Part 11 (2/2)

_Mary._ Who is it speaketh in this place, With such a gentle voice?

_Gabriel._ The Lord of heaven is with thee now!

Blessed among all women thou, Who art his holy choice!

_Mary_ (setting down the pitcher). What can this mean?

No one is near, And yet, such sacred words I hear, I almost fear to stay.

(_Here the_ ANGEL, _appearing to her, shall say:_)

_Gabriel._ Fear not, O Mary! but believe!

For thou, a Virgin, shalt conceive A child this very day.

Fear not, O Mary! from the sky The majesty of the Most High Shall overshadow thee!

_Mary._ Behold the handmaid of the Lord!

According to thy holy word, So be it unto me!

(_Here the Devils shall again make a great noise, under the stage._)

III. THE ANGELS OF THE SEVEN PLANETS, _bearing the Star of Bethlehem._

_The Angels._ The Angels of the Planets Seven Across the s.h.i.+ning fields of heaven The natal star we bring!

Dropping our sevenfold virtues down, As priceless jewels in the crown Of Christ, our new-born King.

_Raphael._ I am the Angel of the Sun, Whose flaming wheels began to run When G.o.d's almighty breath Said to the darkness and the Night, Let there be light! and there was light!

I bring the gift of Faith.

_Gabriel._ I am the Angel of the Moon, Darkened, to be rekindled soon Beneath the azure cope!

Nearest to earth, it is my ray That best illumes the midnight way.

I bring the gift of Hope!

_Anael._ The Angel of the Star of Love, The Evening Star, that s.h.i.+nes above The place where lovers be, Above all happy hearths and homes, On roofs of thatch, or golden domes, I give him Charity!

_Zobiachel._ The Planet Jupiter is mine!

The mightiest star of all that s.h.i.+ne, Except the sun alone!

He is the High Priest of the Dove, And sends, from his great throne above, Justice, that shall atone!

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