in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over
where the young child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with
Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had
opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and
frankincense, and myrrh.

_The White Christmas._

As the three wise men rode on that first Christmas night to find the
manger-cradled Babe of Bethlehem, they bore gifts on their
saddle-bows. Gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And so the spirit
of Christmas giving crept into the world's heart. We bring our gifts
to the children. Rich children, poor children! The children of the
high and the children of the humble! Poor little sick children--and
the ragged children of the slums of our cities. Let us remember them
all.

So go ye, all of ye, into the highways and byways, and seek out the
poor and the distressed, the humble and the afflicted, seek out the
ragged children and the outcasts and the aged ones, and in the name of
Him who was born on Christmas day, carry some sunshine into their
hearts! Give unto the poor and the afflicted, and your hearts shall
glow with that inward peace that passeth all understanding.

Then--and then only--will you be able to sing with all the company of
Heaven, Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, good will toward
men! And this will be your pure white Christmas. (_Exit_ PROLOGUE _at
L._)

_Soft chimes are heard. The curtains are drawn, disclosing the same
scene as before._ DEBORAH _sits before her inn, deep in thought._

DEBORAH (_reading a scroll_).

This is the ancient prophecy. Therefore the Lord himself shall give
you a sign; behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall
call his name Immanuel.

Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil and
choose the good.

For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the
good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her
kings.

_Enter_ GASPAR _from behind the inn. He comes down center._

GASPAR.
I pray thee, tell me, Lady Bethlehemite,
If any wonders you have seen this night?

DEBORAH (_rises_).
I've seen a wondrous silver shaft of light
Come from a star, and blinded is my sight.

GASPAR.
Tell me, for thou art native of this place,
What dost thou know about the King of