When I view the Mother holding[9] In her arms the heavenly boy, Thousand blissful thoughts unfolding Melt my heart with sweetest joy. With her babe the hours beguiling, Mary’s soul in transport lives. God her Son upon her smiling, Thousand kisses fondly gives. As the sun his radiance flinging Shines upon the bright expanse, So the Child to Mary clinging Doth her gentle heart entrance. See the Virgin Mother bearing [_Enter_ SHEPHERDS, _followed by_ DAV. _These fall on their knees_, ZACH. _and_ DAV. _together; and remain till end of singing_. ZACH. _is nearest audience, then_ DAV., _then_ EZRA, _then_ BEN-EZRA. Jesus by her arms embraced, Dew on softest roses gleaming, Violet with lily chaste. Each round other fondly twining, Pours the shafts of mutual love, Thick as flowers in meadow shining, Countless as the stars above. Oh! may one such arrow glowing, Sweetest Child which Thou dost dart Through Thy mother’s bosom going, Blessed Jesus, pierce my heart.... [_Music continues softly until_ MARY _rises. If possible, the music should be played on the violin only, which the_ ANGEL _holds. The air is that of the preceding Carol._ ZACH. (_stretching out his arms_). Did I not tell you so? Oh! see Him lie! Dimittis nunc in pace, Domine Me servum tuum. UZZ. (_pointing_). See the angels great About the manger where He lies in state. Secundum verbum tuum, oculi Mei viderunt, quod præparasti Hoc tuum salutare. BEN. (_pointing_). See the maid And mother undefiled, where He is laid, To worship Him. Ostende hunc fructum Ventris tui post hoc exsilium! [JOSEPH _rises. Then_ MARY _lifts the_ CHILD, _all others fall on their knees; and all the_ ANGELS. _All remain absolutely still. Then, if this Scene is the last, she brings the_ CHILD _to the front of the stage. Music stops. She lifts the_ CHILD _as high as she can_. MARY. Magnificat anima mea Dominum. [_With the_ CHILD _she makes the sign of the Cross over the audience_. CURTAIN. [Illustration] [Illustration: _Mary—Magnificat anima mea Dominum_—] [Illustration: _Adeste Fideles:_—] SCENE V _The Epiphany._ _Handel’s “Largo” is played before curtain rises._ [_If this Scene is acted, in previous Scene_ JOSEPH _does not cense the manger; and_ MARY _does not come to front with_ CHILD. _She only lifts_ CHILD, _says the words set down. After which Curtain descends._ _Before Curtain rises the first verse of the following carol is sung._