._ Then look you and rede.[235]

_2nd Prophet._ Ah! I perceive the seed
Whereupon that you spake,
It was for our need
That he frail nature did take,
And his blood he should shed
Amends for to make
For our transgression,
As it is said in prophecy, that of the line of Jude
Should spring a right Messie,
By whom all we
Should have redemption.

_1st Prophet._ Sir, now is the time come,
And the date thereof run
Of his Nativity.

_2nd Prophet._ Yet I beseech you heartily,
That ye would show me how
That this strange novelty
Were brought unto you?

_1st Prophet._ This other night so cold,
Hereby upon a wold,
Shepherds watching their fold
In the night so far,
To them appeared a star,
And ever it drew them near,
Which star they did behold,
Brighter they say a thousand fold
Than the sun so clear
In his midday sphere;
And they these tidings told.

_2nd Prophet._ What, secretly?

_1st Prophet._ Na, na, hardily,[236]
They made there of no council,
For they sang as loud,
As ever they could,
Praising the king of Israel.

_2nd Prophet._ Yet do I marvel,
In what pile or castle,
These herdmen did him see.

_1st Prophet._ Neither in halls, nor yet in bowers,
Born would he not be,
Neither in castles, nor yet in towers,
That seemly were to see,
But at his Father's will,
The prophecy to fulfil,
Betwixt an ox and an ass
Jesu this king born he was;
Heaven he bring us till![237]

_2nd Prophet._ Sir, ah! but when these shepherds had seen him there,
To what place did they repair?

_1st Prophet._ Forth they went, and glad they were;
Going they did sing,
With mirth and solace, they made good cheer,
For joy of that new tiding.
And after as I heard them tell,
He rewarded them full well
He granted them heaven therein to dwell.
In are they gone with joy and mirth,
And their song it is Noel.

[_There the Prophets go forth, and Herod and the messenger (or herald)
comes in._

_Herald._ Peace, Lord Barons of great renown!
Peace, sir knights of noble presence!
Peace, gentlemen companions of noble order!
I command that all of you keep silence.
Peace while your noble king is in presence!
Let no person stint to pay him deference;
Be not bold to strike, but keep your hearts in patience,
And to your Lord keep heart of reverence,
For he, your king, has all puissance!
In the name of the law, I command you peace!
And King Herod--"_la grandeaboly vos umport._"[238]

_Herod._ _Qui status in Jude et Rex Israel_,[239]
An