/ /f(H CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY THE Joseph Whitmore Barry dramatic library THE GIFT OF TWO FRIENDS OF Cornell University ^934 Cornell University Library PR 4809.H18B4 1902a Bethlehem; a nativity play, by Laurence Ho 3 1924 013 485 572 The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924013485572 BETHLEHEM •Th§?y^o BETHLEHEM A NATIVITY PLAY BY LAURENCE IJOUSMAN PERFORMED WIT*?! MUSIC BY JOSEPH MOORAT UNDER THE STAGE-DIRECTION OF EDWARD GORDON CRAIG DECEMBER MCMII NefD gotfe THE MACMILLAN COMPANY LONDON : MACMILLAN AND CO., Ltd. 1902 AU rights rtstrvtd Copyright, 1902, By the MACMILLAN COMPANY. Set up and electrotyped December, 1902. J. S. Ctuhing & Co. — Berwick ft Smith Norwood Mail. U.8.A. ACT I ACT I Chorus enters and speaks before the curtain Ye Gentles, that come here to watch our play, Put, we beseech you, thought of us away ! No standing here have we : in heart we kneel, With, at our hearts, this prayer, — that ye may feel How in Love's hands time is a little thing ! And so shall Love to-night your senses bring Back to the hills of Bethlehem, the fold Where shepherds watched their sheep, where angels told Of peace, goodwill to men, in Christ new-bom, By whom, from Virgin Birth, our flesh goes worn. Also, if we may guide you, ye shall see The manger where in great humility 3 4 BETHLEHEM Lieth that Babe, the Maker of us all, By Mary's side, amid the beasts in stall. And ye shall see the coming of the Kings, Led by a star; and Gabriel that brings Unto St. Joseph in a dream by night Word of King Herod's fear, and counsels flight. So, lastly, ye shall see them rise and go. And the place vacant left. Yet ye shall know That Love remains, and that Faith sees it so. So, have ye hope ! let Time your trust increase ! Hark, I hear music ! Christmas comes ; 'tis peace ! Pastoral music : a shepherd's voice is heard 'The world is old, to-night, The world is old; The stars around the fold A NATIVITY PLAY S Do show their light, do show their light. And so they did, and so A thousand years ago. And so will do, dear love, when you lie cold.' \The curtain opens, and discloses a bare field with a scarp of rock to the right: in the background are low hills covered with snow. To the left lies a fold surrounded by high wattles. Under shelter of the rock six shepherds are gathered : overhead, with his feet hanging over the ledge, a boy wrapped in a sheepskin sits to keep watch, and at intervals give the watcher's cry. Young Shepherd {sings') The world is still, to-night, The world is still : 6 BETHLEHEM The snow on vale and hill Like wool lies white, like wool lies white. And so it was, and so A thousand years ago, And so will be, good lads, when we lack will. Watcher Ay-oh, ay-oh, ay-oh 1 1ST Shepherd There be good fairies up in air to-night : Come ere a frost so mild with stars so bright? The wind has shut itself in-door again. And all the air be saft like a'ter rain. Watcher Ay-oh, ay-oh, ay-oh ! A NATIVITY PLAY 7 2ND Shepherd (rising) The sheep be quiet; the dogs have nought to do; The lambs come kind; there haven't been a ewe Lost, nor a still one bom, this moon, there an't : A thing I can't remember, nor I can't Since I've been shepherd : — that's nigh forty year. 3RD Shepherd Well, well! 4TH Shepherd What star be that'n out yonder there? It's been a-coming on, night a'ter night, This long time back, but never looked so bright As 'a do now. 8 BETHLEHEM Watcher Ay-oh, ay-oh, ay-oh ! 4TH Shepherd D'you think stars have a way Of coming out like, special, when they got summat to say? I've often wondered how it is they are : You never seem to get no nearer to a star, — Walk after 'em a mile they still seem just as far. 3RD Shepherd 'Tis as God made 'em. Like as they were geese, Go a'ter 'em, and they turns tail and flees j A NATIVITY PLAY 9 Then you go back, and back they come at you ! So as God made 'em's what they got to do. 1ST Shepherd Aye, I don't doubt the stars lays facts to mind. There's them as say men's names be marked and signed, — Writ in the roof up there, for proof that God's behind. Watcher Ay-oh, ay-oh, ay-oh ! STH Shepherd You think a star knows what it's all about, A-blazing for? BETHLEHEM 1ST Shepherd I haven't got a doubt He does! That star — now don't tell me no more. You think he don't know what he's shining for ! Look at him jerking and working, and a-winking and a-blinking : — Well, — that's him thinking. 