The evergreen tree

Chapter 12: ELEVENTH ACTION (The Persecuting Host)

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About This Book

A community masque in twelve actions frames a Christmas ritual around an evergreen as a symbol of light, childhood, and renewal. Folk and biblical figures—elves and gnomes, shepherds, a mute Mary and Joseph, a persecuting host, outcasts, and the Three Kings—interact with choruses, carols, and staged tableaux to dramatize contrasts between innocence, authority, exile, and consolation. Music, choral participation, and scenic design are integral, with carols and choruses set for communal singing and acting. The piece envisions a democratic, devotional festival that blends pagan merriment with Christian passion to express communal hope and sorrow amid social trial.

ELEVENTH ACTION
(The Persecuting Host)

AISLE I AND AISLE II

Pouring forth from the Place of Empire, the Host of Herod and their Leaders, with spears held high, come marching on both pathways toward the Tree, singing in chorus as they march.

Tenth Chorus: B,4. Song of the Persecuting Host

CHORUS

Go forth, ye host of power!

Enslave, enslave the humble!

’Fore Herod’s host their hearts shall cower,

Their builded hopes shall crumble.

Yea, Herod’s host

Shall trample them most

Where they build their shrines of wonder.—

Go forth with Vengeance’ war-red ghost,

Go forth, go forth in thunder!