ZACH. (_sleepily_). Messias! eh? Messias? Why ... they ... said ... ’Twas dreams ... all dreams. [_She shakes him._ Why ... what is this?... my head ... Is heavy ... let me sleep.... [_Rolls over a little._ Ah! let me sleep.... And dream Messias’ coming ... lest ... He ... weep ... To find no welcome. MAR. (_rapidly_). Abel, here— [_He is sobbing._ Don’t cry.... Quick, boy, I tell you ... lest the old man die. [_Together they lift him slowly, first up to tree, then on his feet. He clings to them. They move about; finally he sits down on stump, and begins to recover himself._ ZACH. (_rubbing eyes_). Why, ’tis but children! And I thought that He Had sent His angels down to succour me, And bring me tidings that His Christ was here. [_Looks round, then drops his head._ No, dreams! All dreams it is. [MARTHA _takes him by arm_. MAR. Sir! can you hear Me speak, good father? Can you see me plain? [_He looks at her; recovers further._ ZACH. Why, yes.... I heard you singing. Sing again That which you sang. [_Releases his arm._ Nay, nay, child, let me go! I’m well awake enough. ’Twas but the snow Bewildered me. What was that song so sweet I heard so plain? [MARTHA _comes a little forward, smiling shyly_. MAR. Sir, to beguile our feet We sang a carol, made—Oh! long ago, Of times when God walked once with men below In Eden’s garden; whence all woe began From Satan’s tempting and the sin of man. That was the little song you heard so plain As we were coming. ZACH. Sing the song again. [MARTHA _and_ ABEL _stand side by side_ (R.). MAR. AND ABEL. The Lord at first had Adam made Out of the dust and clay, And in his nostrils breathed life, E’en as the Scriptures say. And then in Eden’s Paradise He placed him to dwell, That he within it should remain To dress and keep it well. [_They turn to_ ZACH. ZACH. Why— [_Chorus suddenly begins from behind scene. Children are terrified._ ZACH. _stands up, frightened. They cling to him. During the singing they recover themselves a little. They look about, standing all together_ (R.) _facing_ (L.). ABEL _leaves the others and begins to move across stage, looking in all directions_. INVISIBLE CHORUS.