Page:Ben-Hur a tale of the Christ.djvu/68

Rh covered their eyes, and dropped upon their knees; then, as their souls shrank with fear, they fell upon their faces blind and fainting, and would have died had not a voice said to them,

&quot;Fear not!&quot;

And they listened.

&quot;Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.&quot;

The voice, in sweetness and soothing more than human, and low and clear, penetrated all their being, and filled them with assurance. They rose upon their knees, and, looking worshipfully, beheld in the centre of a great glory the appearance of a man, clad in a robe intensely white; above its shoulders towered the tops of wings shining and folded; a star over its forehead glowed with steady lustre, brilliant as Hesperus; its hands were stretched towards them in blessing; its face was serene and divinely beautiful.

They had often heard, and, in their simple way, talked, of angels; and they doubted not now, but said, in their hearts, The glory of God is about us, and this is he who of old came to the prophet by the river of Ulai.

Directly the angel continued:

&quot;For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord!&quot;

Again there was a rest, while the words sank into their minds.

&quot;And this shall be a sign unto you,&quot; the annunciator said next. &quot;Ye shall find the babe, wrapped in swaddling-clothes, lying in a manger.&quot;

The herald spoke not again; his good tidings were told; yet he stayed awhile. Suddenly the light, of which he seemed the centre, turned roseate and began to tremble; then up, far as the men could see, there was flashing of white wings, and coming and going of radiant forms, and voices as of a multitude chanting in unison,

&quot;Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men!&quot;

Not once the praise, but many times.

Then the herald raised his eyes as seeking approval of one far off; his wings stirred, and spread slowly and