ZACH. (_slowly_). Aye. Joseph and Mary; Joseph and Mary. BEN. Well, Uncle, and is that all you have to tell? ZACH. Aye, that is all—save that all Bethlehem Seemed full of glory, all to welcome them. BEN. Why, were the folks without to meet them? ZACH. (_excitedly_). Nay; The folks were snug within. And yet I say ’Twas full of glory. EZ. (_makes soothing gesture_). Uncle, rest awhile; You’re wearied. Well I see that. Mile on mile You’ve trudged to-day. [BEN-EZRA _crosses front to_ (R.) _by edge of shelter_. ZACH. Aye, lad, and more than space I’ve travelled since I looked on Mary’s face. BEN. Nay, uncle; rest awhile. We’ll talk, maybe, Of lighter things.... ZACH. (_ironically_). Of wine and company, And wherewithal we shall be clothed—aye, speak Of all such matters as the Gentiles seek. BEN. Nay, we will talk of sheep, and lambs, and snow; And such things as God sends us here below. ZACH. Aye, then, of Lambs.... Such as was born to-night. [_He strokes bundle._ EZ. Why, very well, if’t please you. ZACH. Such a sight Might teach the simplest!... Have you heard, my son, How that the ancient prophets speak of one Who as a lamb is silent, as a sheep Before his shearers all his peace doth keep? EZ. (_soothingly_). Why, uncle, you’re all ’mazed to-night, it seems. ZACH. Aye, so they told me. Dreams, they told me, dreams! BEN. (_cheerfully_). Well, as for sleep, I’m ready. What say you? [_He stretches and yawns._ [_At this point Angels begin to come in softly one by one behind; take places. Music also—“Nowell”—begins very softly and continues when Angel speaks._ EZ. Uncle, you’re weary. Shall we sleep? ZACH. Aye, do; Sleep you, and I’ll keep watch. The wolf, maybe, Will visit us by dawn.—[_Slowly to left._]—Or if not he, Perchance another Lamb. BEN. (_sitting down_ (R.)). Nay, nay, not so; It is for us to watch. ZACH. I tell you no. Lest when He come, He find me sleeping. Sleep, Ben-Ezra; ’tis for me the watch to keep.