This book was produced in EPUB format by the Internet Archive.

The book pages were scanned and converted to EPUB format automatically. This process relies on optical character recognition, and is somewhat susceptible to errors. The book may not offer the correct reading sequence, and there may be weird characters, non-words, and incorrect guesses at structure. Some page numbers and headers or footers may remain from the scanned page. The process which identifies images might have found stray marks on the page which are not actually images from the book. The hidden page numbering which may be available to your ereader corresponds to the numbered pages in the print edition, but is not an exact match; page numbers will increment at the same rate as the corresponding print edition, but we may have started numbering before the print book's visible page numbers. The Internet Archive is working to improve the scanning process and resulting books, but in the meantime, we hope that this book will be useful to you.

The Internet Archive was founded in 1996 to build an Internet library and to promote universal access to all knowledge. The Archive's purposes include offering permanent access for researchers, historians, scholars, people with disabilities, and the general public to historical collections that exist in digital format. The Internet Archive includes texts, audio, moving images, and software as well as archived web pages, and provides specialized services for information access for the blind and other persons with disabilities.

Created with hocr-to-epub (v.1.0.0)

The text on this page is estimated to be only 15.38% accurate

:CO :O |00 ICO ?CD •O •O CO Buckton, Alice Maiy Eager Heart

The text on this page is estimated to be only 3.00% accurate

$ ff t uc.

The text on this page is estimated to be only 25.50% accurate

. '

The text on this page is estimated to be only 25.05% accurate

EAGER HEART A CHRISTMAS MYSTERY-PLAY BY A. M. BUCKTON AUTHOR OF "THE BURDEN OF ENGELA" "BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A MASQCE' "THE PASTOR OF WYDON FELL: A BALLAD" ETC. CHAPPELL AND COMPANY LIMITED 41 EAST 34TH STREET NEW YORK

The text on this page is estimated to be only 16.67% accurate

GOCS _ 9

The text on this page is estimated to be only 28.83% accurate

INSCRIBED TO ALL WHO SEE AND WORSHIP THE ONE IN THE MANY

The text on this page is estimated to be only 23.38% accurate

The Design for the ewer is after BLAKE

The text on this page is estimated to be only 26.45% accurate

PERSONAGES EAGER HEART and her two Sisters; EAGER FAME and EAGER SENSE A Poor and Nameless FAMILY Three SHEPHERDS and a Young Man Three KINGS VISION of the HOLY FAMILY, and CHOIR OF ANGELS Unseen MUSICIANS PROLOGUE Time: CHRISTMAS EVE Place: EVERYWHERE Peculiar conditions attach to the performances of " EAGER HEART." (See Articles of Association.) Applications for permission to perform "EAGER HEART" to be made to the Secretary of the INCORPORATED COMPANY OF EAGER HEART, 85 Gracechurch Street, London, E.G., from whom all particulars may be obtained.

The text on this page is estimated to be only 18.37% accurate

MUSIC REQUIRED FOR THE PLAYING OF "EAGER HEART" ImbiU. choir (S.A.T.B.) and orchestra of strings, *«, ft**(See analysis supplied by Secretary.) OLD CAROL: God rest you, Kerry **»£ ^^ From BACifs Christmas Oratorio, as follows:-Pastoral Symphony . Gloria in Excelsis . (Or plain-song Gloria.) Slumber, thou heavenly child! Alto voice. Prepare your heart (shortened} Alto voice. followed at one! by chorale: -How shall I fitly meet Thee? Four other chorales, viz. . Ful!ar, the Cays - * — "%£££*.• I am not worthy . . ,, » { Q Beauteous» , rol (** to * Gained of Cov.pany) Company. STAGE NECESSARIES An upper, middle, and lower (see An upper, me, an (see fixed dark-blue *•*«"*"** '£ *$£%£> dresses and without text} illuminated ch0lr of angeh, »J£** udb a descending wings, with arms upraised w joy. ^^^ by ^ible cords, curtain. A curtain dividing to the ^f^ Steps go up from rests upon the top of steps aScend^ng to mzddle stage. floor of auditorium to sides of lower stage. The lighting is from above, and from the wings.

The text on this page is estimated to be only 26.73% accurate

EAGER HEART A CHRISTMAS MYSTERY PLAY OLD CAROL \_sung by unseen choir\ GOD rest you, merry gentlemen ! Let nothing you dismay. Remember, Christ our Saviour Was born this holy day, To save us all from woe and sin, When we were gone astray. O the tidings of comfort let us sing ! In Bethlehem in Jewry This blessed Babe was born, And laid within a manger,, Upon that holy morn, The which His Mother Mary Did nothing take in scorn ! O the tidings of comfort let us sing !

The text on this page is estimated to be only 27.53% accurate

2 EAGER HEART And in the heavenly places A blessed Angel stood, And unto certain Shepherds He told the tidings good, How that in Bethlehem was born The Child, the Son of God ! O the tidings of comfort let us sing ! PROLOGUE, an aged man, in black cap and gown, stands before the closed curtains, which represent the doors to the Dwelling of EAGER HEART: he speaks. Lo ! as Earth, her vigil keeping, Times the year with careful hand, So the watchful Soul, unsleeping, Marks her days by high command. O'er the world to-night, the nations, Weary, lay their griefs aside, And with sweet and loud laudations Hold the Feast of Christmastide. Favour, then, our simple story, Picturing here, with gentle art, How the Lord of Life and Glory Comes to honour Eager Heart!

