The Enchiridion

Laurence Housman: Bethlehem, 1902 &c.

[ Transcription of the Title Page, Preface, Synopsis and (part of) the text of the "Christmas Song" beginning "The Maker of the sun and moon", from a 1902 copy in the British Library. (Brit.Museum date stamp: 23 DE 1902 ) ]

[ Title page ]

PREFACE

All the songs of the `Nativity Play,' together with the whole of the `Pageant of Our Lady' and the `Christmas Songs,' which are here printed, were designed to be set to music by my friend, Mr. Joseph Moorat. Standing thus separate from their context, their appeal to the reader is necessarily incomplete. I can only hope that they precede by a very short time the publication of the music to which from their first inception they were dedicated in friendship, in admiration and in confidence.

L.H.

(The Pageant of Our Lady)

Here are set forth the arrangements of the stage, and the figures that are gone through by the actors to the accompaniment of words and music.

At the back of the stage to the centre stands a bower for OUR LADY raised upon two steps above the level of the floor. The bower has a canopy upon four pillars; upon the hind pillars swing folding-doors which open forward at the beginning of the chorus of verse 2, whereat OUR LADY is led forward by Love dressed as a herald. He leaves her under the canopy and descends.

To left and right of the stage and forward to the audience are two railed places or pews, wherein stand some four or five singers on each side, who sing in alternate verses the opening song of the pageant. Upon the stage a CHORUS OF YOUTHS with hand-bells, dance and ring at intervals.

Behind the bower to left and right are two archways, through which enters, first, to the right, GABRIEL, who at verse 3 comes running and kneels low, offering the lily to OUR LADY, and making to her the sign of the cross. GABRIEL and LOVE embrace, and GABRIEL departs. Then to the left enters ELIZABETH who kneels and is lifted and embraced by OUR LADY. While OUR LADY sings Magnificat, ELIZABETH and LOVE kneel upholding her to right and left. The ringers and choristers seat themselves reverently during the singing, and kneel and rise when it is ended.

At verse 13, ELIZABETH leads OUR LADY within, and the doors of the bower are closed, LOVE standing as a sentinel thereat.

Then enter, to left and right, first the SHULAMITE and her train of Virgins; then SOLOMON attended by his Court. At first the SHULAMITE and SOLOMON are without ensigns of royalty. She is veiled, and he wears a shepherd's cloak and carries a staff. Afterwards they assume their crowns: and King's and Queen's robes are put on them. A canopy is brought and raised over them when they embrace; the curtains are let down, and they are thus led to the bower. Presently the curtains are raised and disclose SOLOMON and the SHULAMITE kneeling to left and right with their trains behind them. From the doors at the back enter OUR LADY crowned and bearing the CHILD in her arms.

Priests enter swinging before them censers, and in their midst SIMEON, who, kneeling, sing the Nunc Dimittis, all the rest joining after him.

1

The Maker of the sun and moon,

. . .

2

When from His throne the Godhead bowed

To human Form below,

The Heavens dropt down, and every cloud

Hung loath to let him go.

Oh, bright the light, and white the night,

When, full of favour stored,

God's Maid lay down in Bethlehem town,

To wait the coming Lord!

(three more verses, each with this 4-line refrain)

3

Where now so fast, on this fair morn, away?

To find at last where Christ is born to-day!

Then sing we merrily:

`This day is verily

Noel and holiday. Alleluia!'

(two more verses)

4

Love, Joy, and Gentleness came down

On Christmas night to David's town,

Seeking to find therein a bed,

Or word of welcome to be said.

O Bethlehem, behold thy Fate!

Run down, and open wide the gate,

And ask Him why He comes so late!

(three more verses)

5

`Oh, tell me why,' said Jerusalem,

Are the church-bells ringing in Bethlehem?'

`Oh, loud at their ringing my bells must be,

For the Lord our King hath been born in me!'

(three more verses)

6

`O shepherds, where went ye last night? and

for why

With laughter and song did your young men

go by?

Why left you your flocks in their fold on the

down

To the wolves of the wild as you races to the

town?'

(seven more verses)

7

It was in fair Bethlehem,

Where Love first lay,

That in the street on merry feet,

He heard the children play.

And all the running sound was sweet,

And plain as plain could be:

`Jesus, suffer little feet

To come to Thee!'

(three more verses)

8

`Who knocks to-night so late?'

The weary porter said.

Three Kings stood at the gate,

Each with a crown on head.

(three more verses)

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(The Rejoice & Sing Enchiridion:edited by David Goodall; last amended 11/12/03)