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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
_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