The text on this page is estimated to be only 27.64% accurate

EAGER HEART 3 PROLOGUE descends from stage by central steps, and seats himself at their foot, or as part of the audience, attentive to the play. Pastoral symphony is played by invisible orchestra: at its close, the curtains open, discovering EAGER HEART standing near a low white couch (L. ). The back of the room is shut off by a dark-blue gauze curtain. Small table (R.), with loaves of bread, a flask and a cup for wine : a pitcher of water and basin stand on floor near: embroidery work in a frame, and a stool; small lighted lamp hanging before a shrine, and picture, in a corner: also cage of doves. E. Heart. To - night the weary world is husht and still ! Out on the plains the shepherds watch; and we, Dwelling in cities, keep our doors ajar, Lest He should come this way, the royal Child, Two thousand years our King! Alas, to think , How many highways He must tread to-night, Will know Him not, nor see Him as He comes ! Yet every year, they say, even at this hour

The text on this page is estimated to be only 27.80% accurate

4 EAGER HEART He makes a sumptuous progress through the land, In lane and town, with guards angelical, Mindful of that far night, when, as a Babe, He begged an empty manger of the beasts, Because no inn, no single roof was found To cover Him ! So be it not to-day, My gracious King! Have Thou to-night sweet rest, Here, on this lowly couch ! O deign thereon To lay Thine infant head ! Mary and Joseph ! Come but your steps this way, behold the meal, The little frugal meal I saved this morn, With joys of fasting ! O that I might be Worthy, dear Lord, but once to shelter Thee ! [She looks up to the shrine, trims the light, and says, or sings slowly, looking before and about her, this meditation: then sits at her embroidery frame : Dark is the night, The starless night, The Homeless are abroad: O Heart, prepare With simple care A shelter for thy Lord

The text on this page is estimated to be only 27.78% accurate

EAGER HEART Crowned with power, He comes this hour, Remembering the day, When, as a child, In dwellings wild And poor, He came to stay. Make thou a bed To rest His head ; Its sheet be purity ; The pillow light, With tears washed white, Be Heart's humility. Much did it take Of thee to make This couch so soft and low ! Sighs without name, And many a shame, And tears that none may know. And set thy board To wait thy Lord With Bread,' that He may dine : Bring Water sweet To wash his Feet — A Cup to mix Him Wine !

The text on this page is estimated to be only 26.29% accurate

6 EAGER HEART This simple Bread, Alas ! was made Of harvests thinly sown : The Wine is poor ; But round the door Its purpling grapes were grown. No jewelled hall This quiet stall, But thatched with simple wit : No monarch rare Has sojourned here, But Love has lived in it. O Heavenly Child, The night is wild ! Come in to me, I pray ! Make of this heart — This longing heart — Thy Bethlehem to-day ! \_She continues humming softly to herself. Enter R. and L., on lower stage, the two Sisters, EAGER SENSE and EAGER FAME, the first in gorgeous apparel, the second in armour and helmet. EAGER SENSE enters the home. E. Sense. What! sitting late at work, and singing songs ?

The text on this page is estimated to be only 26.27% accurate

EAGER HEART 7 E. Heart. My hands are busy, for my heart is full ; I sing a song of welcome to the King ! E. Fame. But wherefore linger here ? Think you He deigns Beneath so small a roof to bend His head ? How should He find this quiet street, where no Great chariots pass, no victory-pageants roll ? Kings are not wont to come in these our days To poor and beggared doors! This foolish freak To sit at home, and wait Him in the house, Is bygone fashion! Come with me, away Up to the terrace of the capitol, Where famous deeds are done, and tapestries Blazon the walls with tales of heroes dead ! There, Fame, her golden trumpet at her mouth, Governs the winds that sweep the echoing world : And men, amazed, bow lowly, worshipping ! E. Heart \doubtfully\. Nay, Eager Fame ! Think not I ask so much, Or dare to hope for that I scarce can name ! And yet — a viewless voice whispered — He comes ! Close at mine ear ! I heard it even now ! \Looks vaguely round.

The text on this page is estimated to be only 26.41% accurate

8 EAGER HEART E. Sense. Folly ! so wilt thou mope, even unto the end, Fed upon moonlight 'stead of merry flesh, Starving on sickly dreams and phantasies ! \_She goes to the table, and calls mockingly. Behold the childish meal set bravely here To tempt the Royal train ! Water and bread ! Ha! ha! and peasant grapes, that scarce have won The faintest flush of crimson [holds up flask to lighf\, trained by herself Upon the walls, and pressed with her own small hands ! . . . Come to the palace in the orange groves ! There the loud viol plays the night away : And none is sick or fasting ! Come, poor child ! I'll lend thee other garb and jewels ! See ! [Takes EAGER HEART'S head in her hands. This brow should bear a diadem ! This breast, Warm with the matchless breath of innocence, Should gleam in vair and velvet, winning with ease Man's open homage! [Turning to EAGER FAME.] Never be it said That Eager Sense was not of a generous mind 1 E. Heart. Nay, Sister! leave me! I am well content

