Читать книгу The White Christmas and other Merry Christmas Plays - Walter Ben Hare - Страница 21

Table of Contents

Lead, kindly Light, amid th' encircling gloom, Lead Thou me on! The night is dark and I am far from home; Lead Thou me on! Keep Thou my feet, I do not ask to see The distant scene; one step enough for me.

As the Shepherds begin on the second stanza of the hymn, the curtains rise disclosing the same scene as before. Simeon, Timothy and Isaac discovered seated in a group at rear center, singing. Thomas stands by his father.

So long Thy pow'r hath blest me, sure it still Will lead me on O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till The night is gone, And with the morn those angel faces smile Which I have loved long since, and lost a-while.

Simeon.

Methought I heard a whir of wings on high.

Timothy.

I see naught save the snow and starry sky.

Isaac.

We've come a long and mighty step today,

From o'er the frosty hills and far away.

Thomas (pointing over the manger). Look, father, dost thou see that shining star That seems to stand above the town so far? 'Tis like a wondrous blossom on a stem, And see, it ever shines o'er Bethlehem! Timothy. A brighter star, I'm sure I never saw— And perfect form, without a speck or flaw. Simeon. A stranger star! It never shone before, It standeth still above that stable door.

Enter Anna and Ruth from rear left. Anna carries a little lamb.

Anna (joining the group). Look ye, I've found a little lamb new-born. Timothy. Poor little beastie! Wrap him well and warm. Simeon. An ill night to be born in, frost and snow, Naught but cold skies above, cold earth below. I marvel any little creature should be born On such a night. Anna. I found it all forlorn, Crying beside its mother in the storm. Simeon (comes down a little to right front). Hark, I thought I heard a sound of mighty wings! Listen! Is it the winter sky that sings? Isaac (with the group at rear center). Nay, gran'ther, I heard naught. You're old and gray And weary with the miles you've walked today. Simeon. At noon I met a man who tarried in the shade, He led a mule, and riding it a maid— A maiden with a face I'll ne'er forget, A wondrous face, I seem to see it yet Lit with an inward shining, as if God Had set a lighted lamp within her soul. Many have passed all day, but none like these, And no face have I ever seen like hers. Timothy. Belike the man and maid were strangers here, And come to Bethlehem at the king's command. Ruth (comes down to Simeon and takes his hand). Methinks I met that very man and maid— A maiden with such wondrous dove-like eyes, I saw them near this place, all tired and worn, Trudging about the town, seeking an inn. Simeon. And did they find one? Ruth. Nay, not so! For every inn was crowded to its doors. Hard by Deborah's inn there is a little barn, All full of cattle, oxen, cooing doves— I showed it to them, and they went therein. Thomas (standing at rear L. with Anna). Mother, that star! That wondrous, wondrous light,

(Points up.)

It turns the night to day, it shines so bright

I am afraid! It cannot be that any star,

Only a star, can give so great a light.

It frightens me.

Anna.

All things are strange tonight.

The very sheep are restless in their fold,

They watch the star and do not mind the cold.

Simeon (puts hand to right ear, bends toward right and listens). Again I heard a singing in the sky! Timothy. You heard the tinkling bell of some stray sheep, The night grows late, come let us all to sleep. Simeon. Yea, all ye lie down and take your rest, I'll keep the watch alone, this night is blest.

(The others recline at the rear.)

Anna (comes to Simeon). Here, take the little sheep and keep it warm.

(Lies down.)

Simeon.

Poor little new-born beast, I'll guard from harm.

Again I marvel that you should be born

On such a night, poor little lamb forlorn.

(Simeon walks toward the manger with the sheep in his arms. The others sleep.)

The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

(Soft Music.)

Hark! There's music in the wind! And that strange light There in the east, it brightens all the night! I seem to hear again the whir of wings, Awake, awake! It is an angel sings!

(He arouses the others. They listen wonderingly, standing or reclining.)

Voice (an unseen soprano chants softly).

Glory to God in the highest! Fear not! For behold I bring you glad tidings Of great joy. For unto you is born this day In the city of David, a Saviour Which is Christ, the Lord. And this shall be the sign unto you: Ye shall find the heavenly Babe Wrapped in swaddling clothes, Lying in a manger. Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, Good will toward men!

Timothy.

'Twas a fine voice, even as ever I heard.

Anna.

The hills, as with lightning, shone at his word.

Simeon.

He spoke of a Babe here in Bethlehem.

That betokens yon star!

Full glad would I be,

Might I kneel on my knee,

Some word to say to that Child.

Timothy.

See! In the east there breaks the day.

Anna.

Let us tarry no longer; away, then, away!

(Anna goes out at rear, behind the stable, with Timothy, Ruth and Thomas.)

Isaac.

Come, gran'ther, let us go and see this thing!

Simeon.

But first get gifts to take the new-born King!

Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace,

Good will toward men.

(They follow the others out at rear.)

The curtains fall.

Scene III: Hymn by the congregation: