|139| After a prologue briefly explaining its purpose, the mystery begins, like the old liturgical plays, with the witness of the prophets; then follows a scene in Limbo where Adam is shown lamenting his fate, and another in Heaven where the Redemption of mankind is discussed and the Incarnation decided upon. With the Annunciation and the Visitation of the Virgin the first day closed. The second day opened with the ordering by Octavian of the world-census. The edict is addressed:-- "A tous roys, marquis, ducs et contes, Connestables, bailifs, vicomtes Et tous autres generalment Qui sont desoubz le firmament." Joseph, in order to fulfil the command of Cyrenius, governor of Syria, leaves Nazareth for Bethlehem. A comic shepherds' scene follows, with a rustic song:-- "Joyeusement, la garenlo, Chantons en venant a la veille, Puisque nous avons la bouteille Nous y berons jusques a bo." When Joseph and Mary reach the stable where the Nativity is to take place, there is a charming dialogue. Joseph laments over the meanness of the stable, Mary accepts it with calm resignation. _Joseph._ "Las! vecy bien povre merrien Pour edifier un hostel Et logis a ung seigneur tel. Il naistra en bien povre place. _Marie._ Il plait a Dieu qu'ainsy se face. * * * * * _Joseph._ Ou sont ces chambres tant fournies De Sarges, de Tapiceries |140| Batus d'or, ou luyt mainte pierre, Et nates mises sur la terre, Affin que le froit ne mefface? _Marie._ Il plait a Dieu qu'ainsy se face. * * * * * _Joseph._ Helas! cy gerra povrement Le createur du firmament Celui qui fait le soleil luire, Qui fait la terre fruis produire, Qui tient la mer en son espace. _Marie._ Il plait a Dieu qu'ainsy se face." At last Christ is born, welcomed by the song of the angels, adored by His mother. In the heathen temples the idols fall; Hell mouth opens and shows the rage of the demons, who make a hideous noise; fire issues from the nostrils and eyes and ears of Hell, which shuts up with the devils within it. And then the angels in the stable worship the Child Jesus. The adoration of the shepherds was shown with many naive details for the delight of the people, and the performance ended with the offering of a sacrifice in Rome by the Emperor Octavian to an image of the Blessed Virgin.{19}