Of course, you all know the details of this story much better than I do. We all have our own understanding of it, anyway. I can’t post all the dialogue, so here is the next song, which you might have guessed, anyway.


<center><table border=1><tr><td>The Wedding Dance of Mary and Joseph
The Wedding Dance of Mary and Joseph.mid (8.8 k)</td></tr></table></center>


JOSEPH: { moves nearer downstage }
{ makes some steps and a little kick of his foot on the high notes}
MARY: { locks arms with Joseph, and awkwardly imitate his steps with him }
{ the dance continues to end of music.}
Oh that was wonderful!
ROMAN GUARD: { enters path crosses to path center}
Who lives here?
ZACHARIAS: { walks up and taps guard on shoulder with flute }
ROMAN GUARD:
Listen, old man. This is important business. Step away.
ELISABETH: { entering path from house followed by Benjamin and James}
Listen? I hear very well. Don’t call my husband an old man. He is a priest!
ROMAN GUARD:
Sorry old...sorry Sir, Mam. What kind of unlawful gathering is this?
BENJAMIN:
It is a wedding celebration.
ELISABETH:
It is a sacred religious ceremony which Caesar promises not to bother. But I will be a good hostess. Would you like some wine?
ROMAN GUARD:
Again, I am very sorry. On behalf of Rome I offer Caesar’s blessing on your event. But I am here to make a proclamation.
ELISABETH:
Could you pick another time?
ROMAN GUARD:
Sorry Mam, I cannot.
{In a loud clear voice}
HEAR ALL SUBJECTS OF HIS MOST DIVINE EMPEROR, CAESAR AUGUSTUS. BY WORD OF CAESAR AND SIGNED BY CYRENIUS, IMPERIAL GOVERNOR OF SYRIA. ALL THE WORLD SHALL BE TAXED! ALL JEWS MUST GO EACH INTO THEIR OWN CITY WITHIN ONE YEAR AND DECLARE ALL POSSESSIONS, WIVES, CHILDREN, STOCK AND SILVER. THAT WHICH IS NOT DECLARED IS PROPERTY OF ROME. THAT WHICH IS DECLARED SHALL GIVE THREE PARTS IN EVERY FIFTY OF VALUE IN TAX. GO EARLY TO YOUR CITY AND DECLARE AND PAY. IF YOU DO NOT DECLARE, YOUR LIFE BELONGS TO ROME.
{In a softer, more sympathetic voice}
Again, I’m very sorry. Please enjoy your celebration.
{ exits stage left}
[ BLACKOUT]