3RD Shepherd Well, if he thinks the things God sets him to. Like we poor men, he's got enough to do ! Watcher Ay-oh, ay-oh, ay-oh ! A NATIVITY PLAY il 4TH Shepherd There's old blind Abe a-looking ! Don't he seem As if he saw it? 2ND Shepherd Aye ! he likes to dream He's won his sight back, tho' it's been twelve year gone. Abe, what d'you think you've got your eye upon? Abel A good sight ! aye, and a sight as you can't see So well as I. The thought just come to me. While all of you sat talking by my side, Like to the word the prophet prophesied ; — 12 BETHLEHEM And while you talked, the thought o' it kep' me dumb : — Shiloh, thinks I, — will I see Shiloh come? And all at once these words were in my head, — What he, — the man whose eyes were open — said Aforetime, ' I shall see him ; — but not now ! ' Says he, ' I shall behold him ; — but not nigh : Out of Jacob there shall come forth a star, And a Sceptre in Israel shall be raised high.' So he bare witness of things seen afar. And that being told so many years ago. Yet still to come, do surely seem to show How we be likelier to behold that star Than he who only spoke o' it from afar. And in that day, 'tis told, the dumb shall talk. The old shall leap, and the lame man shall walk, And the bUnd man recover back his sight ! A NATIVITY PLAY 13 3RD Shepherd Well, well, it may be so ! God will do right. 1ST Shepherd May we be there to see when that day shows : What it can do for such as we — God knows ! Watcher Ay-oh ! . . . \Breaks off suddenly, leaps down from the rock, and seizing ist Shepherd, points terror- stricken. A sound of wind is heard. 1ST Shepherd Why ! who be yon fine gentleman in white Stepping across the sheepfolds to the right? 14 BETHLEHEM 4TH Shepherd How comes it that his face be lit so bright? 3RD Shepherd The blood pricks in my thumbs; 'Tis like a ghost he comes ! \They huddle fearfully under the rock, crossing themselves. Enter Gabriel {He makes the sign of the cross") Gabriel Let nothing you annoy ! Behold, I bring A NATIVITY PLAY 15 Good tidings of great joy : To you a King This day is bom, to you and all mankind. Even Christ the Lord, to earthly state resigned. 3RD Shepherd Oh Lord, oh Lord ! was ever the like heard tell. Abel Hold ye your peace, neighbours ! he speaks us well. Gabriel And of that same Let this be for a sign. In Bethlehem i6 BETHLEHEM Cradled amid the kine, A Babe in swaddling bands ye there shall find. 4TH Shepherd Have you no fear? oh, Abel, but you're blind ! Abel Peace, and give/ ear ! New light shines in my mind. Gabriel And as a shepherd he shall feed His flocks, and in his arms shall bear The lambs, and like a father fair The ewes with young shall lead. A NATIVITY PLAY 17 Angels appear Angels Semi-Chorus Semi-Chorus Glory to God In the Highest! Who unto man Now comes nighest, Peace be to earth ! Goodwill to all ! Christ the new birth Redeems man's fall. Gabriel Ye holy and humble men of fearful heart, Be not afraid with these to take your part. To-night God gives you sight; then be not blind. Behold with us the high celestial mind. Ye also with one voice must here rejoice ! l8 BETHLEHEM 1ST Shepherd We be poor mortals ! Here's all Heaven in sight ! Gabriel The Heavens themselves are joined with earth to-night. Fear not, but rise, Mercy and Truth are met; And Righteousness on Peace her seal hath set. Stand and be strong. Ye, too, shall share our song ! Semi-Chorus Glory to God ; on earth, peace, goodwill ! He smites with His rod, and the waters are still; He maketh it bud for the evil and good, He lifts the low valley and bends the high hUl. A NATIVITY PLAY 19 Thou Christ art the Rod, and Thy reign shall be peace ! At the power of Thy nod, all warfare shall cease. The desert shall blossom and be as the rose. When the healing of nations from Bethlehem flows. Chorus and Semi-Chorus In the Highest ! Now comes nighest, Goodwill to all! Redeems man's fall. \_The Angels disappear. Glory to God Who mito man Peace be to earth ! Christ the new birth 4TH Shepherd Sir, have we dreamed this? BETHLEHEM Gabriel Let your own hearts tell ! Do dreams bequeath such joy? Your bosoms swell, Your faces glow, your eyes are full of cheer ! Why are they so? Irately you had great fear. And stood as huddled flocks before a storm ; Have dreams then made you warm? 4TH Shepherd Oh, Sir, 'tis true. Yet scarcely do I know what next to do. 2ND Shepherd You come wi' me, lad ! come along o' me ! We'll all be off to Bethlehem, and see A NATIVITY PLAY 21 What they be doing there ! Lord, Lord, I doubt Whether I'll know to find me way about With such high things a-happening ! Sir, you see There ain't much show about the likes o' we, But what I say's — if this be true — well, well, 'Tis the best news that ever I heard tell ! 