For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.
Enter Gaspar from behind the inn. He comes down center.
Gaspar.
I pray thee, tell me, Lady Bethlehemite,
If any wonders you have seen this night?
Deborah (rises).
I've seen a wondrous silver shaft of light
Come from a star, and blinded is my sight.
Gaspar.
Tell me, for thou art native of this place,
What dost thou know about the King of Grace—
King of the Jews?
Deborah.
Aye, in Jerusalem
He dwells, and not in Bethlehem.
He sits upon his mighty judgment throne,
Cruel and stern, his heart a living stone.
Gaspar.
I mean a new-born King, of love and peace;
His is the star—His reign shall never cease.
Deborah.
All things tonight seem passing strange to me,
I have just read an ancient prophecy
That this, our Bethlehem, King David's town,
Shall be the birthplace, e'er of great renown,
Of one called Councillor of King David's line
Whose coming is foretold in words divine.
And now you come with words of mystery!
(Muses.)
Why should thy questions, which are dark to me,
Cause me to think of Him?
Gaspar.
The star! The star!
No more it moves about the heavens afar,
It standeth still. O, hostess, kneel and pray,
For Jesus Christ, the Lord, is born today!
(Hurries out right.)
Deborah.
His words are fraught with mystery; I'll within
And seek protection in my humble inn.
(Exits right front.)
After a short pause, Melchoir, Gaspar and Baltasar enter from rear right.