But now to Bethlehem must I wind, And show myself, so full of care; And I to leave you, thus great, behind,-- God wot, the while, dame, how you should fare. MARY. Nay, hardily, husband, dread ye nothing; For I will walk with you on the way. I trust in God, Almighty King, To speed right well in our journey. JOSEPH. Now, I thank you, Mary, of your goodness, That ye my words will not blame; And sith that to Bethlehem we shall us dress, Go we together in God's holy name. [_They set out and travel awhile._] Now to Bethlehem have we leagues three; The day is nigh spent, it draweth toward night; Fain at your ease, dame, I would that ye should be, For you groan all wearily, it seemeth in my sight. MARY. God have mercy, Joseph, my spouse so dear; All prophets hereto doth bear witness, The weary time now draweth near That my child will be born, which is King of bliss. Unto some place, Joseph, hendly me lead, That I might rest me with grace in this tide. The light of the Father over us both spread, And the grace of my Son with us here abide! JOSEPH. Lo! blessed Mary, here shall ye lend, Chief chosen of our Lord and cleanest in degree; And I, for help to town will I wend. Is not this the best, dame? what say ye? MARY. God have mercy, Joseph, my husband so meek! And heartily I pray you, go now from me. JOSEPH. That shall be done in haste, Mary so sweet! The comfort of the Holy Ghost leave I with thee. Now to Bethlehem straight will I wend To get some help for Mary so free. Some help of women God may me send, That Mary, full of grace, pleased may be. [_In another part of the place a shepherd begins to speak._] FIRST PASTOR. Now God, that art in Trinity, Thou save my fellows and me! For I know not where my sheep nor they be, This night it is so cold. Now is it nigh the midst of the night; These weathers are dark and dim of light, That of them can I have no sight, Standing here on this wold. But now to make their heartes light, Now will I full right Stand upon this lo, And to them cry with all my might,-- Full well my voice they know: What ho! fellows! ho! ho! ho! [_Two other shepherds appear (in the street)._] SECOND PASTOR. Hark, Sim, hark! I hear our brother on the lo. This is his voice, right well I know; Therefore toward him let us go, And follow his voice aright. See, Sim, see, where he doth stand! I am right glad we have him fand! Brother where hast thou been so lang, And it is so cold this night? FIRST PASTOR. Eh! friends, there came a pirie of wind with a mist suddenly, That forth of my ways went I And great heaviness then made I! And was full sore afright. Then forth to go wist I not whither, But travelled on this lo hither and thither; I was so weary of this cold weather That near past was my might.