1ST Shepherd And the best fortune any on us has had ! Lord, though, but don't it make an old heart glad ! Christ bom? You say it is so, Sir? So be it! Thank God that we should be alive to see it ! Abel Be He at Bethlehem? 22 BETHLEHEM Gabriel Aye, there go ye ! While ye so fare, your folds shall guarded bej Round them even now stand those ye do not see. Go ye in peace ! Shepherds We thank you kindly. Sir. Shepherds {sing) Now we will go, now we will go. The way we know to Bethlehem; That they may show, and we may know, 'Tis even so as you proclaim. And we will take the bread we bake, The wine we make as gifts to them. A NATIVITY PLAY 23 And milk and cheese, and on our knees Will offer these at Bethlehem. And He shall know we love Him so, But cannot show a better way Of service dear, and loving cheer. Than we do here on Christmas Day. \Exeuiit several of the Shepherds. 4TH Shepherd Sir, do you think that I might make so bold As offer Him a young lamb from the fold? 'Twas the first dropped this lambing time ; maybe He'll take it kindly from the likes o' we. We being simple shepherds, Gabriel Simple? Yes! 24 BETHLEHEM Would God, all minds had this same simpleness ! Take Him what gifts ye will ! To-night on earth All's peace to greet Christ's birth. \IIe makes the sign of the cross on them, and turns away. 5TH Shepherd Noticed you that? He made the shepherd's sign : 'a did it pat ! Shepherds {without) Come on, lads, come ! 4TH Shepherd Good-night, Sir. A NATIVITY PLAY 25 Gabriel Peace befall You and your ways ! Good-night, friend ; good- night, all. \_Exeunt Shepherds. Shepherds {in the distance singing) And we will go, and we will go. The way we know to Bethlehem; That Love may show, and we may know, 'Tis even so as you proclaim. [ With the song of the shepherds blends faintly the singing of angels and swells till the song of the Kings is heard. Gabriel has covered himself with a shepherd's cloak and stands leaning on a shepherd's crook by the rock overlooking the fold. A light begins steadily to increase and flood the stage. Enter 25 BETHLEHEM presently the Angel of the Star. As he crosses the stage, bearing the Star in his hands, Gabriel kneels down in reverence. The Angel of the Star departs by the road to Bethlehem. Enter the Kings {they advance singing) 1ST King Hear me, O King of Kings, And give me my desire ! 2ND King Hive me beneath Thy wings, And guide my feet with fire ! A NATIVITY PLAY 27 3RD King Unto that Holy Mount, Where forth from Thee goes Light. All Whence springs a Living Fount To wash the whole world white. \The Kings descend and advance to the front of the stage. During what follows their trains pass in silence upon the way to Bethlehem, led by the Star whose light is still seen diminishing. Gabriel Peace be with you, and hail ! 28 BETHLEHEM Where go ye this fair night, Travellers, and what seek ye? 1ST King We seek from the hill the vale, And from the vale the hill. 2ND King From the ends of the morning, rest; And from the East the West. 3RD King In the darkness we seek fire. And out of dreams the heart's desire ! A NATIVITY PLAY 29 And, if to-day we fail, To-morrow we seek it still. Gabriel Are ye not weary, seeking so? Are ye not laden with care? 1ST King We are not weary. If our feet be slow, 'Tis with the burden of the Love we bear. It is our longing for the Light we seek Which makes us weak. Gabriel What is the longing of each one? 30 BETHLEHEM 3RD King Melchior, wilt thou first speak? 