The text on this page is estimated to be only 26.89% accurate

EAGER HEART 9 Wrapped in your costly robes, I lose myself. Yea, though the King should lodge with you to-night, I could not find the art to please Him there. [ Under her breath. Listen ! what voice was that, saying "He comes ! " Close at mine ear ? I heard it even now ! E. Fame. Nay then, we wraste our trouble! Let us go, You to the Palace where the Banquet lies, I to the ramparts! There the answering tongues Of watchmen on the walls shout even now, In token of His coming, ere He come ! \_Exit R. [EAGER SENSE looks back on EAGER HEART standing in a rapt attitude, and stretches out her hand once more to her. E. Sense. Come, pretty wilful! Take my hand, be wise ! [EAGER HEART shakes her head: EAGER SENSE shrugs her shoulders gaily, and goes out (L.).

The text on this page is estimated to be only 27.18% accurate

10 EAGER HEART E. Heart [alone]. Now have I lost a chance, but kept my hope, Dearer than present gain, or handled good ! I part not with it now till daylight come ! [Listens. 'Tis very still. The night is dead asleep ; Shut are the streets ! [Leans from the threshold and looks up.~\ Only the stars above Seem strangely near, as if they, listening, heard A far-off music. [Distant choirs of " Gloria " are heard: first eight bars.~\ Hark, what a sudden burst Of voices from the hills ! The simple folk Bring Him upon His way. He comes! He comes ! Sure 'twas the mighty shout of warrior-kings That ride with Him ! O let me forth to see, And mix my feet with those that throng His road, Praying that He will deign to pause Him here One moment, at my threshold, blessing it, Even with His look. [Goes to the shrine and picture^ Forgive me that I take, Sad Face! this little lamp from your dim shrine ! I go to meet you in the flesh ! Dear walls,

The text on this page is estimated to be only 26.97% accurate

EAGER HEART 11 I leave you husht, expectant of a Guest ! Keep you all safe and spotless till He come. [She descends to second step, softly, lamp in hand, and sees approach from R. a poor road-maker and a woman, travel- stained, in humble garments and with broken shoes. The man bears an old spade and basket over shoulder : the woman bears a little child wrapped in her shawl.~\ Man. Maiden! we pray you, of your courtesy, Give us but shelter for this single night ! We faint from thirst and hunger by the way : And all the folk, it seems, have left ! The town Is well-nigh empty, and our strength is gone ! E. Heart [wondering]. These must be strangers, else they surely knew Why all men are abroad! Their dress is old, Fashioned in curious guise of other lands. Good folk, whence come ye,? Man. Tossed on these barren shores That are no home, refused by king and slave, We wander, seeking shelter ; and to-night We pray a humble couch that we may sleep !

The text on this page is estimated to be only 25.23% accurate

12 EAGER HEART E. Heart \looking back into her home]. A couch I have, poor friends ! 'tis true — and yet — A little bread and wine, and yet — and yet — Man \lifts his hand"]. Alas, that halting word ! we know it well ! E. Heart. Nay, hear me ! These are all I have prepared For other guests ; ah, with what joys and fears ! Had you wandered this way but yester-night, Freely was yours all that I have and hold ! But now — to-night ! Ah no, it cannot be That I should yield my hope so easily ! Man. What hope ? E. Heart. Perchance to house a Royal guest ! The King this hour makes progress through the land, In memory of a night, a far-off night, When, as a helpless Babe, He found a bed With beasts — because no roof would cover Him! To-day He comes, the all-acknowledged King ! Saw you no retinue upon the plain, Flocking from every race, and of every tongue ? Man. No kingly train saw we upon the track : But tired shepherds closing up the fold,

The text on this page is estimated to be only 27.82% accurate

EAGER HEART 13 Who stooped, and found us milk, and crusts of bread. E. Heart. But heard you not the shouting of the folk That went to meet Him ? hailing, carolling The King that had a manger for His bed ? Man. Would that a manger-stall were ours to-night ! [EAGER HEART still looks doubtfully at her home. The woman looks up at the man, and both with a sigh make as though they would pass on.'] E. Heart \_stretching out her hand, seeing they have passed her\. Stay ! saw ye not a palace as ye came, With gilded chambers, by the orange grove, Where lute and viol play the night away ? Man [turning]. We heard the lute : we called beside the gate ! Our voice they could not hear for merriment. E. Heart. Then, passed ye not the capitol, the gate Where sits my Sister, dealing blame and praise, Weighing the great and lesser deeds of men ? What said she to your tale ? Man. She spoke a tongue

