[_The two settle themselves for sleep._ ZACHARY _remains bolt-upright facing audience, seated. Music continues—a little louder. He starts, then rises softly. Comes out, and sees the angels, and stands aghast. Suddenly lights turned up to the full. Angels all stretch arms up and out._ ZACHARY _falls on his knees. The two others awaken; rush out. Then, to the ordinary plainsong melody of mass_— ANGEL. Gloria in Excelsis Deo. CHORUS (_in simple harmony_). Et in terra pax, hominibus bonæ voluntatis. CURTAIN. [_Immediately after curtain, a piece of music begins and continues till carol._ [Illustration] [Illustration: _Lullay, Thou little tiny Child._—] SCENE IV _Before curtain rises, invisible Chorus sings._[7] Like silver lamps in a distant shrine The stars are sparkling bright, The bells of the City of God ring out, For the Son of Mary was born to-night. The gloom is past, and the morn at last Is coming with orient light. _Curtain rises._ SCENE—_Interior of stable. Back, centre_ (L.), _a manger, with lamp burning in it above_. JOSEPH _and_ MARY _kneeling before it motionless. Rest of stage dark._ MARY _kneels rather in foreground. The_ CHILD _is just visible. Two angels stand throughout at the head and foot of the manger. If possible, one plays a violin, the other a zither._ 3. Now a new Power has come on the earth, A match for the armies of hell, A Child is born who shall conquer the foe, And all the spirits of wickedness quell. For Mary’s Son is the Mighty One Whom the prophets of God foretell. 4.(5.) Faith sees no longer the stable floor, The pavement of sapphire is there; The clear light of Heaven streams out to the world, And angels of God are crowding the air. Heaven and Earth through the spotless Birth Are at peace on this night so fair. [MARY _slightly changes her position_. JOSEPH _lays censer down. Music modulates into Coventry Carol._ Lullay, Thou little tiny Child,[8] By-by, lull-y, lull-lay, Lullay, Thou little tiny Child, By-by, lully, lullay. 2. O sisters too, how may we do For to preserve this day, This poor youngling for whom we sing By-by, lully, lullay.... [_Enter softly_ MARTHA _and_ ABEL, _hand in hand_. ABEL _is holding a toy-horse. They stand motionless, staring. Standing front_ (L.). _They look the whole time at the crib._ 3. (4.) Then woe is me, poor Child for Thee And ever mourn and say For thy parting, nor say nor sing By-by, lully, lullay. MARTHA. Tread softly— [_They advance a step or two._