VII. JESUS AT PLAY WITH HIS SCHOOLMATES.
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Jesus._ The shower is over. Let us play,And make some sparrows out of clay,Down by the river's side. _Judas._ See, how the stream has overflowedIts banks, and o'er the meadow roadIs spreading far and wide! (_They draw water out of the river by channels, andform little pools_ JESUS _makes twelve sparrows ofclay, and the other boys do the same._) _Jesus._ Look! look! how prettily I makeThese little sparrows by the lakeBend down their necks and drink!Now will I make them sing and soarSo far, they shall return no moreInto this river's brink. _Judas._ That canst thou not! They are but clay,They cannot sing, nor fly awayAbove the meadow lands! _Jesus._ Fly, fly! ye sparrows! you are free!And while you live, remember me,Who made you with my hands. (_Here_ JESUS _shall clap his hands, and the sparrowsshall fly away, chirruping._) _Judas._ Thou art a sorcerer, I know;Oft has my mother told me so,I will not play with thee! (_He strikes_ JESUS _on the right side._) _Jesus._ Ah, Judas! thou has smote my side,And when I shall be crucified,There shall I pierced be! (_Here_ JOSEPH _shall come in, and say:_) _Joseph._ Ye wicked boys! why do ye play,And break the holy Sabbath day?What, think ye, will your mothers sayTo see you in such plight!In such a sweat and such a heat,With all that mud-upon your feet!There's not a beggar in the streetMakes such a sorry sight!
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