From God our Heavenly Father, A blessed Angel came; And unto certain Shepherds Brought tidings of the same: How that in Bethlehem was born The Son of God by Name.
Now to the Lord sing praises, All you within this place, And with true love and brotherhood Each other now embrace; This holy tide of Christmas All other doth deface.
(At second carol, the children come out with half-eaten apples and oaten cake, to stand listening to the singing. The children mingle with the waits and offer them bites of their apples, etc. The widow comes out with a big steaming pot of mead to thank the waits. Offers pot. Robin's men each try to take first drink. Robin stops quarrel and hands it to Tuck, who drinks hastily, and so burns his mouth.)
Widow--Oh! kind gentlemen, bless your hearts for this. It's many a year since I heard the sound of a Christmas carol. It does my old heart good. Bless ye, bless ye.
(Descries the fiddler cousin, falls on his shoulder, and makes talk of his family--_sotto voce_.)
(A basket lowered from above with Santa Claus in it begins to appear to the audience. No one on stage sees it. Santa Claus reaches out and taps Robin on the head, smartly, with a bit of rope. Knocks off his hat.)
Robin (terrified)--Saints preserve us. Who smote me?
(Sees balloon. Points to it. All cry out in alarm.)
Robin--An air-man; a Miracle! The day of miracles!
Santa Claus (intones high tenor voice)--Fear not, except for thy sins. I came to hear; what music was it ye sang?--Nay be not affrighted--I'll e'en stand among ye. So shall ye see I bode no ill.
Robin--Canst fly? How else cam'st hither? Truly a Miracle art thou.
Santa Claus--No Miracle am I, but the dear Christ's Almoner; who comes this night and every Christmas-tide bearing gifts for all good children and a good gift for all, even Jesus' love and Peace on Earth, good will toward men. But this is a miracle, in truth, for here be Waits joined hands with Robin Hood in songs of praise for Christus' birth.
Praise God for this and all good deeds, and by such shall these wild hearts (turns to Robin's men) learn gentle love for all mankind.
(Exit. Robin leads his men, exit to right. Waits follow.)
Santa Claus--And now, good people all, take note of Music; see how she sways rough men and brings the good that's in us all to turn them into better paths. King Arthur did quite right to those three sons who would not sing.