Zach. (lifting book). What is this?
Mar. Why, we were reading that—the prophecies Of kings and camels, Uncle, who, they say Shall come to worship Jesus.... Where are they?
Zach. Nay, child, but ask our Lady: she knows best. [He signs to her.
Mar. Show it her, Abel. [Abel jumps up, opens book, steps on dais, and points out passage, first genuflecting.
Abel. Here! and all the rest That follows ... here ... and here ... here, do you see?... [Zach. comes and looks over book. Now will you tell us, please, your Majesty?
Zach. Nay, let me read it. [He takes book and comes (L.) front. “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.” [Looks at Mary and back. ... Why, that would mean that following the star They come from Orient and from Araby.... And yet they come not ... will your Majesty. [Breaks off as Mary turns and looks out (R.). Distant jangled murmur. ... Why now, what sound is that? How loud it swells High on the wind!—Why, sure! ’tis camel-bells.
[Mary remains passive, smiling. All others look out eagerly (R.). Sound comes nearer, footsteps, bells, murmur of voices. Children spring up. Angels continually look at Child.
Dav. (excitedly, pointing). Oh! look! the camels—see how slow they wind. Look! look! Here are the kings! and there behind The servants follow ... See, they’re coming ... See!... Now they are stopping! Oh! I’m glad that we Were here to see it!... Now they’re kneeling down— The camels, at the door—and all the town Is out to see them.
Abel (pointing). Look! they’re taking out The bundles and the gold; and all about The people crowding.... Why! how grand they are!
Dav. (pointing). Oh look! look at that sceptre!... Grander far Than Herod’s.