Peradvanture we shall find him
there.'
"Over the entrance to the court of the inn a lantern was swinging from
a rope stretched across from post to post. Guided by its light, we
entered, and found the courtyard full of beasts of burden, showing
that the inn was crowded with travelers. In the arched shelter of the
hostelry as many as could find room were lying; some who could not
sleep were sitting up and waiting drearily for the morning. Two aged
women near the entrance, were talking in a low tone.
"'Peace be unto you!' said my father.
"'The Lord be gracious unto thee,' answered the oldest woman, in a
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.
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