The text on this page is estimated to be only 26.34% accurate

14 EAGER HEART We could not understand ! Her trumpets blew, Deafening us as we pleaded ! You alone — You have we found, knowing our native speech As brother knoweth brother's ! Yet, let us go : Our dusty feet will stain your delicate doors ! E. Heart [eagerly]. Nay, speak no more ! It shames me ! Pray you, come ! Yours is the Bread, the Water, and the Wine, The lowly couch on which I thought to lay The beauty of my Lord! Enough! enough That you have need, and I the hand to give ! Be you my honoured, welcome guests to-night. Forgotten be all else ! my foolish dream ! [She descends to the lowest step, and gives her hand to the woman, helping her up. Man follows her slowly. A fresh burst of the " Gloria " (eight bars) is heard faintly in the distance. EAGER HEART is amazed at the dignity of her guests. They place themselves at the couch, and the man goes to offer the woman wine from the little table, as if he had been long familiar there. E. Heart. Pray now forgive me if I leave you here

The text on this page is estimated to be only 26.68% accurate

EAGER HEART 15 A little space. Prepare yourselves for sleep. Hear you the people shouting on the plains ? I would be gone to worship with the rest, Meeting the King, at least, upon His way! [As she looks back, descending the steps, the man lifts his hand to her in peace, and the curtains slowly meet before her gaze, presenting the closed doors, as at first. E. Heart \looking up at the stars"]. O star of heaven, so still, so pure, so high ; How art thou near to-night ! Is it through pity Thou shinest on me thus ? or is it joy ? Hark to the voices singing ! Let me go ! \_Exit R. Alto voice (unseen) sings as follows (with symphony following, to the word "fine "). Slumber, Thou Heavenly Child, and take Thy rest, That with Thy waking, the weary world be blest : On Thy Mother's breast, O take, O take Thy rest, And in all our hearts give Peace 1 Curtain is withdrawn to both sides at its close, discovering the starlit plain, where two

The text on this page is estimated to be only 25.58% accurate

16 EAGER HEART shepherds lie on the ground ; strong, bearded men with crooks ; a younger man is feeding a small Jire with sticks : an old man with long beard sits on rocks between them, facing audience, with faced eyes. Back of the plain is shut off (as before] with dark-blue gauze. Frost lies on the ground: starlight comes from above : a fold is on the L. with sheep, and a thorn-bush. Young Man. Ay, 'tis a cruel night ! A lamb this hour Was born in the fold, a poor and plaintive thing, And yet it seems to suck ! The piteous ewe Made bitter bleating at the first — but now Tis still ! Old Man. O ay ! the world is still to-night. Vender's the star of hope, that brighter shows On Christmas Eve ! Sure it has been the same Since I remember, lads ! and that is nigh On seventy year! [He looks to a star, R ist Shep. \laughing~\. Come, none of your old tales ! Old men and children needs must have their tales, Dry teats to dandle at, like thirsty lambs

The text on this page is estimated to be only 27.53% accurate

EAGER HEART 17 Feeling their helplessness. Too long have folk Beguiled us all with comfortable milk To keep us patient, lest we should cut our teeth Too soon on wisdom's corn ! Old Man. Young man, beware ! You too may yet be old ! And cavernous dark Will be your world, if, from the shows of things, You gather not a story to remain, And sing itself, on and on, in your ears When sight is darkened ! Young Man {looking up]. Say they not, this night The King that called Himself a Shepherd comes To visit all the folds, and bless the sheep, Remembering the day when, as a Babe, He begged an empty manger and a stall, Because no roof was found to cover Him? 2nd Shep. That, too, is a pretty tale ! If once He came, Men never see Him now. Where is the sign, In these dark years, that He remembereth ? Once it was said, He never will forsake ! Thousands believed on Him, and waiting, died! We too could worship, had we any sign ! Old Man. The sign He gave of old is the sign to-day !

The text on this page is estimated to be only 27.51% accurate

18 EAGER HEART Follow it, lads ! with Eager Heart, and find ! ist Shep. But whither ? Hunger and riches everywhere Divide the land, like great uncleanly birds, Gloating on offal ! Half the world is full, Fat with excess : the other half, naked As that poor stranger passed us even now, Leading the woman with her new-born child, Who thanked us for our crusts with tears. The world Grows lawless ! If her King dwell anywhere, 'Tis other - where ! He makes no sojourn here. Old Man. He sojourns here, my lads ! or not at all, As they with Eager Heart shall one day know, Finding within their doors a silent Guest ! Young Man. But who comes here, bearing a slender lamp, Climbing the perilous way with faltering feet ? Is it a ghost, or child, or wandering maid ? E. Heart [enters middle stage, R.]. I heard your voices, and I turned aside To know what murmuring doubts, what sullen words Did clash upon the world this blessed night. Shepherds ? Nay, are ye shepherds in very truth —

The text on this page is estimated to be only 27.38% accurate

EAGER HEART 19 Who ever brought the earliest news of dawn ? Have ye forgot what hymn is sung tonight Of One the angels in high heaven adore ? 2nd Shep. Fair maiden, that was long ago. Our hearts Are sad, our ears are dull with misery. Others may catch that far-off song : for us No burst of music fills the flaming sky, Waking a rapturous Earth : silent she lies ! Since midnight watch we here, and mark no sound. E. Heart. Then, sure ye have not listened ! Hark again ! [The "Gloria" (eight bars) bursts in full chorus, yet as if far away : and the light, for a moment, increases on the scene. ~\ The three SHEPHERDS start, and look wonderingly at EAGER HEART ; she looks towards audience, as one listening. None look in the direction whence the singing comes. The light gradually fades with the song, till it ceases, in a half phrase* as at a great distance.

