When Christ was born of Mary free In Bethlehem, that faire citie, Angels sang there, with mirth and glee, In excelsis gloria! _Chorus (repeat)._ In excelsis ... 2. Herdsmen beheld those angels bright, To them appearing with great light, Who said, “God’s Son is born to-night,” In excelsis gloria. [_Chorus._] 3. The King is come to save mankind, As in Scripture truths we find, Therefore this song we have in mind, In excelsis gloria. [_Chorus._] 4. Then, dear Lord, for Thy great grace, Grant us in bliss to see Thy face, That we may sing to Thy solace In excelsis gloria. [_Chorus._] _Then, enter_ ZACHARY (L.); _walking with a stick, carrying a bundle and a lantern. His shoulders are covered with snow. He walks very slowly. In centre of stage he halts, looks about him slowly._ ZACH. Now, God have mercy! I must rest awhile, For mile on weary mile, and mile on mile, I’ve trudged on foot since break of day began, And, sure, I’m but an old and ancient man. [_He goes across to stump, and sits on it slowly, disposing his stick and bundle and lantern. He settles himself deliberately, folding his arms._ Time was, once, long ago, when I would run And leap and swim as good as any one. Aye, aye,—to run a race or climb a wall— Aye, aye,—I’d beat ’em all, I’d beat ’em all. [_Shakes his head reminiscently. Then passes his hands slowly down his knees._ But, sure, I’m stiff, and my poor bones are old, And night is bitter cold—’tis bitter cold.... Yes, yes [_begins to look about him_]. I’ve come a mighty step to-day. Why, but— [_Stands up suddenly, stares out_ (R.), _under hand_. Is that the town so far away? I thought ’twas nearer. But this pesky snow——! At Rachel’s tomb the neighbours bade me go A mile or two.... Yes, yes, they told me so.... [_Sits again heavily._ And now I’m wearied out ... and not so near As I had thought.... (_turns to_ (L.), _stares out_.) God bless me! who comes here? [_Enter_ (L.) ELIPHAZ, NADAB, and UZZIEL, _together, arm-in-arm; richly dressed; muffled up; carrying bundles, walking with sticks_. NAD. _carries a lantern. They come across briskly as they reach stump._ ZACH. _suddenly stands up, pulling his forelock. They start violently apart._ ZACH. Good gentlemen—— ELIPH. Why, murrain take the man For frighting of us so! I never can Abide these rustics. [_He crosses over_ (R.). _Others remain_ (L.). NAD. They’ve no sense, I say, To fright three gentlemen upon their way. See here, old man! (_Lifts stick threateningly._)