DEBORAH. Aye, in Jerusalem He dwells, and not in Bethlehem. He sits upon his mighty judgment throne, Cruel and stern, his heart a living stone. GASPAR. I mean a new-born King, of love and peace; His is the star--His reign shall never cease. DEBORAH. All things tonight seem passing strange to me, I have just read an ancient prophecy That this, our Bethlehem, King David's town, Shall be the birthplace, e'er of great renown, Of one called Councillor of King David's line Whose coming is foretold in words divine. And now you come with words of mystery! (_Muses._) Why should thy questions, which are dark to me, Cause me to think of Him? GASPAR. The star! The star! No more it moves about the heavens afar, It standeth still. O, hostess, kneel and pray, For Jesus Christ, the Lord, is born today! (_Hurries out right._) DEBORAH. His words are fraught with mystery; I'll within And seek protection in my humble inn. (_Exits right front._) _After a short pause_, MELCHOIR, GASPAR _and_ BALTASAR _enter from rear right._ MELCHOIR. Three kings came riding from far away, Melchoir, Gaspar and Baltasar; Three wise men out of the east were they, And they traveled by night and they slept by day, For their guide was a beautiful, wonderful star. BALTASAR. The star was so beautiful, large and clear, That all other stars of the sky Became a white mist in the atmosphere; And by this they knew that the coming was near Of the Prince foretold in prophecy. GASPAR. Of the child that is born, O Baltasar, I begged a woman to tell us the news; I said in the east we had seen His star, And had ridden fast and had ridden far To find and worship the King of the Jews. --_Adapted from Longfellow._ MELCHOIR. Brothers, our quest is ended; see the star Is standing still over this lowly hut. BALTASAR. Methinks it is a stable. Knock and see! GASPAR (_knocks on the door of the manger_). What ho, within! JOSEPH _enters from the L. rear._ JOSEPH. Sirs, whom seek ye? MELCHOIR. We have journeyed from afar Led by the shining of yon splendid star. We are Gaspar, Melchoir and Baltasar. BALTASAR. We seek a new-born King, Gold, frankincense to him we bring. And many a kingly offering. JOSEPH _draws back the curtain and reveals the interior of the manger._ MARY _is seen bending over the crib. The_ SHEPHERDS _are kneeling in the background. Very soft music heard in the distance, with faintly chiming bells at intervals._ GASPAR. Behold, the child is clothed in light! MELCHOIR. Our journey ends, passed is the night. BALTASAR. Now let us make no more delay, But worship Him right worthily. (_They enter the manger and kneel._)