The White Christmas and other Merry Christmas Plays | Page 4

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, Abraham and his seed, forever.
Enter JOSEPH from rear L.
JOSEPH. For hours I've trudged the street in fruitless quest, Here is an
inn, mayhap at last we'll rest.
Enter DEBORAH from the inn.

MARY. Husband, I'm faint; I can no farther go. Methinks I'll rest me
here upon this loe.
(Sits in front of the manger.)
JOSEPH (assisting her). Have courage, Mary, here's the hostess here.
(Comes to DEBORAH at right.)
We'd lodge with thee tonight.
DEBORAH. Alas, I fear My inn is crowded to the very wall, Soldiers
and scribes, the rich, the great, the small!
JOSEPH. Is there room for us? My wife is ill.
DEBORAH. My heart is sad and it is not my will To send you hence,
but naught is left to do. Perhaps some other inn will shelter you.
JOSEPH. Alas, the other inns are all the same!
DEBORAH. Never was seen the like in Bethlehem.
(Laughter and noise at R.)
My guests are merry, hear their jovial din!
(Goes to R.)
I pity you, there's no room at the inn.
(Exits into the inn.)
MARY. Our last hope gone! Now, what shall we do? My strength is
leaving!
(Bows head.)
JOSEPH. Would I could succor you. I'll wrap thee warm. Now rest thee

here a while. We've traveled far, full many a weary mile.
Enter RUTH from rear L., hurrying along.
JOSEPH. Maiden, I fain would stop thee in thy flight-- Can'st tell
where we could lodge this winter night?
RUTH. That inn is crowded. There's one upon the hill.
JOSEPH. I've tried them all, my wife is very ill.
RUTH. That little stable there upon the loe,
(Points to L front.)
'Tis snug and warm. 'Twill shield thee from the snow.
MARY (rises). God's blessing on thy little head, sweet child! Come,
Joseph, for the wind now waxes wild.
(Exits L. front.)
(JOSEPH leads her to exit L., then turns and looks off R.)
JOSEPH.
O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie! Above thy deep
and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets
shineth
(Turns toward manger.)
The everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in
thee tonight.
(RUTH stands at rear C., watching him.)
The curtains slowly fall.

Scene II: Hymn by the congregation.
WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED THEIR FLOCKS.
While shepherds watched their flocks by night, All seated on the
ground. The angel of the Lord came down, And glory shone around,
And glory shone around.
"Fear not," said he,--for mighty dread Had seized their troubled mind,
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring, To you and all mankind, To you and
all mankind."
"To you in David's