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So long Thy pow'r hath blest me, sure it still Will lead me on O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till The night is gone, And with the morn those angel faces smile Which I have loved long since, and lost a-while. |
Simeon.
Methought I heard a whir of wings on high.
Timothy.
I see naught save the snow and starry sky.
Isaac.
We've come a long and mighty step today,
From o'er the frosty hills and far away.
Thomas (pointing over the manger).
Look, father, dost thou see that shining star
That seems to stand above the town so far?
'Tis like a wondrous blossom on a stem,
And see, it ever shines o'er Bethlehem!
Timothy.
A brighter star, I'm sure I never saw—
And perfect form, without a speck or flaw.
Simeon.
A stranger star! It never shone before,
It standeth still above that stable door.
Enter Anna and Ruth from rear left. Anna carries a little lamb.
Anna (joining the group).
Look ye, I've found a little lamb new-born.
Timothy.
Poor little beastie! Wrap him well and warm.
Simeon.
An ill night to be born in, frost and snow,
Naught but cold skies above, cold earth below.
I marvel any little creature should be born
On such a night.
Anna.
I found it all forlorn,
Crying beside its mother in the storm.
Simeon (comes down a little to right front).
Hark, I thought I heard a sound of mighty wings!
Listen! Is it the winter sky that sings?
Isaac (with the group at rear center).
Nay, gran'ther, I heard naught. You're old and gray
And weary with the miles you've walked today.
Simeon.
At noon I met a man who tarried in the shade,
He led a mule, and riding it a maid—
A maiden with a face I'll ne'er forget,
A wondrous face, I seem to see it yet
Lit with an inward shining, as if God
Had set a lighted lamp within her soul.
Many have passed all day, but none like these,
And no face have I ever seen like hers.
Timothy.
Belike the man and maid were strangers here,
And come to Bethlehem at the king's command.
Ruth (comes down to Simeon and takes his hand).
Methinks I met that very man and maid—
A maiden with such wondrous dove-like eyes,
I saw them near this place, all tired and worn,
Trudging about the town, seeking an inn.
Simeon.
And did they find one?
Ruth.
Nay, not so!
For every inn was crowded to its doors.
Hard by Deborah's inn there is a little barn,
All full of cattle, oxen, cooing doves—
I showed it to them, and they went therein.
Thomas (standing at rear L. with Anna).
Mother, that star! That wondrous, wondrous light,
(Points up.)
It turns the night to day, it shines so bright
I am afraid! It cannot be that any star,
Only a star, can give so great a light.
It frightens me.
Anna.
All things are strange tonight.
The very sheep are restless in their fold,
They watch the star and do not mind the cold.
Simeon (puts hand to right ear, bends toward right and listens).
Again I heard a singing in the sky!
Timothy.
You heard the tinkling bell of some stray sheep,
The night grows late, come let us all to sleep.
Simeon.
Yea, all ye lie down and take your rest,
I'll keep the watch alone, this night is blest.
(The others recline at the rear.)
Anna (comes to Simeon).
Here, take the little sheep and keep it warm.
(Lies down.)