That’s no affair of mine! I tell you, Go. And find room where you may. Above, below, The place is packed. Be off! Be off, I say! [_Half-closes door, listening._ No; not for such as you. The host’s away, Up in Jerusalem. I’m master here; That’s my last word. [_Bangs door; comes to seat. Knocking. He rises furiously._ Here’s impudence, I swear! [_Opens door once more._ I’ll set the dogs upon you.... I don’t care.... [_Pause._ Yes, to the stable then, with ox and ass. [_Bangs door; returns growling; sits._ NAD. Who were the knaves? ELIPH. That old man and the lass We saw up yonder. UZZ. (_who has been listening intently_). Was there no one more? I could have sworn I heard them at the door— A multitude of footsteps. ELIPH. (_hands trembling, head jerking_). Bah! what stuff! The two were there. No more! And quite enough. [_He drinks. The two stare._ NAD. What ails you, friend? ELIPH. (_furiously_). Ails me! Why— [_Enter_ TOB. _and_ DAV. _hurriedly_ (L.). TOB. Who came then? I swear I heard the music once again. And knocking. Was there no one at the door? [_He hurries across to_ R., _but stops irresolute_. ELIPH. Music? What foolery is this? NAD. (_coolly_). Before You came just now, two folks were here, but now Gone otherwhere to seek for shelter. TOB. How? [_He hastens to door_ (R.), _followed by_ DAV. Gone otherwhere! Why, there’s no room to find In all the place. [_Opens door; looks out. Very faint music, “A Virgin unspotted ...;” it continues down to end of scene._ It surely were unkind To turn a dog away on such a night. (_Turns from door._) Where are they gone? Here, David, bring a light. [DAV. _does so. He looks._ NAD. Nay, they are gone. Here, drink a cup with me. DAV. (_crying out, pointing_). Oh! master, look! TOB. (_looking eagerly_). Eh? eh? What is’t you see? DAV. There master, there! [_The_ THREE MERCHANTS _rise in alarm and stand_ L., _staring_ R. ELIPH. What is it? Speak, I say. TOB. (_staring out_). No. I see nothing!