The maid seemed wearied.... And an hour ago Two children; and then afterwards again Some old fool of a shepherd-man; and then None further, till we reached the market-square. TOB. Ah! yes. A mighty company was there Of neighbours, come to see the folk arrive From all the country. [_He begins to walk about uneasily, pensively. There is a long silence. The three eat. Then he suddenly comes back._ As I am alive, I could have sworn that more were there than men. ELIPH. What, women? TOB. Aye, and more. (_He looks darkly._) ELIPH. Well, children, then? TOB. Aye, more than human-kind. [_They stare at him, dropping food._ Once and again, [_He looks at them earnestly, making gestures. Speaking softly_— As I looked out upon the folks, it seemed Something was forward—somewhat—or I dreamed!— Of more than earthly business. For the air Seemed full of singing, runnings to and fro, Then silences again—rushes of sound— Footsteps, it seemed, moved on the frozen ground, As if some company, to come and go Was set, all busy, in the market-square. ELIPH. (_after pause_). Bah! You were dreaming, man! The air was keen, And you were weary.... There was nothing seen? [_He seems a little disturbed._ TOB. No; for I asked my lad if aught were there That he could see—— NAD. Bah! You and your market-square! A dreamer! Like the old man on the hill Who babbled of God’s Love and Justice till I was all wearied—and Messias’ name, Who comes one day, he said. Why, but the same Old tale is past and gone for you and me Since old Isaias babbled prophecy. (_Scornfully._) “A Virgin shall conceive,” he said!... CHOIR _softly sings a line or two_— “_A Virgin unspotted, the Prophet foretold, Should bring forth a Saviour whom now we...._” TOB. (_starting_). What is that sound? Do you hear nothing? [_They stare. Clamour breaks out in room_ (L.), _and music stops_. Gone again, and drowned! But you heard nothing? [_Enter_ DAVID (L.) _running, excited. He stops dead._ ELIPH. (_after pause_). Why, the man is mad! Singing and footsteps! What next? Here, you lad, Did you hear aught now? DAV. (_frightened_). Sir, what did you say? ELIPH. (_banging table impatiently_). Did you hear aught just now? From far away A sound of singing?