solemn voice, as she looked upon my father's white beard; 'but,' she
quickly added, 'there is scanty cheer in this place for late comers.'

"'We seek not lodging,' said my father; 'but know you whether among
these guests is an infant born this day?'

"'Verily there is,' answered the aged dame; 'a man-child more
beautiful than any my eyes have ever beheld. He is lying in a manger
there in the cave that serves for stable.'

"We hastened to the mouth of the cave, and there beheld our King. The
oxen and the asses were lying near, and a strong man, with a grave and
benignant face, was leaning on his staff above the manger. A beautiful
young mother lay close beside it, her cheek resting on her hands, that
were clasped over the edge of the rock-hewn crib. Into this a little
straw had been thrown, and over it a purple robe had been cast,
whereon the infant lay. A lamp, set upon a projection of the wall of
the cave, burned brightly near. The great eyes of the wonderful child
were wandering about the room; his hand touched his mother's lips. I
waited to hear him open his mouth and speak.

"There was a moment of silence after we entered the cave. My father
broke it with his salutation:

"'Hail, thou blessed among women!' he cried. 'This child of thine is a
Prince and a Savior.'

"And then we all bowed low upon our faces before him and worshipped
him with praise and gladness.