2ND King Too slow my footsteps move For the goal I seek to prove. My body is a waste, Through which my soul doth haste, Famished until it taste Its nameless new desire ! A flame my spirit owns. Ashes are all my bones, Love lights in me such fire ! I thirst ! my throat is dried ! I ask ; — am still denied ! Cry to be satisfied : A NATIVITY PLAY 31 Yet only as Love will. Now, if He come not first, Not death, but ease were worst j — Let me die, thirsting still ! Gabriel And you? 3RD King I have such Love ! Beauty, I know not of Hath laid on me the vision of its Light. When that Light shines, earth's ends Therein shall all be friends : They shall not hurt nor kill, but on the height Named Holy shall be peace. 32 BETHLEHEM Then shall all warfare cease, And every king his crown Shall at the cradle of a new-born Babe lay down. Gabriel And thou, that standest last. Say what desire thou hast? 1ST King For Earth's waiting to be done ; For God to send His Son, Godhead and man made one ! That creation, wrought afresh. May be finished and made whole; That the Word may become Flesh, And earth receive her soul ! A NATIVITY PLAY 33 Pray we for this, Seeing well how good it is. Gabriel Behold, this night shall bring you to your bliss. 3RD King Whence comes thy knowledge to make hope so near? Gabriel Oh, let your ears be opened till they hear ! Open your eyes, and mark with fearless sight The throng of thanksgiving which fills this night: Nor walks on heaven alone, but earth as well ! Sound in sweet tone, celestial choirs, and tell ! 34 BETHLEHEM Angels {appearing) Glory to God In the Highest ! Who unto man Now comes nighest ! Peace be to earth ! Goodwill to all ! Christ the new birth Redeems man's fall ! 1ST King Oh, ye blest sounds, be as the air we breathe 1 2ND King Oh, fair things seen, your light to us bequeath. 3RD King And if there be an ending to our quest, Show, now, where lies our rest ! A NATIVITY PLAY 35 Gabriel Oh, Kings, your quest is ended now; earth joins To greet her Lord, in Heaven's exultant strains. Righteousness is the girdle of His loins. And faithfulness the girdle of His reins. The Spirit of God shall rest on Him, of might, Of wisdom, and of counsel, and of fear : He shall not judge according unto sight. Neither reprove by the hearing of His ear: But by His righteousness shall He do right. And with His equity the meek repay. Out of His mouth a rod the earth shall smite ; And by His breath the wicked He shall slay. The wolf shall make his dwelling in the fold, The leopard and the kid together play. The young lion with the fatling : and behold A Little Child shall lead them in the way ! 36 BETHLEHEM Then like the ox the lion shall eat straw, The calf and the young bear be in one pen ; The suckling from his hole the asp shall draw, And the weaned child play by the adder's den. They shall not hurt in all my Holy Hill Nor shall there any more destruction be : The knowledge of the Lord the earth shall fill, Even as the water covereth the sea. And He shall raise His people from their sin. This is the way of Life : walk ye therein ! \A vision of a Young Child appears. 1ST King Where shall we find Him? when throw off our load? A NATIVITY PLAY 37 Gabriel In Bethlehem Peace makes His fair abode. Yonder His star still lights you to your road. \_The Kings depart. Gabriel makes the sign of blessing, and is taken up into Heaven. ACT II ACT II [7%i? inn-stable at Bethlehem. An open court, sur- rounded on three sides by cattle-sheds with thatched roofs. In the centre stands a ' cradle' for fodder, above which hangs a canopy rudely constructed of a cloak thrown over a traveller's staff thrust into the eaves of the thatch, from which also hangs a small lantern. Above the roof shows a clear starlit sky. At the back of the stable to the right is a door opening to the street : to the left a cave in a wall of rock, shut off by a large grille, behind which the beasts are stalled. Mary reclines in the ' cradle,' with the child concealed beneath her robe. Joseph sits near by to the left. His shoes lie near 41 42 BETHLEHEM him, together with lantern, water-skins, and saddle packs. He bends over a scroll of parchment. Without voices are heard singing. 'Noel, Noel, Noel,' Sang the church bell; 'God's in His Heaven, This know well ! ' 'Noel, Noel, Noel,' Ding, dong-bell, 'God from High Heaven Comes on earth to dwell.' 