Transcriber’s Notes:
Underscores “_” before and after a word or phrase indicate _italics_
in the original text.
Small capitals have been converted to SOLID capitals.
Typographical errors have been silently corrected.
Footnotes have all been moved to the end of the text.
A MYSTERY PLAY
[Illustration]
Lo! Gentiles in Thy Light shall walk;—
and Kings, all in the splendour bright
Of this Thy rising. Lift Thine eyes and see.
A MYSTERY PLAY
IN HONOUR OF THE
NATIVITY OF OUR LORD
BY
ROBERT HUGH BENSON
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO.
39 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON
NEW YORK, BOMBAY, AND CALCUTTA
1908
All rights reserved
FILIABVS · AMICIS
CONVENTVS · S · MARIAE · CANTABRIGIENSIS · ALVMNIS
QVARVM
ARDOR · PIETAS · REVERENTIA
INGENERAVIT · FOVIT · ILLVMINAVIT
LIBELLVM
VOTA · IMPLORANS
D · D
SCRIPTOR · INDIGNVS
PREFACE
The following play was produced at Cambridge in December 1907 and
January 1908. It was acted six times altogether, to full houses, upon a
temporary stage in the schoolroom of St. Mary’s Convent, by the girls
of the school, whose ages ran from six to eighteen. The scenery, the
properties, and the costumes were constructed—with the exception of
two simple Eastern dresses and a few weapons—out of materials lent
to the convent or possessed by it. The cost, therefore, was extremely
small; the trouble only was great, and this lay almost entirely in the
learning of the parts and the rehearsals.
It is alleged sometimes, as one reason for fearing such performances,
that the spirit of the age is very different from that in which this
method of bringing the Christian mysteries before the eye was almost
universally practised. This fear, of course, was not absent from the
minds of those responsible for this production, but it proved wholly
illusory. The audience, consisting of Catholics and non-Catholics drawn
from all classes, was begged, by a sentence on the printed programme,
to refrain from all applause and conversation, and loyally responded to
the request. There was practically a dead silence from the first notes
of the first carol to the departure of the audience at the end.
It has been thought worth while, therefore, in this age of Pageants,
to print and publish the text of a play which has for its object the
furthering of devotion to the Nativity of our Blessed Lord, and which
has been put to the test of actual performance before a mixed assembly,
in the hope that others perhaps may venture upon a task which to its
original promoters has appeared at least to justify its inception.
Full directions are given in appendices as to the methods by which the
staging was accomplished and the properties constructed, as well as,
in the text itself, minute stage directions as to the movements of
the actors. Realism and passion have been studiously avoided in the
training of these; and in their place a kind of slow and deliberate
simplicity has been arrived at throughout. There was practically no
attempt made to disguise the faces of the actors, except in the matter
of a brown stain applied to the faces and hands of a few, and of two or
three beards in the cases of old men.
In case, however, that the recommendations given in the book do not
seem sufficient to others, the author will be happy to answer any
questions that he can.
The present edition contains illustrations, appendices, and stage
directions; a cheaper acting edition shortly to be issued will contain
only the words with a few necessary remarks.
The collection from which the carols are taken is one compiled by Dr.
Stainer and the Rev. H. R. Bramley, under the title “Christmas Carols,
New and Old.” It is published with music by Novello. Acknowledgments
are made in the proper places.
An admirable orchestral effect may be produced by the use of a piano
and an American organ played together.
The play as a whole does not aspire to be considered a literary
production; it is only published as a practicable drama.
_DRAMATIS PERSONÆ_
MARY.
JOSEPH.
TOBIAS (_Landlord of Inn at Bethlehem_).
DAVID (_his servant_).
ZACHARY }
EZRA } _Three Shepherds._
BEN-EZRA }
ELIPHAZ }
NADAB } _Three Merchants._
UZZIEL }
MARTHA (_A Child_).
ABEL (_her brother_).
ANGELS (_four_).
HERALD (_An Angel_).
_SCENES_
I. _Road outside Bethlehem._
II. _The Kitchen of the Inn._
III. _Hills outside Bethlehem._
IV. _Interior of the Stable._
V. _The same._
NOTE.—In the stage directions throughout, “R.” = right of actor
who faces the audience, and “L.” = his left.
