h._ Yes, we have heard strange things since the morning service;
joyful news have we for you.

_Martha._ Another false prophet, no doubt, claiming to be Israel's
deliverer, and proving a thousand times her foe.

_Salome._ Let us not cheat ourselves with any more fanatical dreams.

_Miriam._ No dream this; no fanatic's voice; no prophet's word, but a
message direct from Heaven.

_Martha._ A message from Heaven!

_Leah._ 'Tis even so. Listen while I tell you. At Bethlehem, last
night, the shepherds were watching their flocks as usual; at midnight
they were startled by the sudden appearance of an angel of the Lord,
and the shining round about them of an exceeding bright light; and the
angel spoke to them. "Fear not," said he, "for, behold! I bring you
good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all the people; for unto
you is born this day, in the city of David, a _Saviour_, even the
Messiah."

_Martha._ Can this be true?

_Salome._ But how shall he be known?

_Anna._ In Bethlehem, did you say? But there is no palace in
Bethlehem, where a prince should be born.

_Leah._ Wait a little: I have not told you all. "This," said the angel
to the shepherds, "shall be a sign to you. Ye shall find the babe
wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And, when he had
thus said, there suddenly joined him a multitude of the heavenly host;
and presently they burst forth into this song,--"Glory to God in the
highest; on earth peace and good will towards men!" And with this song
they departed.

_Anna._ This is indeed wonderful!

_Salome._ But have the shepherds seen the babe?

_Martha._ Oh! tell us that. Have they seen the babe? and are all
things as they have declared?

_Miriam._ Yes. We met them on their return. They were, with full
hearts, praising God for the new hope of a glorious deliverance given
to the nation.

_Leah._ All hearts warmed as they spoke; and, catching their gladness,
we come to you.

_Mary._ Then shall we indeed hope! O my people! my people Israel!
shall we see you again in your former glory?

_Martha._ Surely, this news inspires my own soul. Once more shall the
Roman be driven forth by the Lord of hosts; once more "shall Jehovah
triumph, and his people be free."

_Salome._ Yes; and Messiah shall bring all nations into subjection to
_us_, as we are now to the Romans.

_Anna._ Well may we wait a little longer, and bear the yoke with
patience.

_Mary._ I knew the Lord would not always