'Noel, Noel, Noel,' Bells ring on earth, 'Come and know well This bright Birth ! ' A NATIVITY PLAY 43 Joseph (rising and advancing to the cradle) Sleepest thou, Mary? Mary I sleep not, I pray ! Behold, on me my Lord His Head doth lay. Look how in sleep He takes a mortal's rest : See where His Hand is laid upon my breast ! Joseph Mary, I dread to see ! Mary Nay, come more near; But wake Him not ! 44 BETHLEHEM Joseph Alas ! I have such fear. Mary I, too : my soul is glad through very dread While in this chamber God doth make His bed : For now our eyes behold the glorious Birth Which shall uplift again low-fallen earth. Here, where He rests, amid these hollowed rocks, I hear the world's heart move in joyful shocks. The pulsing of her rivers and her springs : I feel the air beat with the throb of wings : And farther up, amid the heavenly maze. The stars and planets with adoring gaze Look down and say, ' O maid with favour stored How com'st thou to be Mother of our Lord?' A NATIVITY PLAY 45 What can I answer, I? Let Gabriel Speak to those heavenly questioners, and tell How by the Holy Ghost this came to be ; How power from the Highest o'ershadowed me. Till in my heart God came Himself to lie, Perfect fulfilment of all prophecy. Naught may I know save this : His handmaid I. Voices ' Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum ! benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Jesus.' \_A knocking is heard, and a sound of pastoral music. Joseph, crossing before the crib, makes a reverence. He goes to the door. 46 BETHLEHEM Joseph Who knocks ? Shepherd {withoui) A friend: we be all friendly men: We be the shepherds. Joseph Come in, shepherds, then : Here's welcome waiting you ! Behold and bless The peace within your gates, the plenteousness ! The Shepherds enter. As they come within sight of the crib they draw their hats over their faces and down to their breasts. They dip A NATIVITY PLAY 47 their fingers in a water-stoup, cross themselves, and kneel. Mary makes the sign of the cross to them in greeting. 1ST Shepherd Mother of God, welcome to Bethlehem. Mary Shepherds of Israel, welcome to Christ's Birth. Omnes Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee ! Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb — Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and in the hour of our death. Amen. 48 BETHLEHEM Mary Behold the handmaid of the Lord ! So as His Word hath His Way been; Now Earth to Heaven doth room afford; The Godhead veiled in flesh is seen. Come and adore, in form of man, The Word that was ere worlds began. \She raises herself, and sits with her mantle still covering the Holy Child. Omnes Mother Mary, hail ! And of thy Grace, Lift away the veil That hides God's face ! A NATIVITY PLAY 49 Here God lies For a short space. Mary, Mother wise, Show us God's face ! Mary, all the lands, Mary, all the seas. Gather in thy hands To thy dear knees ! Mary, maiden white, Mother pure within. Show to mortal sight Love that cures sin ! 1ST Shepherd Mother Mary, may we see God? 50 BETHLEHEM Mary Stand near in faith, behold. Be comforted by Him ! Here, shepherds, is your fold. Abel Lady, I cannot see; mine eyes are dim. Maky Come near, in faith : come near ! Thou shalt win sight. Doubt not : have thou no fear ! Abel Lady, mine eyes be healed and full of light ! A NATIVITY PLAY 51 Mary Even so, even so, Let Earth perceive and know ! [Joseph aiding, Mary lifts her mantle, and reveals Christ to them. They all kneel and bow themselves. 1ST Shepherd Son of God, shine on us ! 2ND Shepherd Lamb of God, look on us ! 3RD Shepherd Shepherd of men, set Thy sign on us ! S2 BETHLEHEM 4TH Shepherd And lay Thy yoke on us ! STH Shepherd And we will be thankful. [Mary again covers the Child. 1ST Shepherd Queen, Mother, pardon me who make so bold To speak; but hearts grown full be hard to hold. To-night, as Heaven hath willed, have come thy way Poor folk with meagre speech yet much to say. So, if word lack, let thine own wisdom fill : And — give me countenance, — I'll not speak ill. Dear Mother, pray for us ! Foolish we be. Untaught and rude : but what we see we see, A NATIVITY PLAY 53 And what we hear we hear; to what's above Our heads we bow : and what we love we love ! And, loving thee since our first entrance in, Do thereby more love God, and more hate sin; And of all lips would have thy lips to pray Pardon for us and peace to seek His way. Fair Mother, we have old men here among, As thou may'st see ; and thou, we see, art young : Yet the name 'Mother' runneth to the tongue That seeks a name for thee. May we not aU Thee as our Lady and our Mother call, For thy Son's sake? Mary Amen. So, shepherds, do ! Call as love bids you, and I'll answer you. \The Shepherds now advance and present their offerings. 