[Illustration]
PROLOGUE
_Before curtain rises there is sung_—
God rest you merry, gentlemen,[1]
Let nothing you dismay;
Remember Christ our Saviour
Was born on Christmas Day,
To save us all from Satan’s power
When we were gone astray.
_Chorus._ O! tidings of comfort and joy.
2. In Bethlehem, in Jewry,
This blessed Babe was born,
And laid within a manger,
Upon this blessed morn.
The which His mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn.
_Chorus._ O! tidings ...
3. From God our Heavenly Father
A blessed Angel came,
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name.
_Chorus._ O! tidings ...
4. Now to the Lord sing praises
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All other doth deface.
_Chorus._ O! tidings ...
_Curtains part—Enter_ HERALD, _closing
curtains behind him. He bows low, slowly, with arms
across his breast; he recovers himself perfectly
upright, and begins in a clear, declaiming voice_—
Good Christians, now the time is near [here]
When long ago our Saviour dear
Came hither from His heavenly hall
To teach and help and save us all.
For born He was, a little Child,
And Mary was His mother mild,
And Joseph guarded both of them
Within the cave of Bethlehem.
Here simple shepherds ran to view
[_He makes a gesture with his right hand._
The Lord alike of them and you:
Here, on their camels, came to see
[_He repeats gesture with his left hand._
Their Lord, wise kings of Araby.
Here Angels sang their praises meet,
And bowed before His little feet,
Whose hands the heavens and earth have wrought
[_He extends his hands slowly, palms uppermost._
And, pierced by nails, our ransom bought.
To this same God the whole world wide
Bows and adores at Christmastide.
[_He bows very slowly as he speaks the line._
We therefore, too, with good intent,
The simple story here present.
Here sheep and shepherds shall you see,
The Holy Child and sweet Mary,
Great angels and good Joseph too,
Merchants, and simple folks like you,
The sturdy landlord of the inn,
Cold snow without and fire within—
All shall be shown as best we can,
In praise of Jesus, God and man.
[_He bows._
We therefore pray you of your grace
To hear in silence and good face.
Mock not, if here or there we fail
To set out well this holy tale.
Keep silence, too, except ye sing,
As we shall do, before our King.
And if we please you, well, why then,
We pray you, hold your peace again.
And so God ☩ bless us all. Amen.
[_He signs himself; bows; and exit backwards through curtains._
[Illustration: _Exeunt the three Merchants._]
SCENE I
_Road outside Bethlehem. Sky, stars, snow. Up, centre,
a little to left, a stump of a tree. As curtain
begins to rise, there is sung by invisible
Choir_....[2]
When Christ was born of Mary free
In Bethlehem, that faire citie,
Angels sang there, with mirth and glee,
In excelsis gloria!
_Chorus (repeat)._ In excelsis ...
2. Herdsmen beheld those angels bright,
To them appearing with great light,
Who said, “God’s Son is born to-night,”
In excelsis gloria. [_Chorus._]
3. The King is come to save mankind,
As in Scripture truths we find,
Therefore this song we have in mind,
In excelsis gloria. [_Chorus._]
4. Then, dear Lord, for Thy great grace,
Grant us in bliss to see Thy face,
That we may sing to Thy solace
In excelsis gloria. [_Chorus._]
_Then, enter_ ZACHARY (L.); _walking with
a stick, carrying a bundle and a lantern. His
shoulders are covered with snow. He walks very
slowly. In centre of stage he halts, looks about
him slowly._
ZACH.
Now, God have mercy! I must rest awhile,
For mile on weary mile, and mile on mile,
I’ve trudged on foot since break of day began,
And, sure, I’m but an old and ancient man.
[_He goes across to stump, and sits on it slowly, disposing
his stick and bundle and lantern. He settles himself
deliberately, folding his arms._
Time was, once, long ago, when I would run
And leap and swim as good as any one.
Aye, aye,—to run a race or climb a wall—
Aye, aye,—I’d beat ’em all, I’d beat ’em all.
[_Shakes his head reminiscently. Then passes his hands
slowly down his knees._
But, sure, I’m stiff, and my poor bones are old,
And night is bitter cold—’tis bitter cold....
Yes, yes [_begins to look about him_]. I’ve come a mighty step
to-day.
Why, but—
[_Stands up suddenly, stares out_ (R.), _under hand_.
Is that the town so far away?
I thought ’twas nearer. But this pesky snow——!
At Rachel’s tomb the neighbours bade me go
A mile or two.... Yes, yes, they told me so....
[_Sits again heavily._
And now I’m wearied out ... and not so near
As I had thought.... (_turns to_ (L.), _stares out_.)
God bless me! who comes here?
[_Enter_ (L.) ELIPHAZ, NADAB, and UZZIEL, _together,
arm-in-arm; richly dressed; muffled up; carrying
bundles, walking with sticks_. NAD. _carries a
lantern. They come across briskly as they reach
stump._ ZACH. _suddenly stands up, pulling his
forelock. They start violently apart._
ZACH.
Good gentlemen——
ELIPH.
Why, murrain take the man
For frighting of us so! I never can
Abide these rustics.
[_He crosses over_ (R.). _Others remain_ (L.).
NAD.
They’ve no sense, I say,
To fright three gentlemen upon their way.
See here, old man! (_Lifts stick threateningly._)
UZZ.
No, no. Let be! let be!
[_He interposes his arm._
See here, old man! I’d have a word with thee.
Are you a native here? (ZACH. _nods_.) Why, then, I’ll lay
You’ll guide us, for, I think, we’ve lost our way.
A piece of gold or so’ll help you tell——
ZACH.
Why, no, good sir; I need no gold——
ELIPH. (_interrupting_).
Well, well——
We’re three good merchants, come, as you can see,
For this enrolling, down from Galilee,
And now we’ve missed our way.
ZACH.
Yes, yes, good friend,
I’ll set you on your way, if you’ll but lend
An arm to my old arm to bear me up;
For sure I’ve never had a bite or sup
Since break of day.
UZZ.
Yes, yes, old man; but tell
Us first our way; and all will then be well.
ZACH. (_pointing_ (R.) _very deliberately_).
Why, down the hill straight on, another mile,
Then to your right, and so beyond the stile
[_He makes gestures of pointing._
To where the vineyards stand—(remember them),
And that’ll bring you straight to Bethlehem.
[_He turns, and gathers stick and bundle._
And now, sir—[_comes forward_]—your good arm.
UZZ. (_avoiding_).
Why, no, no, no,
You’ve given us all we asked. We could not go
With such a bag of bones! That’s not the way
To make a contract. Come, be off, I say!
[_Threatens him as_ ZACH. _approaches again_.
ZACH.
Sir, sir; I’m wearied out! I’m done to death!
I’m old and weak of limb, and short of breath.
I pray you— [_Seizes_ ELIPHAZ’S _arm, who shakes it off_.
ELIPH.
Why, here’s impudence as well!
Is’t so you speak to men of Israel? [_Threatens._
ZACH.
Sir ...for the love of God ...
UZZ.
Why, that’s too good!
“The love of God!”—I’ve always understood
That God was Justice! Eh! good Nadab, eh?
[_He turns to_ NAD.
What do you think? That never was the way
We learned at school! [_Threatens_ ZACHARY.
Hands off! old man! I say!
[ELIPH. _crosses_ (L.).
ZACH.
Sir, for Messias’ sake!...
UZZ.
Why, who is He?
ZACH. (_solemnly_).
Sir, it is He told of in prophecy,
Who surely comes one day to set all right,
And judge in love and justice. Why, this night
Maybe, He’ll come.
UZZ.
Nay, nay! That’s past a joke!
Come, gentlemen; enough of crazy folk!
We must be going on a mile or two
To shelter; and, my friend, good-night to you!
[_Exeunt_ (R.) _three Merchants, saluting_ ZACHARY
_ironically_. ZACHARY _stands looking after them,
hands raised. He totters a step or two, then he
lets hands sink slowly._
ZACH.
Now, God have mercy! But I’m wearied sore.
[_Begins to limp back to stump._
So wearied I have never been before.
[_He sits heavily on ground, leaning against stump.
Then, after a pause._
My limbs that heavy! [_Lifts hands, and lets them drop._
My old eyes, that dim!
[_Stares about, bewildered._
Why—if He came—I could not look at Him....
[_His voice grows weaker._
Dreams, did they say?... And old Isaias too?...