The text on this page is estimated to be only 26.22% accurate

20 EAGER HEART ist Shep. Can this thing be? our senses all are filled With wonder and amazement! [Tiirning to OLD MAN, who has remained motionless, as one unmoved. He is seen sitting in the centre of the scene.'] Hist ! old man ! Didst thou not hear that far and heavenly strain, Heart ravishing? Old Man. I've heard it all this night, Floating above the cities and the plains, Lifting the world-cry from a million throats Until it rolled the mighty hymn of Peace ! Young Man. But why stand idle here ? O let us haste Whither it went ! It goes before us still ! Deign, gentle maid, to be our guide! It seems That thou wert sent to lead in darkness. Come! E. Heart. My lamp is small, but well the oil has served Thus far. Pray, Shepherds,follow, then, with me, Nor doubt that we shall find ! [Goes to L. ist Shep. \rising~\. Come, then, old man ! My step and yours together ! . . . Old Man. Nay, my sons, Where would ye hasten ? Whom go ye to meet?

The text on this page is estimated to be only 26.02% accurate

EAGER HEART 21 AIL We go to hail the King upon His way ! Old Man. The King has passed already, while we sat And prated of our ills ! I saw His Face : And my soul blessed Him, even as He went ! [They look at him in amazement, and make signs to each other.] Young Man. Nay, leave him, comrades : urge him not : methinks The eyes of age see things we only dream : Let us be gone, my spirit burns in me ! [.Exeunt L. \The Angel Choir glows visibly behind the veil, singing the chorale : Full are the days that should have been ! Accept thine aged servant now, And bid me part, for I have seen On Thy sad Earth Thy sweet Face go ! \The OLD MAN lifts his arms heavenward, as if he saw before him what appears to be behind him. His head drops backward, and, with his face to the sky, he lies dead on the rocks. After the music ceases, enter a KING (R.) in the prime of his age, and bearded, wearing purple robe and cloak, and the gold fillet of a mighty ruler.

The text on this page is estimated to be only 27.08% accurate

22 EAGER HEART ist King. The night is dark : yet this should be the place, The ancient trysting-ground, trodden how oft By the foot of mighty seekers! Hither have come, For nigh two thousand years, the Kings of the Earth, Looking for Him, the Lord of every age, And Answer to the world's great riddle, Man ! [Goes forward. Is man the King ? Is there no mightier? What heavy band is this that binds my brow ? Gold ! Gold ! The living ore the fierce earth yields To mark her rulers ! Men, and tribes of men, Bow down before me ; but I thirst to know If any rule be mightier than mine In this dim universe ! I cannot sleep ! Vast shadows haunt my dreams, portentous things Known to the Fates and to the solemn stars, Till, from my rest, I start with a piercing cry — Where is the King, that I may worship Him? [Reaching arms to stars, R. holding out his crownJ\ O ye that hold the Night in breathless beauty, Your ways are strong, and life is strong, and death : But the will of man is stronger ! What is this

The text on this page is estimated to be only 27.09% accurate

EAGER HEART 23 Dumb giant in us set, ready to rise In one stupendous act, and empty itself Of all it is ? Yea, in that only deed Know itself crowned, complete ! [Crowns himself.~\ Woe for the will That hath not found its King ! Staggering it goes Like yon wild meteor through th* affrighted night, While all around the heavenly bodies sing The rapture of their great obedience ! [He turns, and sees 2ND KING approaching from L., an old bearded man in turban, bound with the snake fillet of the philosopher : he bears a casket. They greet each other. 2nd King. Brother, well met ! I thought not here to find Aught but myself upon this barren hill, So long defaced, o'ergrown with the tangled weeds Of this dark world ! ist King. King of the faithful watch ! What dreadful impotence h^s brought thee here, What trouble of the mind ? 2nd King. These weary eyes Have watched the birth of peoples from the dawn,

The text on this page is estimated to be only 27.16% accurate

24 EAGER HEART And seen them pale o'er yonder farthest verge . . . [Looks to the horizon.] Returning not again ! All beasts and birds I question of this mystery ; yea, and would force The innermost secrets of the hollow earth, But find no comfort. Yet sometimes comes the sense Of a life beneath the changing show of things ; A glorious life, hiding itself in these, Eluding still my grasp ! Could I command That changeless substance once within my ken, Then should I know the object of my thought, And light transfigure all our griefs for ever ! Great death itself would seem no ill ; and life Our happy portion in the perfect play Of that resplendent Being ! See, my friend ! [Opens box. This precious balm I gathered as I went By every stream — the fragrance, bitter-sweet, Of a gum's pelucid tears ! Within these walls, [Holds up a translucent lump. Behold, embalmed, a perfect creature, winged, Lovely as life, encrys tailed here for aye ! [Passionately] So would I hold the soul within my thought, Clear imaged, imperishable ! This myrrh I carry with me for my burial !

