experienced more of gladness this day than has been ours since the
last report that the Messiah had come was proved false.

_Leah._ Yes, we have heard strange things since the morning service;
joyful news have we for you.

_Martha._ Another false prophet, no doubt, claiming to be Israel's
deliverer, and proving a thousand times her foe.

_Salome._ Let us not cheat ourselves with any more fanatical dreams.

_Miriam._ No dream this; no fanatic's voice; no prophet's word, but a
message direct from Heaven.

_Martha._ A message from Heaven!

_Leah._ 'Tis even so. Listen while I tell you. At Bethlehem, last
night, the shepherds were watching their flocks as usual; at midnight
they were startled by the sudden appearance of an angel of the Lord,
and the shining round about them of an exceeding bright light; and the
angel spoke to them. "Fear not," said he, "for, behold! I bring you
good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all the people; for unto
you is born this day, in the city of David, a _Saviour_, even the
Messiah."

_Martha._ Can this be true?

_Salome._ But how shall he be known?

_Anna._ In Bethlehem, did you say? But there is no palace in