Poorhouse can be seen outside, and through the window at the back
the church. Near the fire bedding for dogs and a table with food
for the poor.]

[The OLD MAN is sitting at the table beneath the crucifix, with his
hands clasped and a game bag before him. He is a strongly-built man
of over eighty with white hair and along beard, dressed as a
forester. The MOTHER is kneeling on the floor; she is grey-haired
and nearly fifty; her dress is of black-and-white material. The
voices of men, women and children can be clearly heard singing the
last verse of the Angels' Greeting in chorus. 'Holy Mary, Mother of
God, pray for us poor sinners, now and in the hour of death.
Amen.']

OLD MAN and MOTHER. Amen!

MOTHER. Now I'll tell you, Father. They saw two vagabonds by the
river. Their clothing was torn and dirty, for they'd been in the
water. And when it came to paying the ferryman, they'd no money.
Now they're drying their clothes in the ferryman's hut.

OLD MAN. Let them stay there.

MOTHER. Don't forbid a beggar your house. He might be an angel.

OLD MAN. True. Let them come in.

MOTHER. I'll put food for them on the table for the poor. Do you
mind that?