(3) _Ecclesiastical Elements._ In early times the Church was the chief supporter of the popular drama. The Church service, including the Mass itself, contains dramatic elements. In the course of time, in order to make the Church services more intelligible and attractive, there grew up a habit of exhibiting “living pictures” illustrating Gospel stories, especially those connected with Easter. As early as the fifth century we have mention of such primitive dramatic entertainments, which were accompanied by the singing of hymns. Such was the origin of the _mystery_. (_b_) THE MYSTERY-PLAY. The mystery was the dramatic representation of some important Biblical theme, such as the Nativity or the Resurrection. There were stock characters, set speeches (usually in doggerel verse), and a rudimentary plot supplied by the Biblical narrative. The mystery was in existence as early as the tenth century. Priests took part in the plays, though it is not certain that they wrote them; and the performances took place in the vicinity of some church. This feature proved so attractive that the mystery developed quite elaborate forms. The mystery-play proper centered around the Crucifixion and the Resurrection, but other themes that grew into favor were those of the Fall, Noah, Daniel, and Lazarus. We add a brief passage from an ancient Cornish mystery. The reader should observe the set speeches of uniform length, the simple style, and the rhymeless stanzas. _Mary Magdalene._ Oh! let us hasten at once, For the stone is raised From the tomb. Lord, how will it be this night, If I know not where goes The head of royalty? _Mary, Mother of James._ And too long we have stayed, My Lord has gone his way Out of the tomb, surely. Alas! my heart is sick; I know not indeed if I shall see him, Who is very God. _Mary Salome._ I know truly, and I believe it, That he is risen up In this day. How long will it be to us now, That we find not our Lord? Alas! woe! woe! [_They sing._ _The Dirge_ Alas! mourning I sing, mourning I call, Our Lord is dead that bought us all. _The Three Maries_ (_c_) THE MIRACLE-PLAY. From the well-developed mystery-play it was but a step to the _miracle-play_. In such plays the theme passed from the Scriptural story to that of the lives of the saints. The plots were much more varied, the characters nearer to human experience, and the style rather more urbane.