the Long-Awaited One would be born?

Old Man:

I heard something to that effect too.

Joseph:

Who says so?

Soldier:

Who says so? I don’t know.

Young Girl:

Who says so? I don’t know. Nor do I.

Joseph:

But who are these worthy gentlemen

in discussion among themselves?

They appear to be of a high rank,

as shown by their sumptuous garments.

All this cultured bearing of theirs

is too plain for me to take them

to be mere humble folk.

First King:

to be mere humble folk.We are

potentates from the Orient.

Some give us the title of wise men.

To others we appear as kings.

Joseph:

Is that so? Well, that’s fine by me.

It’s a shame that I can’t wait on you

with something.

Second King:

with something. We thank you from our hearts,

but we don’t need anything at all.

Our being here is refreshment enough.

Joseph:

Is it possible that you made

such a long journey just to come

and meet a simple carpenter?

I can hardly understand why.

Take no offense on my account.

Third King:

It may well indeed have been God

who gave us a sign to follow,

to come here, inside this cramped space,

where lies that little boy, the one

who shall one day redeem mankind.

Joseph:

How did you come by this wonderful

idea? I’m almost frightened.

Of course, a child has been born here,

but hardly for such a lofty

purpose.

Soldier:

purpose. Show it to us.

Joseph:

purpose. Show it to us. If you would

like to see it now, take a quick look

around. It lies there in the corner

by his mother.—And you, boy, you’re

in awe too?

Jester:

in awe too? Incredibly so!

Vagabond:

I too would very much like to see

this miracle child.

Joseph:

this miracle child. Your glimpse is

granted you. Come, closer.

All step toward the child.

granted you. Come, closer. This is it!

Mary:

Who’re these people you’re talking to?

Joseph:

They would like to see our baby.

They say—

Mary:

They say— Well, what do they say then?

Joseph:

It’s the Messiah.

Mary:

It’s the Messiah. What? This child?

Joseph:

Yes, and it be born for the sake

of the happiness of mankind.

Mary:

Have they been taken in by fraud?

Joseph:

To be honest, they just don’t make

that impression on me, after all

they are too polite, they speak much

too thoughtfully. Talk to them yourself.

Mary:

You’re most welcome. Thank you so much

for your company and kind faces,

and for being nice enough to have

asked us.

Shepherd:

asked us. Room for one or two more

might be found in this cubbyhole.

Joseph:

This crowd is getting rather large.

But I shall not bar you entry.

Instead, let me wish you a warm

good evening and ask that you make

yourselves at home as best you can.

Shepherd: