Third Shepherd:
But the angel said in a manger was he laid and poorly clad.
First Shepherd:
We shall see him I know before it be morn.
Second Shepherd:
The place is near. Let us go even now unto
Bethlehem and see this thing
which has come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
First and Third Shepherds:
Aye, let us go and find Him!
(Tableau held while music dies away.)
Scene II. Manger Scene
Carol by children:
O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie,
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting light.
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee to-night.
Angel chorus:
Away in the manger,
No crib for his bed,
The little Lord Jesus
Lay down his sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky
Looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep in the hay.
The cattle were lowing,
The baby awakes
But little Lord Jesus,
No crying He makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus!
Look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle
Till morning is nigh.
(Shepherds arrive at the manger.
They stand at a little distance, gazing in awe.)