54 BETHLEHEM 1ST Shepherd Mother, I have laid bread here at thy feet. For thy Son's sake, I pray thee take and eat ! 2ND Shepherd Mother, I bring thee milk. 3RD Shepherd I bring thee cheese. 4TH Shepherd I have brought nuts. Strengthen His teeth on these, When they begin to pair. A NATIVITY PLAY 55 STH Shepherd Also here's wine, Good for a festal, or when frost bites fine. Also my cloak is thine. 6th Shepherd Dear Mother, for God's sake, Wilt thou, I prithee, take This firstling from the fold? It is so beautiful, And thereto hath warm wool To ward one from the cold. Take it, then, to thy lap Beside thy Son : It may keep warm, mayhap, The Blessed One. S6 BETHLEHEM Mary It shall keep warm my heart, shepherd, to thee. 7TH Shepherd Mother, my empty hands do me a wrong: No gift have I, but in my lips a song Such as we shepherds sing. Mary Such songs are best. To-night your lips shall lull the Shepherd's King To rest. 7TH Shepherd The world is old to-night {sings), The world is old: A NATIVITY PLAY 57 The stars around the fold Do show their Ught. And so they did, and so, A thousand years ago. And so will do, dear Love, when you lie cold. (Speaks^ Nay, nay, but I can sing no more thereof; I had forgot the sadness of the end ! Mary Thou hast but prophesied how men shall scoff Even at Love, my friend. \Knocking is heard. Joseph Ho, there without! Who knocks? Come ye in peace? S8 BETHLEHEM Kjngs (without) Kings, seeking it, we come ! Joseph Here enter, and find ease ! The Kings enter, and advance kneeling three times. isr King Blessed be God ! Omnes Blessed be God ! 2ND King Blessed be His Holy Name ! A NATIVITY PLAY 59 Omnes Blessed be His Holy Name! 3RD King Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man 1 Omnes Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man ! 1ST King Oh, finished quest ! Oh, rest ! 2ND King Oh, Fount, that first Of all hath satisfied my thirst ! 6o BETHLEHEM 3RD King Oh, Light, That brings me sight ! \The Kings approach in turn, and kneel before the cradle. 1ST King Thou Birth Divine, Behold, The earthly sign Of power and kingship, gold, Here in my hands I hold. And offer, to be Thine. 2ND King This frankincense Let be A NATIVITY PLAY 6i A symbol whence All men may leam to see How veiled a mystery Defeats man's sense where Godhead deigns to be. 3RD King Oh, Comforter of souls, I bring thee m3Trh. When grief my heart controls And darkness round me rolls. Sweet Saviour, be Thou near ! The Three Kings Thanksgiving, Praise, and Prayer, Three offerings meet, We lay in equal share Before Christ's feet. 62 BETHLEHEM Mary Your welcome gifts, Proffered in love, from Earth to Heaven He lifts. The Kings Now see we Love on Earth His throne ! All we have known. Or hoped to gain, Was this alone — That He might reign. Omnes That He might reign ! Oh, welcome Birth ! let all adore The Christ made Man for evermore. A NATIVITY PLAY 63 The Shepherds 'Tis Christmas morn, Come ye, and bow the knee ! Lo, here we see The perfect Man is bom. Chorus (/« alternate parts, Kings and Shepherds) For this fair Birth (Which now we see) Shows forth God's worth (Then sing we merrily !) And makes glad earth. And brings man mirth (So sing we merrily this fair Birth !) 