[_He rolls his eyes._
David.... And Balaam ... and the Fleece of Dew
That Gideon saw.... Why, now, how soft the snow....
[_Sleepy voice; closing eyes._
I’ll sleep ... a bit ... a bit ... before ... I ... go.
[_Sinks down. Music begins very softly, and verse of
carol is played through as he falls asleep. Then_
MARTHA _and_ ABEL _begin to sing, off_.
And ... God ... have ... pity on ... all ...
poor folks ... here below.
MAR. AND ABEL.[3]
The Lord at first had Adam made
Out of the dust and clay,
And in his nostrils breathed life....
[_Enter_ (L.) MARTHA _and_ ABEL,
_carrying bundles, with sticks, over shoulders,
hand in hand_. MARTHA _carries a lantern_.
E’en as the Scriptures say.
And then in Eden’s Paradise
He placed him to dwell
That he within— [_Stop abruptly._
MAR.
Why, Abel, what’s that lying by the tree?
[ABEL _clings to her, lets go, tries to run_.
Nay, nay, be quiet! Here, take hold of me.
[_She is staring at_ ZACHARY.
ABEL.
Oh! Martha, Martha, I’m afraid—
[_Tries to pull her away._
MAR.
No, no.
[_She goes closer with him; looks._
’Tis but an old man, sleeping in the snow.
Why—look how white he is! How white and old!
He’ll take his death! The night is bitter cold.
[_Advances close to him with lantern._
Sir, sir! Wake up.... Here, Abel, take the light!
[_Hands him lantern. He shrinks away._
You silly boy! With God nor day nor night
Can harm His children.... Here, sir, wake, awake!
[_Shakes him by arm._
The night is cold. Sir! [_She kneels by him._
For Messias’ sake!
[ZACHARY _moans gently, lifts his head, looks
round, sinks back_.
ZACH. (_sleepily_).
Messias! eh? Messias? Why ... they ... said ...
’Twas dreams ... all dreams. [_She shakes him._
Why ... what is this?... my head ...
Is heavy ... let me sleep.... [_Rolls over a little._
Ah! let me sleep....
And dream Messias’ coming ... lest ... He ... weep ...
To find no welcome.
MAR. (_rapidly_).
Abel, here— [_He is sobbing._
Don’t cry....
Quick, boy, I tell you ... lest the old man die.
[_Together they lift him slowly, first up to tree,
then on his feet. He clings to them. They move
about; finally he sits down on stump, and begins
to recover himself._
ZACH. (_rubbing eyes_).
Why, ’tis but children! And I thought that He
Had sent His angels down to succour me,
And bring me tidings that His Christ was here.
[_Looks round, then drops his head._
No, dreams! All dreams it is.
[MARTHA _takes him by arm_.
MAR.
Sir! can you hear
Me speak, good father? Can you see me plain?
[_He looks at her; recovers further._
ZACH.
Why, yes.... I heard you singing. Sing again
That which you sang. [_Releases his arm._
Nay, nay, child, let me go!
I’m well awake enough. ’Twas but the snow
Bewildered me. What was that song so sweet
I heard so plain?
[MARTHA _comes a little forward,
smiling shyly_.
MAR.
Sir, to beguile our feet
We sang a carol, made—Oh! long ago,
Of times when God walked once with men below
In Eden’s garden; whence all woe began
From Satan’s tempting and the sin of man.
That was the little song you heard so plain
As we were coming.
ZACH.
Sing the song again.
[MARTHA _and_ ABEL
_stand side by side_ (R.).
MAR. AND ABEL.
The Lord at first had Adam made
Out of the dust and clay,
And in his nostrils breathed life,
E’en as the Scriptures say.
And then in Eden’s Paradise
He placed him to dwell,
That he within it should remain
To dress and keep it well.
[_They turn to_ ZACH.
ZACH.
Why—
[_Chorus suddenly begins from behind scene. Children
are terrified._ ZACH. _stands up, frightened. They
cling to him. During the singing they recover
themselves a little. They look about, standing all
together_ (R.) _facing_ (L.). ABEL _leaves the
others and begins to move across stage, looking in
all directions_.
INVISIBLE CHORUS.
Now let good Christians all begin
A holier life to live;
And to rejoice and merry be
For this is Christmas Eve.
