BEN. Well, father, do you see him? EZ. (_slowly, with pauses_). No, not I! (_Still looking._) Nought to be seen but snow and starry sky, And that great star that hangs above the town. [_He makes a gesture_ L. BEN. Here is a lamb, new-born. (_He shows it._) EZ. (_without turning_). Well, lay it down. [BEN. _goes to shelter_. An ill night to be born in! Frost and snow, Cold heaven above, and colder earth below. I marvel any tender creature should be born On such a night. BEN. I found it all forlorn, Crying beside its mother. EZ. Lay it by [BEN-EZRA _lays it by fire, wrapped up_. And warm it. [_He suddenly takes step or two to_ L., _relieved_. Here comes Uncle Zachary! [_Enter_ ZACH. _slowly, on stick. All through this scene he speaks rather monotonously, as if bewildered._ Why, uncle, we had given you up for dead! [_Leads him towards shelter._ Now, God be praised who brought you safe. ZACH. I said The same an hour ago. (_He comes towards fire._) EZ. Well, what’s the tale At Bethlehem? ZACH. (_slowly_). Nay, my old ears do fail; For, seems to me, the town was full of song And lights and music as I came along. BEN. Singing and music! Why, good uncle, sure They all rejoice to-night, both rich and poor, To see old friends again. No doubt they sing. We, too, have heard it. Is that anything So strange? ZACH. Nay, nay.... Well, give to me to eat And drink a bit. (_He goes on into shelter._) EZ. Here, uncle, take your seat Beside the fire, and tell us of the way You’ve come along. We’ve heard no news to-day. [ZACH. _sits down, begins to eat. He talks slowly, with long pauses._ EZRA _sits by_ (L.) _edge of shelter, cross-legged. He warms his hands at the fire. While he talks and listens_ BEN-EZRA _keeps walking gently up and down_ (L.), _now and then pausing to listen or speak_. ZACH. First, then, near Rachel’s tomb, I saw three men; And then two children succoured me; and then—— BEN. Succoured you, uncle? Why, what need was there? ZACH. My son, sore need there was; for all the air Turned black and white about me, when those three Left me alone and would not succour me There as I swooned. EZ. Swooned, uncle!