The text on this page is estimated to be only 25.67% accurate

EAGER HEART 25 ist King. But on this night can be no place for death ! No lord of death we seek, but the Lord of life ! 2nd King. Then must He conquer death, or lose His kingdom ! ist King. But who is this, that comes with wandering eyes And hands of worship ? 2nd King. Surely 'tis the King Of the lonely Heart, who roams from shore to shore ! [Offering incense at the woodland shrine Of every god and demon — joining hands With them that hate each other, and would tear Each other's altars down — not seeing, all, The one Form loved of every secret soul, That all do homage to — the LORD OF HEARTS I]1 Hail, Friend ! How goes it with th' Eternal Quest ? 3RD KING enters, L. A young man with an earnest clean - shaven face, wearing the spiked circlet of Inspiration, with jewels on the points : his hair is cut to the shoulder : he bears a lighted censer. $rd King. Brothers of Power and Wisdom, are ye here, Faithful to your high charge? Now let the earth 1 Omit this passage in performance.

The text on this page is estimated to be only 25.80% accurate

26 EAGER HEART Have hope, when all her princes vigil keep, Yea, though she lie in darkness, as to-day ! Our feet have lost the simple starward path Our fathers knew. Yet on this sacred night Our ways have met once more. Good omen this For all men's trysting ! Listen, Brothers mine ! You think to find — each his own answer! I, With secret admonitions from my youth, In every answer, seek, with a passionate hope, The Word that bodies mine and yours in one ! No monarch He, — Type of our inmost dream And Moulder of the world, — but One whose soul, Measuring itself in heaven, and earth, and hell, Utters with every breath the great desire Of all that lives ! Such only may I worship ! \He looks to keaven.~\ Once, in a trance, I saw Him stand, the King, And round His garment ran a living word In the tongue of every land ! That Word was Peace ! His look, the very movement of His feet, Was Peace — whose glory 'tis, in a thousand forms, To rule by yielding — die, to know and love — Within Himself darkness and light dissolving! O worship of my heart, appear ! appear !

The text on this page is estimated to be only 24.99% accurate

EAGER HEART 27 [He stretches out his arms heavenwards, and prostrates himself. At his prayer the Angel Choir sings unseen eight bars of the " Gloria' which fade away : all listen and look at each otkerJ] ist King. Heard you no sound ? Methought a shouting came As of a city welcoming its king ? 2nd King. I fain would think it! \He turns, and sees Shepherd lying.~\ See, what have we here ? An aged shepherd, frozen at his place ! ist King. How like a king he looks ! Nay, what calm — What simple majesty has taken seat Upon this brow ! Nothing can fright him more. How would a crown become him — he, a crown ! 2nd King \with his hand half shading his own eyes']. Those eyes have looked on more than I have seen ! O simple shepherd ! thou hast entered in Beyond the door we vainly try to pierce ! Here do I bow before th' initiate Dead ! $rd King \who has come up slowly, as one in a

The text on this page is estimated to be only 27.24% accurate

28 EAGER HEART dream, takes up the Shepherd's kancT\. This hand has toiled its seventy years ! these feet Have gone upon the business of the King! Behold the face and form of one who knew And ruled by love ! O Man, I worship thee ! [Swings his censer before him. Within this breast the Lord of hearts did make A resting-place ! Surely, ye blessed hills, In you the King must dwell, since here indeed His subjects be! O fair unsetting star [Looking R. Thy burning beauty warns us ! Let us go ! \The i ST KING casts his mantle over the dead Shepherd, as they leave, and go out, R. Curtains close slowly together, presenting doors to the Dwelling of EAGER HEART, as in first scene, as unseen alto voice is heard singing : Prepare your hearts, children, with tenderest worship, the purest, the fairest, this hour to see ! Answered by full choir : How shall I fitly meet Thee ? Enter EAGER HEART and two SHEPHERDS, and YOUNG MAN, lower stage L. They stand in doubt.

The text on this page is estimated to be only 26.63% accurate

EAGER HEART 29 E. Heart. Nay, it is strange! No turning did we miss ; The song still guided us ! And now, I find Myself upon the old familiar street, And all is silent ! ist Shep. Are we the simple cheats Of a too-fond fancy after all ? E. Heart. O friend, Dare not to doubt after the thing we heard ! My spirit waits in me, till we be shewn. Young Man. Me thought there fell a footstep even now Upon the threshold ! Nay, what forms are those In jewelled crown and purple ? Surely, sirs, These be no ordinary men ? 2nd Shep. Mayhap They too are seeking for the royal train, And miss their way ! See how they stand perplexed ! Enter KINGS (R.), lifting their hands, and gazing on a star, invisible to audience, overhead, which sheds a soft white radiance on whole scene. $rd King. Behold the star that ever goes before Him Stationary ! It moves not East nor West ! That is the pilgrim's Star ! \st King (coming forward]. See how its ray Streams soft upon us now ! The King is near !

