RUTH (_comes down to_ SIMEON _and takes his hand_). Methinks I met that very man and maid-- A maiden with such wondrous dove-like eyes, I saw them near this place, all tired and worn, Trudging about the town, seeking an inn. SIMEON. And did they find one? RUTH. Nay, not so! For every inn was crowded to its doors. Hard by Deborah's inn there is a little barn, All full of cattle, oxen, cooing doves-- I showed it to them, and they went therein. THOMAS (_standing at rear L. with_ ANNA). Mother, that star! That wondrous, wondrous light, (_Points up._) It turns the night to day, it shines so bright I am afraid! It cannot be that any star, Only a star, can give so great a light. It frightens me. ANNA. All things are strange tonight. The very sheep are restless in their fold, They watch the star and do not mind the cold. SIMEON (_puts hand to right ear, bends toward right and listens_). Again I heard a singing in the sky! TIMOTHY. You heard the tinkling bell of some stray sheep, The night grows late, come let us all to sleep. SIMEON. Yea, all ye lie down and take your rest, I'll keep the watch alone, this night is blest. (_The others recline at the rear._) ANNA (_comes to_ SIMEON). Here, take the little sheep and keep it warm. (_Lies down._) SIMEON. Poor little new-born beast, I'll guard from harm. Again I marvel that you should be born On such a night, poor little lamb forlorn. (SIMEON _walks toward the manger with the sheep in his arms. The others sleep._) The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. (_Soft Music._) Hark! There's music in the wind! And that strange light There in the east, it brightens all the night! I seem to hear again the whir of wings, Awake, awake! It is an angel sings! (_He arouses the others. They listen wonderingly, standing or reclining._) VOICE (_an unseen soprano chants softly_).