64 BETHLEHEM The Kings 'Tis Christmas Day, Oh pray, — put off your sins ! This day begins For man the perfect way. Chorus {as before) For this fair Birth, etc. [During this song the attendants of the Kings creep softly in and kneel in an outer ring under shadow of the sheds. Omnes Mother Mary, give us thy Son's Blessing. \All kneel. A NATIVITY PLAY 65 {TTiey sing) Mary, Gate of Day, Lend thine intercession ! Holy Mother May, Pray for my transgression ! Ere He yet touched Earth, He did first touch thee ; Through thy perfect worth God reached down for me. Mary. \Rises and stands in the cradle under shadow of the canopy, displaying the child in her breast, still partly covered by her veil. Joseph and one of the Shepherds lift and draw back the ends of her long robe. The word expressed In Flesh hath comej 66 BETHLEHEM Against my breast The Voice lies dumb, That shall be of all prophecies the sum. Oh, Thou dread Voice Of Heaven's decree, Who madest choice To dwell with me. Now through my lips, this once, let utterance be ! My Peace I leave, My Peace I give : All that receive The same shall live; And tribute hearts win joy retributive. The Cup I bless, The Bread I break, Is Righteousness ! A NATIVITY PLAY 67 Draw near and take ! Eat, drink, and hold remembrance for Love's sake ! The peace of Peace, Outpassing sense, Give your minds ease When ye go hence. Love, peace, and pardon be your recompense. Omnes Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee ! Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb — Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and in the hour of our death. Amen. Mary Kings from far countries have ye come to see A King whose reign shall make all kingdoms free. 68 BETHLEHEM Low at His feet your crowns ye cast to ground; From this day forward ye shall go more crowned j For, named hereafter, ye shall be named wise, Seeing that in Heaven ye watched Christ's star arise. Great kings ye came : but much more great ye go. Who to His state have bowed yourselves so low. And you, dear Shepherds, to your settled folds Return, and father your sweet flocks to rest ! Though Heavenly signs depart, Heaven's purpose holds Where Earth's Redemption slumbers at my breast. Look where He lies ! Kiss ye His feet, and go ! Your Shepherd He : whose sheep are ye, I know. \Now, as she speaks, one by one they advance and do homage, and reiurfi to their places. When mothers teach to babes their mother-tongue. This tale shall first be told — A NATIVITY PLAY 69 How to His birth ye came in days of old, While starlight led and seraph-voices sung. So, in that story, shall your names stay young. Farewell ; give thanks for this ! Ye to Christ's fold Are come. Take all the bliss that hearts on earth may hold ! \_AU kneel in silence. The starlight fades and the stage darkens: only the light of the lantern remains. One by one Shepherds and Kings rise, make a reverence toward the crib, cross themselves, and depart. Joseph closes the door after them. He lets down the curtains of the canopy over the sleeping Mother and Child, lays by the offerings of the Shepherds and Kings, and sinks down wearily to rest. In the JO BETHLEHEM surrounding darkness appear the faces of angels watching. They disappear after Gabriel has spoken to Joseph. Outside the Shepherds and Kings are heard sing- ing till their voices die away in the distance. Shepherds and Kings (without) I heard on Christmas night The loud bells ringing: 'New Life and Light Christ comes bringing ! ' Chorus Oh, that is true, is true^ And better could not be ! So God bless you ! And God bless me ! A NATIVITY PLAY 71 I heard on Christmas night The glad news pealing : 'Christ to human sight Now gives healing ! ' Oh, that is true, is true, And better could not be ! So God bless you ! And God bless me ! I heard on Christmas night The High Heavens telling : 'Christ who left His height, On earth finds dwelling ! ' Oh, that is true, is true. And better could not be ! So God bless you ! And God bless me ! 72 BETHLEHEM From Mary, Queen of Might, Comes down sweet saying: 'I hear, on Christmas night, All poor hearts praying ! ' Oh, that is true, is true, And better could not be ! So God bless you ! And God bless me ! Enter Gabriel Gabriel Servant of God, sleep not, awake ! Saddle the ass ere dawn of day; The Mother, and the young Child take Whom Herod seeketh now to slay. A NATIVITY PLAY 73 Get thee hence ere the wakening bird Hath sung : to Egypt win thy way : There, till I come and bring thee word, Shalt thou in hiding stay. As thou hast heard, make haste, obey ! \Exit. Joseph lies heavy with sleep: he stirs slowly and, with great pain, rising, goes and kneels where the angel has stood. Then he goes to the stable and makes ready, opening doors beyond which lead on to the street; then returning he rouses Mary from sleep. Joseph Mary, arise; hence must we go Even before the dawn of day. Mary It is God's