(_Soft chimes are heard. The_ SHEPHERDS, _accompanied by the concealed choir, are heard singing:_) LEAD, KINDLY LIGHT Lead, kindly Light, amid th' encircling gloom, Lead Thou me on! The night is dark and I am far from home; Lead Thou me on! Keep Thou my feet, I do not ask to see The distant scene; one step enough for me. _As the_ SHEPHERDS _begin on the second stanza of the hymn, the curtains rise disclosing the same scene as before._ SIMEON, TIMOTHY _and_ ISAAC _discovered seated in a group at rear center, singing._ THOMAS _stands by his father._ So long Thy pow'r hath blest me, sure it still Will lead me on O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till The night is gone, And with the morn those angel faces smile Which I have loved long since, and lost a-while. SIMEON. Methought I heard a whir of wings on high. TIMOTHY. I see naught save the snow and starry sky. ISAAC. We've come a long and mighty step today, From o'er the frosty hills and far away. THOMAS (_pointing over the manger_). Look, father, dost thou see that shining star That seems to stand above the town so far? 'Tis like a wondrous blossom on a stem, And see, it ever shines o'er Bethlehem! TIMOTHY. A brighter star, I'm sure I never saw-- And perfect form, without a speck or flaw. SIMEON. A stranger star! It never shone before, It standeth still above that stable door. _Enter_ ANNA _and_ RUTH _from rear left._ ANNA _carries a little lamb._ ANNA (_joining the group_). Look ye, I've found a little lamb new-born. TIMOTHY. Poor little beastie! Wrap him well and warm. SIMEON. An ill night to be born in, frost and snow, Naught but cold skies above, cold earth below. I marvel any little creature should be born On such a night. ANNA. I found it all forlorn, Crying beside its mother in the storm. SIMEON (_comes down a little to right front_). Hark, I thought I heard a sound of mighty wings! Listen! Is it the winter sky that sings? ISAAC (_with the group at rear center_). Nay, gran'ther, I heard naught. You're old and gray And weary with the miles you've walked today. SIMEON. At noon I met a man who tarried in the shade, He led a mule, and riding it a maid-- A maiden with a face I'll ne'er forget, A wondrous face, I seem to see it yet Lit with an inward shining, as if God Had set a lighted lamp within her soul. Many have passed all day, but none like these, And no face have I ever seen like hers. TIMOTHY. Belike the man and maid were strangers here, And come to Bethlehem at the king's command.