Esay, unto whom the spirit of prophecy Was singularly given through the Holy Ghost In this time prophesied that kings witterly, And folk of strange nations from many a sundry coast, That prince’s birth to magnify which of might is most Should walk in great light, and brightness should appear As did unto these kings in a bright star shining clear. HEROD (_throwing his sword down_). Alas, what presumption should move that peevish page Or any elfish godling to take from me my crown? But by Mahomet! that boy for all his great outrage Shall die under my hand, that elfe and vile congeon! And all his partakers I shall slay and beat down, And both of him and his final destruction make Such vengeance, and such cruelty on them all will I take, That none such a slaughter was seen or heard beforne Sith Athalia here reigned.... Yet look and search again If these kings shall find him and his presence attain. DOCTOR. David of all prophets called most prepotent Prophesied that kings from Tharsis and Araby With mystical gifts shall come and present That lord, that king, and high Messie (Messiah), That in Bethlehem shall be borne, A child to save that was forlorne, And rule all Israel. HEROD (_breaking his sword in his rage_). By Mahoun! thou art foresworn. Have done; these books were best rent and torn. [_Throws the book on the floor._ For he shall be no king in crown But I fully in my weal. And mauger David, that shepherd with his sling Esay, Jeremy with all their offspring Here get no other Messiah nor king From my right title to expel, . . . . . This realm is mine and shall be aye Manfully to maintain it while I may. Tho’ he bring with him to-day The devil and all his host. Then, concealing his anger, he turns to the Kings and suavely says:-- But go ye forth ye kings three And enquire if it so be But always come again to me, For you I think to feed. And if he be of such degree Him will I honour as do ye, As falls for his dignity, In word, thought and deed. FIRST KING. By leave, sir, and have good day Till we come again this way. SECOND KING. Sir, as soon as ever we may And as we see so shall we say. THIRD KING. And of his riches and his array From you we shall not leave. HEROD. Farewell Lords, in good faye But hye you fast again. Immediately the Kings retire, Herod breaks forth again:-- Out alas! what the devil is this? For shame almost I fare amiss For was I never so cool, I wyss For wrath I am near woode (mad)! For every man may well say this That I maintain my realm amiss To let a boy inherit my bliss That never was of my blood. But to-morrow he will--