_Jesus._ The shower is over. Let us play,
And make some sparrows out of clay,
Down by the river's side.
_Judas._ See, how the stream has overflowed
Its banks, and o'er the meadow road
Is spreading far and wide!
(_They draw water out of the river by channels, and
form little pools_ JESUS _makes twelve sparrows of
clay, and the other boys do the same._)
_Jesus._ Look! look! how prettily I make
These little sparrows by the lake
Bend down their necks and drink!
Now will I make them sing and soar
So far, they shall return no more
Into this river's brink.
_Judas._ That canst thou not! They are but clay,
They cannot sing, nor fly away
Above the meadow lands!
_Jesus._ Fly, fly! ye sparrows! you are free!
And while you live, remember me,
Who made you with my hands.
(_Here_ JESUS _shall clap his hands, and the sparrows
shall fly away, chirruping._)
_Judas._ Thou art a sorcerer, I know;
Oft has my mother told me so,
I will not play with thee!
(_He strikes_ JESUS _on the right side._)
_Jesus._ Ah, Judas! thou has smote my side,
And when I shall be crucified,
There shall I pierced be!
(_Here_ JOSEPH _shall come in, and say:_)
_Joseph._ Ye wicked boys! why do ye play,
And break the holy Sabbath day?
What, think ye, will your mothers say
To see you in such plight!
In such a sweat and such a heat,
With all that mud-upon your feet!
There's not a beggar in the street
Makes such a sorry sight!