A Mystery Play in Honour of the Nativity of our Lord. Robert Hugh Benson

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       PROLOGUE

       Table of Contents

      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.