Third Shepherd:
Well, as for sleep, I’m ready. What say ye?
Second Shepherd:
Aye, do. Sleep ye, and I’ll keep watch.
The wolf, maybe, will visit us ere dawn.
Or, if not he, perchance another lamb.
(They sleep. The Third Shepherd walks, with
the lamb in his cloak. Soft music is heard.)
Third Shepherd:
Hark! There’s music in the wind!
And what strange light is in the east?
Surely it is not dawn?
(Angels appear. The Shepherd arouses the others.)
Angel:
Gloria in Excelsis!
Fear not, for behold I bring you glad tidings of great joy.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David,
a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be the sign unto you:
Ye shall find the heavenly
babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Gloria in Excelsis!
First Shepherd:
’Twas a fine voice—even as ever I heard.
Second Shepherd:
All the hills with a lighting, methought, at his word shone fair.
Third Shepherd:
He spoke of a Babe at Bethlehem, mark you well.
That betokens yon star. Let us seek Him there.
First Shepherd:
To Bethlehem he bade that we should go. I fear we tarry too long.
Second Shepherd:
Full glad would I be,
Might I kneel on my knee
Some word to say to that child.