_3rd Shepherd._ I am ready and yare:[201] go we in fear To that light! Lord! if thy wills be, We are lewd[202] all three, Thou grant us of thy glee,[203] To comfort thy wight. * * * * * [_The Shepherds arrive at Bethlehem._ _1st Shepherd._ Hail, comely and clean; hail, young child! Hail, maker, as I mean, of a maiden so mild! Thou hast wared, I ween, off the warlock[204] so wild, The false guiler of teen,[205] now goes he beguiled. Lo, he merry is! Lo, he laughs, my sweeting, A welcome meeting! I have given my greeting Have a bob of cherries? _2nd Shepherd._ Hail, sovereign saviour, for thou hast us sought! Hail freely, leaf and flow'r, that all thing has wrought! Hail full of favour, that made all of nought! Hail! I kneel and I cower. A bird have I brought To my bairn! Hail, little tiny mop,[206] Of our creed thou are crop! I would drink in thy cup, Little day-starn.[207] _3rd Shepherd._ Hail, darling dear, full of godheed! I pray thee be near, when that I have need. Hail! sweet is thy cheer: my heart would bleed To see thee sit here in so poor weed. With no pennies. Hail! put forth thy dall!--[208] I bring thee but a ball Have and play thee with all, And go to the tennis. _Mary._ The Father of Heaven, God omnipotent, That set all on levin,[209] his son has he sent. My name could he neven,[210] and laught as he went.[211] I conceived him full even, through might, as God meant; And new is he born. He keep you from woe: I shall pray him so; Tell forth as ye go, And mind on this morn. _1st Shepherd._ Farewell, lady, so fair to behold, With thy child on thy knee. _2nd Shepherd._ But he lies full cold, Lord, well is me: now we go forth, behold! _3rd Shepherd._ Forsooth, already it seems to be told Full oft. _1st Shepherd._ What grace we have fun.[212] _2nd Shepherd._ Come forth, now are we won. _3rd Shepherd._ To sing are we bun:[213] Let take on loft.[214] THE COVENTRY NATIVITY PLAY OF THE COMPANY OF SHEARMEN AND TAILORS CHARACTERS Isaiah (_as Prologue_) Gabriel Joseph Mary The Three Kings The Three Shepherds The Two Prophets King Herod A Herald An Angel Two Soldiers Three Women THE COVENTRY NATIVITY PLAY PROLOGUE