[_At this point_ ABEL _reaches_ MARY, _and kneels down before her on his knees, looking, on her right, and_ MARTHA _on her left_, ZACHARY _in centre. During the next verses_, MARY _opens her eyes, sees them, then slowly stretches out her hands on to their heads; each kisses her hand. Then both_ MARY’S _hands on_ ZACHARY’S _head. He takes them both and kisses them. All this very slowly during following verse._ INVISIBLE CHORUS. Then God sent an angel from heaven so high, To certain poor shepherds in fields where they lie, And bade them no longer in sorrow to stay, Because that our Saviour was born on this day. _Chorus._ Aye and therefore ... [_Then_ MARY _is slowly supported by_ JOSEPH _on her right, with her arm round his shoulders, and, on the left, in the same way, by_ MARTHA _and_ ABEL. ZACHARY _slowly gathers up bundles and sticks and lantern_. Then presently after the shepherds did spy, Vast numbers of angels to stand in the sky; They joyfully talked, and sweetly did sing, To God be all glory, our heavenly King. _Chorus._ Aye and therefore ... [_They begin to go out_ (R.) _in the above order. As they disappear_ (R.), _enter_ (L.) _two tall angels bearing swords in right hand and burning tapers in left, and two small angels bearing tapers only. These pairs slowly cross stage, and as curtain comes down they are still passing, and simultaneously the last chorus ends._ To teach us humility all this was done, And learn we from thence haughty pride for to shun, A manger His cradle, who came from above, The great God of mercy, of peace, and of love. _Chorus._ Aye and therefore ... CURTAIN. [_A quiet piece of music begins and continues until Carol._ [Illustration] [Illustration: _The three Merchants rise in alarm_—] SCENE II _Before curtain rises, invisible Choir sings_— Come let us all sweet carols sing,[5] Omni relicto tædio Of Mary, Mother of our King, Christoque Jesu Filio. When she had borne that Holy Thing. Reponit in præsepio (_bis_). 2. Now Gabriel sweeping from the sky, Missus a Deo nuntius, These tidings beareth from on high, Lætissimis pastoribus, Behold your God on earth doth lie, Invenietis protinus. 4. Quickly away the shepherds flew, Clara Gabrielis voce, Rejoicing as if filled anew, Bono Bacchico liquore, Leaping and dancing nigh they drew, Simul in Bethlehem Judæ. 6. They entered then the hallowed cave, Jesum hic adoraverunt, The best of all they had they gave, Puerumque oraverunt, Pardon for that was lacking crave, Subitoque abierunt. CURTAIN RISES