Part 35 (1/2)

[61] n.o.ble being.

[62] Cursed.

[63] Warlock.

[64] Sorrow.

[65] Grows merry.

[66] Promise.

[67] n.o.ble.

[68] Child.

[69] Baby.

[70] Head.

[71] Face.

[72] Hand.

[73] Besides the Nativity plays in the four great cycles there exists a ”Shearmen and Tailors' Play” which undoubtedly belongs to Coventry, unlike the ”Ludus Coventriae,” whose connection with that town is, to say the least, highly doubtful. It opens with a prologue by the prophet Isaiah, and in a small s.p.a.ce presents the events connected with the Incarnation from the Annunciation to the Murder of the Innocents. The Nativity and shepherd scenes have less character and interest than those in the great cycles, and need not be dealt with here.{18}

[74]

”_Riepl._ What a noise there is. Everything seems so strange to me!

_Jorgl._ Have the heavens fallen to-day; are the angels flying over our field?

_R._ They are leaping _J._ Down from above.

_R._ I couldn't do the thing; 'twould break my neck and legs.”

[75]

”_J._ My child, canst find no lodging? Must Thou bear such frost and cold?

_R._ Thou liest in cold swaddling-clothes! Come, put a garment about Him!

_J._ Cover His feet up; wrap Him up delicately!”

[76] ”Three eggs and some b.u.t.ter we bring, too; deign to accept it! A fowl to make some broth if Thy mother can cook it--put some dripping in, and 'twill be good. Because we've nothing else--we are but poor shepherds--accept our goodwill.”

[77]

”_J._ The best of health to thee ever, my little dear; when thou wantest anything, come to me.

_J._ G.o.d keep thee ever!

_R._ Grow up fine and tall soon!

_J._ I'll take thee into service when thou'rt big enough.”

[78] Jacopone da Todi, whose Christmas songs we have already considered, was probably connected with the movement.