Joseph looks more carefully, as he stands motionless at the door, and discovers Jesus who has just been born: Yes! 't is the child! The honest carpenter does not know what to do; he dares not approach, and yet he cannot remain apart; a struggle takes place in his soul. Here will I stay ... No! I must go in. At last Joseph comes forward: he looks at the child, and kneeling humbly before him, worships and kisses him. With this kiss I would cool My heart with charity burning. What a charming child, So handsome and mild, And that's the truth, I assure you. Mary is uneasy: she looks at the child, so weak and tender, and is distressed at having nothing to wrap him in, For the night is cold. JOSEPH. I shall light this taper. He then lights the lamp. Where shall we put him? In the manger here ... No better place in all the inn. This was the end of the first act. The spectators expressed the interest they felt in the drama, at once so serious and so holy; and even the Cardinals De Grammont and De Foix found nothing in it contrary to the doctrines of the Church. As that was a time when people were very fond of diversion, joke and jest followed. Several comic characters appeared in the interlude, especially a poor monk, who was the soul of the farce.[81] This was not Margaret's composition: even the catholics did not charge her with it. The jesters retired at last, and the drama proceeded. The scene represented the fields round Bethlehem, where shepherds and shepherdesses were keeping their flocks during the watches of the night. One shepherd worn out with labour, another with 'hunting the wolf,' had fallen asleep; some shepherdesses followed their example; but one shepherd and one shepherdess were awake and communicating their thoughts to each other. THIRD SHEPHERD. A something keeps me wide awake; My usual sleep I cannot take. It is not my flock, I'm sure, For the fold is quite secure; In my heart a joy I feel And I seem good news to hear ... Meanwhile I shall turn my eyes To the star-bespangled skies. He contemplates the firmament. FIRST SHEPHERDESS. What seest thou, brother, when thine eye Thou turn'st admiring to the sky? THIRD SHEPHERD. I admire the great Creator Who hath made all things, and we Are his temple.... FIRST SHEPHERDESS. Tell me, shepherd, what He promised To the patriarchs who waited Patiently for ages?... THIRD SHEPHERD. He has promised the Messiah, His true Son, through whom alone Life to us has been restored, And salvation. FIRST SHEPHERDESS. Would to God the hour was nigh! THIRD SHEPHERD. Come, Lord, and no longer tarry! Suddenly a bright light shines over the fields of Bethlehem, and a heavenly voice says: Shepherds, awake, arise! Behold the happy day, When God by works for ever new Shall his great love display.