The text on this page is estimated to be only 25.97% accurate

30 EAGER HEART E. Heart. Great Sirs ! pardon me that I dare approach ! If ye too seek the King, as by your garb And attitude I think ye do, — permit Our little company to join you. We Have wandered far to find Him, eager to lay Our simple homage at His feet. 2nd King. Fair maid ! Whoe'er thou art, thou hast not far to seek. What roof is this? Whose are these closed doors ? Thou, as a dweller in the place, canst tell ! E. Heart [distressed]. O Sirs, this is a little house and mean ; A poor maid dwelleth here, of no great name. The star points other- where, methinks, not here ! ist King. Nay, gentle child ! we go not from this place Till we have seen the owner of these doors, And bid her open ! E. Heart. Then, O gracious King, Must I confess ! These humble doors are mine ! And nothing there- within is worth your glance ! [The Kings look at one another. 2nd King. Dear maid, think us not harsh that we persist : In the name of Wisdom be those doors flung wide! E. Heart, [at his feet> and taking the hem

The text on this page is estimated to be only 26.79% accurate

EAGER HEART 31 of his robe]. Then must I tell you all 1 Therein doth sit A Stranger, with a Mother and her Child. Three souls, upon this bitter night they stood Begging of me, for the sake of Him who lay In a manger-stall in far-off Bethlehem, A little food and shelter ! All my feast Lay ready for the King ! O spurn me not, That even I prepared a little place, Hoping to house Him ! But these needy ones I could not leave unfed ... I took them in. ... [KINGS lift their hands, and look again at each other. $rd King \turns to EAGER HEART with a look of awe and great joy. He raises her •.] Then, blessed maid ! we are thy suppliants! Say, What is thy name ? E. Heart. They call me Eager Heart ! $rd King. Eager Heart ! gladdest of maiden names ! 'Tis LOVE commands thee open wide thy door, And let the pomp and glory of the world Go in to worship ; for the King is here 1 [EAGER HEART stands trembling, •wavers, goes slowly up to the top step, toiiches the curtains, that part before her. She sinks on her knees,

The text on this page is estimated to be only 27.36% accurate

32 EAGER HEART her whole figure bowed, and her face hidden in her hands, as she sees Mary and the Child, in the same position in which she left the strangers. They are in ivkite, and suffused with light, which issues in a glory front the hidden Child sleeping on the Mother s lap. Joseph stands behind, holding forth his right hand, half hushing, half welcoming the worshippers. A single voice unseen sings : I am not worthy ! Can it be That thou wilt stoop to dwell with me ? That, leaving fame and joys apart, Thou com'st, the Guest of Eager Heart? Invisible choir answers ; O simple souls, obeying Heaven Unknowing, unto you is given The King in all His joy to see ! As EAGER HEART remains kneeling in middle of bottom-step, the KINGS and SHEPHERDS go up, one by one, from the groups standing at either side. IST KING lifts off his crown, and offers it before him, as chorale is sung by choir invisible : Behold the King of all the Earth, In mortal likeness of a Son,

The text on this page is estimated to be only 27.01% accurate

EAGER HEART 33 Whose perfect glory rules in this — Father of all, Thy will be done ! The gift, O God, Thou gavest me, My spirit first receives to-day ; I take possession of my crown, Which at thy helpless feet I lay ! [He stands beside the couch-head, L. 2ND KING goes up with tottering steps, bearing his box of myrrh before him, as unseen choir sings chorale : Behold th' immortal foe of Death In one that is content to die, In Life the heir of yielded life, Foreshadowed in the family ! The prison-house of Time dissolves, The inner dwelling Soul is free, Learning itself, in narrow walls, Essence of Life and Love as Thee ! \He stands beside IST KING. 3RD KING goes up, bearing his censer in his left hand, his right hand raised : he looks on the Child with a smile of inexpressible sweetness, as unseen choir sings : Behold the Peace of all the world In tender likeness of a Child ! The gentle sufferers of the Earth Have tamed at last her passions wild

The text on this page is estimated to be only 25.49% accurate

34 EAGER HEART In looks that supplicate, in tears, In weary, dark desires that rove — Behold the gateway into bliss, Th' Eternal call and cry of Love ! \He rises and stands beside 2ND KING. JOSEPH beckons IST SHEPHERD to come.~\ SHEPHERD'S SONG. Sing we, sing we joyously ! Here we see, Man may be Free from offerings of blood ! Life of pain Is life of gain, To the strong and high of mood ! Sing we, sing we joyously ! [He kisses robe and stands at foot ofcouck, L. 2ND SHEPHERD goes up and kneels. Now no more Need bitter war Sunder king and serf and beast ; Bid them all, Great and small, To Earth and Heaven's high Birthday feast ! Sing we, sing we joyously ! \He stands beside IST SHEPHERD.