4. Now mark the goodness of the Lord
Which He to mankind bore,
His mercy soon He did extend
Lost man for to restore;
And, therefore, to redeem our souls
From death and hell and thrall,
He said His own dear Son should be
The Saviour of us all.
_Chorus._ Now let ...
ABEL (_letting go_).
Why! What was that? Who’s singing there below?...
[_Runs to_ MARTHA, _who is looking_ (L.).
I’m frightened, Martha.... Martha! let us go.
[ZACH., _also staring_ (L.).
ZACH.
Why! Who comes here? [_He goes a step._
An old man and a maid!
Is that their singing?... No ... she seems afraid
And weary. Children! See how slow they wind!
[_Looks intently, under hand._
Children! look closer.... Who comes on behind?...
No ... he is gone again.... I thought I saw
Figures who came and went, behind, before,
As if to keep them.... Children, do you see?
[_A silence._
[Illustration: _Why! Who comes here? An old man and a maid—— See how
slow they wind!_]
MAR. (_looking_).
I see a maiden, and a man like thee.
Old, old and heavy.... Why, sir, look again!
Why ... who is that? Nay ... nay, I saw him plain—
All, all in light—Nay, but he’s gone again.
[_The three shrink together backwards across the stage
to_ (R.) _as_ (L.) _enter_ JOSEPH _and_ MARY, _very
slowly. She leans on him. They come up to tree. She
sinks on to it, in his arms, and drops her head. He
stands behind, holding her. So the tableau remains.
Behind the scenes the Chorus sings, as below.
During the singing_, ABEL _advances step by step,
almost imperceptibly, with_ MARTHA _behind and_
ZACHARY _last_.
CHORUS.
A Virgin unspotted, the Prophet foretold,[4]
Should bring forth a Saviour, which now we behold,
To be our Redeemer from death, hell, and sin,
Which Adam’s transgression had wrappèd us in.
_Chorus._ Aye and therefore be merry; set sorrow aside,
Christ Jesus our Saviour was born on this tide.
2. At Bethlehem city in Jewry it was
That Joseph and Mary together did pass,
All for to be taxed with many one more;
Great Cæsar commanded the same should be so.
_Chorus._ Aye and therefore ...
3. There were they constrained in a stable to lie,
Where horses and asses they used for to tie,
Their lodging so simple they took it no scorn,
But against the next morning our Saviour was born.
_Chorus._ Aye and therefore ...
[_At this point_ ABEL _reaches_ MARY, _and kneels down
before her on his knees, looking, on her right,
and_ MARTHA _on her left_, ZACHARY _in centre.
During the next verses_, MARY _opens her eyes,
sees them, then slowly stretches out her hands on
to their heads; each kisses her hand. Then both_
MARY’S _hands on_ ZACHARY’S _head. He takes them
both and kisses them. All this very slowly during
following verse._
INVISIBLE CHORUS.
Then God sent an angel from heaven so high,
To certain poor shepherds in fields where they lie,
And bade them no longer in sorrow to stay,
Because that our Saviour was born on this day.
_Chorus._ Aye and therefore ...
[_Then_ MARY _is slowly supported by_ JOSEPH _on her
right, with her arm round his shoulders, and, on
the left, in the same way, by_ MARTHA _and_ ABEL.
ZACHARY _slowly gathers up bundles and sticks and
lantern_.
Then presently after the shepherds did spy,
Vast numbers of angels to stand in the sky;
They joyfully talked, and sweetly did sing,
To God be all glory, our heavenly King.
_Chorus._ Aye and therefore ...
[_They begin to go out_ (R.) _in the above order.
As they disappear_ (R.), _enter_ (L.) _two tall
angels bearing swords in right hand and burning
tapers in left, and two small angels bearing
tapers only. These pairs slowly cross stage, and
as curtain comes down they are still passing, and
simultaneously the last chorus ends._
To teach us humility all this was done,
And learn we from thence haughty pride for to shun,
A manger His cradle, who came from above,
The great God of mercy, of peace, and of love.
_Chorus._ Aye and therefore ...
CURTAIN.
[_A quiet piece of music begins and continues until Carol._
[Illustration]
[Illustration: _The three Merchants rise in alarm_—]