Chorus (repeat). In excelsis ...
2. Herdsmen beheld those angels bright, To them appearing with great light, Who said, “God’s Son is born to-night,” In excelsis gloria. [Chorus.]
3. The King is come to save mankind, As in Scripture truths we find, Therefore this song we have in mind, In excelsis gloria. [Chorus.]
4. Then, dear Lord, for Thy great grace, Grant us in bliss to see Thy face, That we may sing to Thy solace In excelsis gloria. [Chorus.]
Then, enter Zachary (L.); walking with a stick, carrying a bundle and a lantern. His shoulders are covered with snow. He walks very slowly. In centre of stage he halts, looks about him slowly.
Zach. Now, God have mercy! I must rest awhile, For mile on weary mile, and mile on mile, I’ve trudged on foot since break of day began, And, sure, I’m but an old and ancient man.
[He goes across to stump, and sits on it slowly, disposing his stick and bundle and lantern. He settles himself deliberately, folding his arms.
Time was, once, long ago, when I would run And leap and swim as good as any one. Aye, aye,—to run a race or climb a wall— Aye, aye,—I’d beat ’em all, I’d beat ’em all.
[Shakes his head reminiscently. Then passes his hands slowly down his knees.