_First Stranger:_ The Lord bless thee, Abraham. [_Sarah_ _and the servants withdraw, and_ ABRAHAM _and the three men seat themselves before the tent._ SARAH _returns with water and food. The strangers wash their feet and eat._] _Sarah_ [_offering them food_]: Drink thou this fresh milk, and refresh thyself with this fruit, for ye look weary. [_They finish eating and_ SARAH _and the servants retire._] _Second Stranger:_ We bring thee good tidings and would speak with thee and thy wife. [SARAH _comes from within the tent._] _Third Stranger:_ We are messengers from the Lord to tell thee that thou wilt have a son. _First Stranger:_ He will be the father of many men and thousands will respect him. Ye shall name him ISAAC. _Sarah:_ That cannot come to pass! For many years I have been childless, and the Lord will not give me a son. _Abraham_ [_falling on his knees_]: Thanks be to the Lord! A son at last! _Sarah:_ Can it be that these tidings are true? If so, it is indeed a message from the Lord! [_She too falls on her knees before them. The three men quietly leave, and when_ SARAH _and_ ABRAHAM _rise to their feet they are out of sight._] _Abraham:_ They were angels from heaven! Our wish has been granted at last! END The following is the play as it was finally presented: ABRAHAM AND THE THREE GUESTS PLACE: In front of the tent of Abraham. CHARACTERS: Abraham, a Shepherd; Sarah, His Wife; Three Strangers; Four Servants. [ABRAHAM _and_ SARAH _come out of the tent._] _Abraham:_ The day is hot, and I am weary; I will sit down and rest in the shade of this tree. _Sarah:_ Yea, it is hot. I will bring thee drink and food that thou mayest refresh thyself, my good husband. [SARAH _goes into the tent._ ABRAHAM _sees three strangers approaching. He stands up, shades his eyes with his hands, and looks out over the desert. He calls to_ SARAH.] [Illustration: FIG. 7.--The three guests bless Abraham and Sarah] _Abraham:_ Sarah, my wife, come hither! Lo, I see three strangers approaching over the desert. [SARAH _comes out of the tent and looks also._] SARAH: They will be weary and in need of rest. I will hasten and prepare food and drink for them also. [SARAH _goes away._ ABRAHAM _rises to meet the strangers: he falls on the ground before them._] _Abraham:_ Welcome, strangers, to the tent of Abraham! If I have found favor in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee! Let now a little water be fetched and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree; and I will fetch a morsel of bread, and this will strengthen your hearts; after that ye shall pass on. _The Three Strangers:_ So do as thou hast said, good Abraham.