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The evergreen tree cover

The evergreen tree

Chapter 3: SECOND ACTION (The Lantern in the Desert)
By Percy MacKaye
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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.

SECOND ACTION
(The Lantern in the Desert)

AISLE I: A PATHWAY INTO THE WILDERNESS

Moving toward the Tree, a Procession enters singing.

First comes JOSEPH in white. He holds high a tall staff, from which a swinging lantern shines. Behind him comes, in pale blue, MARY, attended by Shepherds in white. These carry lighted candles and long crooks, and they are ranged about a Manger, borne in their midst.

Carol 1. Joseph’s Carol
JOSEPH
As Joseph I was walking,
I heard an angel sing:
JOSEPH AND SHEPHERDS
“This night shall be the birthnight
Of Christ our heavenly King.
His birth-bed shall be neither
In housen nor in hall,
Nor in the place of paradise,
But in the oxen’s stall.
He neither shall be rockèd
In silver nor in gold,
But in the wooden manger
That lieth on the mould.
He neither shall be clothèd
In purple nor in pall,
But in the fair white linen
That usen babies all.”
JOSEPH
As Joseph I was walking
Thus did the angel sing;
JOSEPH AND SHEPHERDS
And Mary’s Son at midnight
Was born to be our King.