y!

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_).

Glory to God in the highest!
Fear not!
For behold I bring you glad tidings
Of great joy.
For unto you is born this day
In the city of David, a Saviour
Which is Christ, the Lord.
And this shall be the sign unto you:
Ye shall find the heavenly Babe
Wrapped in swaddling clothes,
Lying in a manger.
Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace,
Good will toward men!

TIMOTHY.
'Twas a fine voice, even as ever I heard.

ANNA.
The hills, as with lightning, shone at his word.

SIMEON.
He spoke of a Babe here in Bethlehem.
That betokens yon star!
Full glad would I be,
Might I kneel on my knee,
Some word to say to that Child.

TIMOTHY.
See! In the east there breaks the day.

ANNA.
Let us tarry no longer; away, then, away!

(ANNA _goes ou