. Enter (R.) two Angels, playing violin and zither; then Angels bearing instruments of the Passion; then Zach. with spear; then two Shepherds with spears; then, after slight pause, Mary, cloaked, carrying Child; then Joseph, and two more Angels with swords. Mar. slips in behind two Shepherds, and walks backwards, strewing flowers, Abel and Dav. place themselves on either side of Mary with candles and walk with her. The procession takes curve to front and comes up to chair. Mary stands at chair, slips off cloak into Joseph’s hands, and sits. Candles placed by her. Joseph stands behind (R.), Angels group themselves at back. Shepherds pass to (L.) front. Mar., Abel, and Dav. seat themselves on dais; Zach. stands by dais (L.); Joseph behind chair (R.).
Zach. Well, children, here we are—come back, you see— Jesus and Joseph both, and Queen Mary, To home in Bethlehem.... How have you sped Meantime while we were gone?
Mar. Why, Abel read A little; and I sewed a little.