enter_ ANNA _from
rear left. She leads_ RUTH _and_ THOMAS _by the hand._

THOMAS (_at rear center_).
Oh, mother, hark! There's music in the inn!

ANNA.
'Tis not for us--their noise and merry din.

RUTH.
Our little town is crowded, joyous, gay.

THOMAS.
So many travelers came this way today.

RUTH.
The night is chill and cold, I much do fear
The little sheep will shiver by the mere.

ANNA.
Too cold it is for thee, I fear, in truth,
Return and get thy cloak, my little Ruth.
We'll wait for thee upon the little hill.

(_Points off R._)

But speed thy steps, the cold will work thee ill.

RUTH.
I'll fly, dear mother, like an arrow home.

(_Runs out at L._)

ANNA.
We must not tarry. Come, my Thomas, come!

(_She leads him out at rear R. There is a pause. The music changes to
a mysterious plaintive air. The old German song, Holy Night, may be
effectively introduced as an organ 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.

(_He wraps his cloak around her and seats her on the bench or stool in
front of the manger. He goes out at rear left. The music changes to
the Magnificat, to be found in all Episcopal hymnals._)

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, Abraha