SECOND ACTION (The Lantern in the Desert)
Reading edition
AISLE I: A PATHWAY INTO THE WILDERNESS
Moving toward the Tree, a Procession enters singing.
First comes JOSEPH in white. He holds high a tall staff, from which a swinging lantern shines. Behind him comes, in pale blue, MARY, attended by Shepherds in white. These carry lighted candles and long crooks, and they are ranged about a Manger, borne in their midst.
Carol 1. Joseph’s Carol
JOSEPH As Joseph I was walking, I heard an angel sing: JOSEPH AND SHEPHERDS “This night shall be the birthnight Of Christ our heavenly King. His birth-bed shall be neither In housen nor in hall, Nor in the place of paradise, But in the oxen’s stall. He neither shall be rockèd In silver nor in gold, But in the wooden manger That lieth on the mould. He neither shall be clothèd In purple nor in pall, But in the fair white linen That usen babies all.” JOSEPH As Joseph I was walking Thus did the angel sing; JOSEPH AND SHEPHERDS And Mary’s Son at midnight Was born to be our King.