solo.)

Enter from rear right, Joseph, walking with a staff and supporting Mary.

Mary.
Here is a place, now I must rest awhile!
For many a league, for many a weary mile,
We've trudged along since break of day began.

Joseph.
'Tis true, and I'm an old and ancient man,
My joints are stiff, my bones are waxing old—
And the long night is bitter, bitter cold.
Here take my cloak and keep thee warm within,
And wait thee here while I search out an inn.

Mary (sings).
My soul doth magnify the Lord: and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded: the lowliness of his handmaiden.
For behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty has magnified me: and holy is his Name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him: throughout all generations.
He hath showed strength with his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble and meek.
He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away.
He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel: as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham 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.

(Ruth stands at rear C., watching him.)

The curtains slowly fall.

Scene II: Hymn by the congregation.

WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED THEIR FLOCKS.