, frankincense to him we bring.
And many a kingly offering.

JOSEPH _draws back the curtain and reveals the interior of the
manger._ MARY _is seen bending over the crib. The_ SHEPHERDS _are
kneeling in the background. Very soft music heard in the distance,
with faintly chiming bells at intervals._

GASPAR.
Behold, the child is clothed in light!

MELCHOIR.
Our journey ends, passed is the night.

BALTASAR.
Now let us make no more delay,
But worship Him right worthily.

(_They enter the manger and kneel._)

SIMEON.
Hail, hail, dear child
Of a maiden meek and mild.
See, he merries!
See, he smiles, my sweeting,
I give thee greeting!
Have a bob of cherries.

(_Places a spray of cherries on the crib._)

TIMOTHY.
Hail, little One we've sought,
See, a bird I've brought,
See its feathers gay.
Hail, little One adored,
Hail, blessed King and Lord,
Star of the day!

(_Places a bird on the crib._)

ISAAC.
Hail, little One, so dear,
My heart is full of cheer,
A little ball I bring,
Reach forth thy fingers gay,
And take the ball and play,
My blessed King.

(_Places a ball on the crib._)

_Enter all others from the Inn. They kneel outside the manger._

ALL (_sing, with concealed choir_).

CHRISTMAS CAROL.

(_See page 169_)

Christ was born on Christmas day,
Wreathe the holly, twine the bay,
Light and life and joy is He--
The Babe, the Son,
The Holy One
Of Mary.

He is born to set us free;
He is born our Lord to be;
Carol, Christians, joyfully;
The God, the Lord,
By all adored
Forever.

Let the bright red berries glow,
Everywhere in goodly show,
Life and light and joy is He,
The Babe, the Son,
The Holy One
Of Mary.

Christian men, rejoice and sing;
'Tis the birthday of our King,
Carol, Christians, joyfully;
The God, the Lord,
By all adored
Forever.

THE THREE KINGS.
Hail, King of Kings!

GASPAR.
I bring Thee a crown, O King of Kings,
And here a scepter full of gems,
For Thou shalt rule the hearts of men.

(_Places crown and scepter on crib._)

MELCHOIR.
For Thee I bring sweet frankincense!

(_He swings a smoking censor._)

BALTASAR.