The text on this page is estimated to be only 27.76% accurate

EAGER HEART 35 YOUNG MAN goes up and kneels. See to-day Soul and clay Perfect from the house of strife ! Eager Heart Here apart Sheltereth the Form of Life ! Sing we, sing we joyously ! [He stands. The KINGS and SHEPHERDS look back to EAGER HEART. The 3RD KING and YOUNG MAN return and lift her from her position, with one hand pointing her to the Holy Family. The others descend to the second and third steps below her. MARY looks towards her with a smile of welcome and encouragement. As EAGER HEART goes forward, her two hands before her> outstretched in wonder and love, the Angel Choir glows visibly in the background through the veil, with their arms upraised, as the last sixteen bars of the Pastoral symphony are heard. For the first time, EAGER HEART, the KINGS and SHEPHERDS, see this vision with amazement and joy. The curtains slowly close upon EAGER HEART kneeling before the CHILD with her arms outstretched. The SHEPHERDS and KINGS

The text on this page is estimated to be only 27.06% accurate

36 EAGER HEART gaze after her as men entranced, the closing doors leaving them outside on the steps. The music grows fainter to the close. The men with a sigh begin to descend the steps. As they touch the street pavement ', enter, R. and L., EAGER FAME and EAGER SENSE, who start back, beholding the Kings. EAGER SENSE seeks to enter the closed doors, and is debarred by the raised arms of the 3RD KING and YOUNG MAN. Kings. What seek you, noble ladies ? E. Fame \hurriedly~\. Sirs, we heard — 'Twas a wild rumour at the city gates — The King had passed this way. . . . Two beggars came, And asked an audience of our presence ; but — None understood their speech! Within their arms They bore a Child ; and on its infant head Men said there was a crown ! What may this mean? E. Sense {dishevelled}. And, at the banquet under the orange groves, The ruddy fruit grew pale, the candles dim, As suddenly stood the porter there, and said A bitter wailing had he heard, without — From two poor beggars, limping into the night,

The text on this page is estimated to be only 26.73% accurate

EAGER HEART 37 Bearing a Child — and, on the Child's young head He saw a living flame ! E. Fame. O tell us, Sirs, If He have passed this way ? E. Sense. That we may go And kneel before His feet and worship Him ! Kings. " Too late ! too late ! ye cannot enter now" The doors are shut : the hour of grace is past. The King that pleaded vainly at your gates This night, hath entered in to Eager Heart ! THE SISTERS gaze on each other with dismay. E. Fame. Woe for the blindness, then, of Eager Fame — That set her thoughts too high to know the look Of Him that cometh in simplicity ! Here let me weep my guilty life away. \Crosses L., leans aside and weeps. E. Sense. Woe for the folly, then, of Eager Sense, That set her lutes too ravishingly sweet To catch the true and tender voice of truth ! Here let me weep my guilty life away ! [Falls down on steps weeping.

The text on this page is estimated to be only 26.95% accurate

38 EAGER HEART CHORALE [sung- unseen]. This proud heart within me swelling Is no palace rich and fair ; But a dark and gloomy dwelling, Till Thou deign to enter there ! Ah, how often have I turned me From Thy helplessness and spurned Thee ! KINGS and SHEPHERDS look on the two with pity. $rd King. Nay, Sister, come ! no tempestrain of tears Can wash the heart without the toil of deeds. Return, and build in thy gates a humbler throne Meet for the Lord of wisdom and of love ! IST SHEPHERD approaching EAGER SENSE : And come with us, dear Eager Sense, to learn, 'Mid suffering, and the hardness of the world, That sweetest vineyards drink the sweat of man, And royal bread is kneaded best with pain ! Thou in thy palace other joys must make, If thou, one day, wilt welcome there thy Lord ! The " Gloria " is sung unseen, beginning faintly, as the following words are spoken by 3RD KING and IST SHEPHERD, raising their hands: Hark to the heavenly voices, yet again, That wake the rising world ! Let us begone ; So the great Sun, the Keeper of our Day,

The text on this page is estimated to be only 26.71% accurate

EAGER HEART 39 May find us at our doings, even in toil Singing with happy hearts the glad Noel ! [Exeunt all: the KINGS following EAGER FAME, L. ; the SHEPHERDS following EAGER SENSE, R. The "Gloria in Excelsis" swells with a sudden burst, as they go out, seeming to welcome them: they all hear it with joy on their faces: it continues to its end, fading at last into the distance^ SILENCE The PROLOGUE^^S up from audience with solemn steps, and addresses all present. The play is out ; the faithful feed in bliss ; The foolish turn to find true nobleness : Say, gentle listener, at this Christmas tide, Is your hearth ready? are your doors flung wide? Hath He come in with you to make His stay, Or hath He passed already on his way? Nay, let us enter in, before we part, And pray together here with Eager Heart, That never, O thou Son of Man ! may we Weary of search, or miss of seeing Thee In every human form, and human dress — The Homeless Child of Peace and Righteousness!

The text on this page is estimated to be only 26.07% accurate

40 EAGER HEART To be sung in unison by audience standing : " Veni Emmanuel" O come, O come, Emmanuel ! And dwell with us, thy Israel, That mourn in grief and darkness here, Until the reign of God appear. Answer: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel (By choir) : Is come to thee, O Israel ! O come, thou Dayspring from on high, With healing and with purity : Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death's dark shadow put to flight. Answer: Rejoice ! Rejoice ! Emmanuel Is come to thee, O Israel ! O come again, thou heavenly Might, That once did shew on Sinai's height Thy righteousness, and changeless Law O teach us now by love and awe ! Answer: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Is come to thee, O Israel ! Printed by MORRISON & GIBB LIMITED, Edinburgh

The text on this page is estimated to be only 26.73% accurate

PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE CARDS OR SLIPS FROM THIS POCKET UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO LIBRARY PR 6003 U168E2 Buckton, Alice Mary Eager Heart