ZACH. Son, when I first began To see the couple coming up the height, I had no eyes for him; for all the night [_He makes slow, sweeping gesture._ Seemed full of glory from her face who came So wearily. EZ. Who were they? What her name? ZACH. (_softly_). Her name is Mary; for he told me so. And his is Joseph. [_Discovers bundle by fire; he examines it in silence._ What is this below The mantle? BEN. Nay, ’tis but a lamb. ZACH. You say A lamb? And born to-night? Here far away Down in the snowy world? [_He strokes its head tenderly._ BEN. Why, surely so, ’Twas born but hardly half-an-hour ago! ZACH. And is it without blemish—fit to die [_He speaks impressively._ At God’s own altar? EZ. (_impatiently_). Yes, yes, yes, but why Ask you me that? Nay, tell us of the maid And man you saw to-day. The lamb is laid Content enough. ZACH. Content without its dam? BEN. Why, surely so!... Now, uncle, leave the lamb And tell us what you saw. ZACH. I saw but those I spoke of. Maid and man. BEN. But then, who knows The place they come from, or the place they lie To-night? ZACH. (_indignantly_). Nay, none doth know but God and I, And all the hosts of heaven, and beasts, maybe, That give them shelter! EZ. Why! what mystery You make of nothing, uncle! ZACH. (_still smouldering_). Aye. Or ’tis That you make nothing of great mysteries. BEN. Why, uncle—— ZACH. (_emphatically_). Nay, my son, I tell you this: That when I saw the wondrous maiden fair, I knelt me down; and lo! she blessed me there! [_He spreads out his hands._ EZ. You, uncle! Blessed by her! ZACH. Aye, aye; ’twas so. I think one day that many here below Will envy me for that! Her hands she laid Upon my head, and spoke no words, that maid. EZ. Why, this is folly. ZACH. (_indignantly_). Aye, God’s foolishness, Wiser than all men’s wisdom. [_His tone changes to despondency._ Yes, yes, yes! ’Tis nought but foolishness.... And so we came To Bethlehem. BEN. (_pensively_). And Mary was her name?