m and his seed, forever.

_Enter_ JOSEPH _from rear L._

JOSEPH.
For hours I've trudged the street in fruitless quest,
Here is an inn, mayhap at last we'll rest.

_Enter_ DEBORAH _from the inn._

MARY.
Husband, I'm faint; I can no farther go.
Methinks I'll rest me here upon this loe.

(_Sits in front of the manger._)

JOSEPH (_assisting her_).
Have courage, Mary, here's the hostess here.

(_Comes to_ DEBORAH _at right._)

We'd lodge with thee tonight.

DEBORAH.
Alas, I fear
My inn is crowded to the very wall,
Soldiers and scribes, the rich, the great, the small!

JOSEPH.
Is there room for us? My wife is ill.

DEBORAH.
My heart is sad and it is not my will
To send you hence, but naught is left to do.
Perhaps some other inn will shelter you.

JOSEPH.
Alas, the other inns are all the same!

DEBORAH.
Never was seen the like in Bethlehem.

(_Laughter and noise at R._)

My guests are merry, hear their jovial din!

(_Goes to R._)

I pity you, there's no room at the inn.

(_Exits into the inn._)

MARY.
Our last hope gone! Now, what shall we do?
My strength is leaving!

(_Bows head._)

JOSEPH.
Would I could succor you.
I'll wrap thee warm. Now rest thee here a while.
We've traveled far, full many a weary mile.

_Enter_ RUTH _from rear L., hurrying along._

JOSEPH.
Maiden, I fain would stop thee in thy flight--
Can'st tell where we could lodge this winter night?

RUTH.
That inn is crowded. There's one upon the hill.

JOSEPH.
I've tried them all, my wife is very ill.

RUTH.
That little stable there upon the loe,

(_Points to L front._)

'Tis snug and warm. 'Twill shield thee from the snow.

MARY (_rises_).
God's blessing on thy little head, sweet child!
Come, Joseph, for the wind now waxes wild.

(_Exits L. front._)

(JOSEPH _leads her to exit L., then turns and looks off R._)

JOSEPH.

O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth

(_Turns toward manger._)

The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.

(RUTH _stands at rear C., watching him._)

_The curtains slowly fall._

Scene II: _Hymn by the congregation._

WHILE SH