_Here shall_ JOSEPH _come in, leading an ass, on which
are seated_ MARY _and the_ CHILD.
_Mary_. Here will we rest us, under these
Underhanging branches of the trees,
Where robins chant their Litanies,
And canticles of joy.
_Joseph_. My saddle-girths have given way
With trudging through the heat to-day
To you I think it is but play
To ride and hold the boy.
_Mary_. Hark! how the robins shout and sing,
As if to hail their infant King!
I will alight at yonder spring
To wash his little coat.
_Joseph_. And I will hobble well the ass,
Lest, being loose upon the grass,
He should escape; for, by the mass.
He is nimble as a goat.
(_Here_ MARY _shall alight and go to the spring._)
_Mary_. O Joseph! I am much afraid,
For men are sleeping in the shade;
I fear that we shall be waylaid,
And robbed and beaten sore!
(_Here a band of robbers shall be seen sleeping, two of
whom shall rise and come forward_.)
_Dumachus_. Cock's soul! deliver up your gold!
_Joseph_. I pray you, Sirs, let go your hold!
Of wealth I have no store.
_Dumachus_. Give up your money!
_Titus_. Prithee cease!
Let these good people go in peace!
_Dumachus_. First let them pay for their release,
And then go on their way.
_Titus_. These forty groats I give in fee,
If thou wilt only silent be.
_Mary_. May God be merciful to thee
Upon the Judgment Day!
_Jesus_. When thirty years shall have gone by,
I at Jerusalem shall die,
By Jewish hands exalted high
On the accursed tree.
Then on my right and my left side,
These thieves shall both be crucified
And Titus thenceforth shall abide
In paradise with me.
(_Here a great rumor of trumpets and horses, like the
noise of a king with his army, and the robbers shall
take flight._)