will? 74 BETHLEHEM Joseph 'Tis even so : His angel's word. Mary Which we obey. \They go out to the stable, whence presently the sound of hoofs is heard as they pass forth. Voices of Cabol-Singers {without) God rest you, merry gentlemen, Let nothing you dismay! Because that Jesus Christ our Lord Is born on Christmas Day ! A NATIVITY PLAY 75 \Bells are heard, and dawn begins to show. A Stableman stumbles in heavy with sleep and carrying a lantern. He looks round sur- prised to find the place empty. Then on the ground he discovers three gold coins lying. He kneels before the empty crib. [Curtain] Enter Chorus Chorus O maid and Holy Child, where have ye gone? Lost are the voices : sets the Star that shone : Back to their folds have gone the shepherd-band : Each king is now returned to his own land. Love is gone forth into the world, to win Saints to their rest, and sinners back from sin. 76 BETHLEHEM Gentles, O ye that here have watched our play, Tell me, I pray you, did He pass your way? Say, have ye Him, safe, each one in his breast? Oh, hold Him well ! So shall we all have rest. The Grace of Jesus Christ, who is our Lord, The Love of God, the Holy Ghost's accord, Be with us all ! And Heaven be our reward ! Amen. THE QUEST OF HAPPINESS A Study of Victory over Lite's Troubles By the Rev. NEWELL DWIQHT HILLIS Pastor of the Plymouth Church, Brooklyn ; Author of " The Influence of Christ in Modern Life," etc., etc. Cloth lamo $1.50 net Dr. HiUis has divided his work into seventeen chapters bear- ing on Happiness in its Relation to Personal Growth, Success, and Influence, and the Victory over Trouble and Suffering. He has an interesting chapter on the Inequalities of Happiness by reason of the Inequalities of Gifts more Apparent than Real, He discusses the problem of Work and Occupation, the Sense of Sympathy with an Enthusiasm for One's Fellows, Happiness through Conversation and the Cultivation of the Social Life, and the Friendship of Books, and the Fellowship vrith Nature through the Imagination. The titles of some of the more important chapters give a very good index to the scope of the book. They are, The Eternal Helps to Happiness — Money, Travel, Exercise, and Amuse- ments ; Three Arch Enemies to Happiness — Fear, Debt, and Worry ; The Art of Irritating Men and the Diffusion of Unhap- piness ; The Prisoners of Hope and the Great Men who have been Victors over Life's Troubles ; Social Happiness and the Redemption of Society through Tools and Machinery ; The Increase of Happiness through the New Art Movement and the Diffusion of the Beautiful ; Happiness and the Religious Prob- lem : Does God Care for Men ? The Depression of Great Men and their Victory also ; A Plea for the Best that Glimmers through the Worst ; Happiness and the Unity of Life Here and Hereafter. THE MACMILLAN COMPANY 66 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK THE HOLY LAND Pictured in Color By JOHN FULLEYLOVE, R.I. Described by the Rev. John Kelman, M.A. Containing up- wards of 70 full-page illustrations reproduced in the colors of the original paintings. Cloth 8vo $6.00 net The book is in three parts, of which the first is geographical, and the second historical. These, however, are in no sense scientific studies of the geography or the history of Palestine ; they are only the record of such impressions of these as any inexpert but open-eyed traveller to-day may receive, and they lead up to the third part, whose subject is "The Spirit of Syria," THE LIFE OF CHRIST AS REPRE- SENTED IN ART By FREDERIC W. FARRAR, D.D., F.R.S. Late Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge; Archdeacon and Canon of Westminster; Chaplain in Ordinary to the Queen and to the House of CommonSi With numerous illustrations and frontispiece. New and cheaper edition. 8vo Cloth Qilt Top $3.50 " The Ufe of Christ, as told by the chief artists of all time in their most striking works, is here most effectively arranged with a luminous and edifying commentary text by a writer thoroughly prepared for his task. ... It is a book delightful to read. The illustrations cover a large field of the most important art- activity of mediaeval and modern times." — The Independent. THE MACMILLAN COMPANY 66 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK