THE ALABASTER BOX

 THE ALABASTER BOX

THE LOST STORY OF MARY AND JESUS Written by Tony Pratt Copyright © 2006 | All rights reserved. Writer’s Guild of America, West Registration Number: 1133940

FADE IN 1 EXT. THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD – JERUSALEM 1 (The righteous are gathered together for the feast of the dedication to bring their offerings. Joachim presents double offerings to Issachar, the high-priest.)

ISSACHAR It is not lawful for you to offer your gifts, seeing you have not begot any issue in Israel. Why do you Joachim having no children presume to appear here among the fruit-bearing righteous of Abraham? Your offerings can never be acceptable to god who has judged you unworthy to have children. The scripture having said, cursed is every one who shall not beget a male in Israel. Ye ought to first get free from thy curse by begetting some issue, then come with thy offerings in the presence of the Lord. (Joachim departs at the shame of such reproach to consult the registries of the twelve tribes.)

2 EXT. JOACHIM’S COWPASTURE 2

(Joachim begins to pitch his tent in the nearby wilderness. One of his shepherd's spots him and approaches.)

SHEPHERD Joachim, my friend, why do you fix your tent?

JOACHIM Have not my neighbors informed thee? Being, without issue my temple offering was not accepted by the high priest. I consulted the registries of the twelve tribes to discover I alone among the righteous of Israel am without any offspring. I will not be seen by my wife Anna, nor by my scornful neighbors who would publicly reproach me. I will not go down either to eat or drink, until the Lord my god shall look down on me, but prayer shall be my meat and drink.

SHEPHERD My prayers are with you my friend. (He bows and returns to the pasture.)

3 EXT. JOACHIM'S TENT-JUST BEFORE DAWN

3 SUBTITLE: AFTER 40 DAYS AND NIGHTS The angel of the Lord appears standing by him with a prodigious light. Joachim becomes troubled and affrighted.

THE ANGEL Be not afraid Joachim, for I am an angel of the Lord sent by him to you, that your prayers are heard, and your alms ascended in the sight of god. For he has surely seen your shame, and heard you unjustly reproached for having no children. God is the avenger of sin, and not of nature; and so when he shuts the womb of any person, he does it for this reason, that he may in a more wonderful manner open it again, and so that which is born appears not to be the product of lust, but the gift of god. For the first mother of your nation Sarah, was she not barren even until her eightieth year? And yet even in the end of her old age brought forth Isaac, in whom the promise was made a blessing to all nations. Rachel also, so much in favor with god, and beloved so much by holy Jacob, continued barren for a long time, yet afterwards was the mother of Joseph, who was not only governor of Egypt, but delivered many nations from perishing with hunger. Who among the judges was more valiant than Samson, or more holy than Samuel? And yet both their mothers we're barren. But, if reason will not convince you of the truth of my words, that there are frequent conceptions in advanced years, and that those who we're barren have brought forth to their great surprise; therefore Anna your wife shall bear you a daughter, and you shall call her name Mary: She shall, according to your vow, be devoted to the lord from her infancy, and be filled with the holy ghost from her mother's womb; She shall neither eat or drink anything that is unclean, nor shall her conversation be without among the common people, but in the temple of the lord; so that she may not fall under any slander or suspicion of what is bad. So in the process of her years, as she shall be born in a miraculous manner of one that was barren, so she shall, while yet a virgin, in a way unparalleled, bring forth the son of the most high god, who shall be called Jesus, and according to the signification of his name, be the savior of all nations. And this shall be a sign to you of the things which I declare: When you come to the golden gate of Jerusalem, you shall there meet your wife Anna, who being very troubled at your late return, shall rejoice to see you. (The angel then departs.)

4 INT. JOACHIM'S HOUSE 4

ANNA (Distressed and perplexed) I will mourn both for my widowhood and my barrenness.

JUDITH (Anna's maid) How long will you afflict your soul this way? The feast of the lord is now come, when it is unlawful for anyone to mourn. Take therefore this hood which was given by one who makes such things, for it is not fit that I, who am a servant, should wear it, but it well suits a person of your great character.

ANNA Depart from me, I am not used to such things; besides, the lord hath greatly humbled me. I fear some evil-designing person has given you this, and you have come to pollute me with my sin.

JUDITH What evil shall I wish you when you will not hearken to me? I cannot wish you a greater curse than you are under, in that God has shut up your womb, that you should not be a mother in Israel. (At this Anna was exceedingly troubled, and having on her wedding garment, went about three o' clock in the afternoon to walk in her garden.)

5 EXT. ANNA'S GARDEN 5

ANNA (Seeing a laurel tree sits beneath it and prays.) Oh God of my fathers, bless me and regard my prayer as you did bless the womb of Sarah, and gave her a son Isaac. (Anna sees a sparrow's nest in the Laurel and begins to mourn.) Woe is me, who begat me? And what womb did bear me, that I should be so accursed before the children of Israel, and that they should reproach and deride me in the temple of my God: Woe is me, to what can I be compared? I am not comparable to the brute animals, for even the brute animals are fruitful before you, oh Lord! Woe is me, to what am I comparable? I cannot be compared to these waters, for even the waters are fruitful before you, oh Lord! Woe is me, to what can I be compared? I am not comparable to the waves of the sea; for these whether they are calm, or in motion, with the fishes which are in them, praise you oh Lord! Woe is me, to what can I be compared? I am not comparable to the earth, for the earth produces it's fruits, and praises you, oh Lord!

THE ANGEL Fear not, neither think that which you see is a spirit. Anna, the Lord has heard your prayer; you shall conceive and bring forth, and your progeny shall be spoken of in all the world. For I am that angel who has offered up your prayers and alms before God, and am now sent to you, that I may inform you, that a daughter will be born unto you, who shall be called Mary, and shall be blessed above all women. She shall be, immediately upon her birth full of the grace of the Lord, and shall continue during the three years of her weaning in her father's house, and afterwards, being devoted to the service of the Lord, she shall not depart from the temple, till she arrives to years of discretion. She shall there serve the Lord night and day in fasting and prayer, shall abstain from every unclean thing, and never know any man; being without pollution or defilement, shall bring forth a son. This maid shall bring forth the Lord, who both by his grace and name and works, shall be the savior of the world. Arise therefore, and go up to Jerusalem, and when you shall come to that which is called the golden gate, as a sign of what I have told you, you shall meet your husband, for whose safety you have been so much concerned. When therefore you find these things are accomplished, believe that all the rest I have told you shall also undoubtedly be accomplished.

ANNA As the Lord my god lives, whatever I bring forth, whether it be male or female, I will devote to the Lord, and the Lord shall minister to the child in holy things during her whole life. The Lord our father is blessed. (Two angels appear before her)

ANGELS Behold Joachim your husband is coming with his shepherds. For the angel of the Lord has also come down to him and said, the Lord god has heard your prayer and commanded him to make haste and go hence for that you Anna shall conceive. (Anna quickly departs)

DISSOLVE

6 EXT. JOACHIM'S COWPASTURE 6

JOACHIM (Calling to his shepherds) Bring me hither ten she-lambs without spot or blemish, and they shall be for the Lord my God. And bring me twelve calves without blemish, and the twelve calves shall be for the twelve priests and the elders. Bring me also a hundred goats, and the hundred goats shall be for the whole people. (According to the command of the angels, both of them left the places where they were, and when they came to the golden gate, they met each other.)

7 EXT. THE GOLDEN GATE OF JERUSALEM 7

ANNA Now I know that the Lord hath greatly blessed me, behold I who was a widow am no longer a widow, and I who was barren shall conceive.

8 EXT. THE TEMPLE AT JERUSALEM 8

JOACHIM (After having abode in his house for a full day brought his offerings) If the Lord be propitious let the plate on the priest's forehead manifest. (He consulted the plate which the priest wore and saw it, and behold sin was not found in him it reflected clearly back to him.) Now I know that the Lord is propitious to me, and hath taken away all my sins. (He went down from the temple of the Lord justified, and entered his own house.)

9 INT. JOACHIM'S HOUSE 9

ANNA (Nine months later Anna brought forth.) What have I brought forth?

MIDWIFE A girl. (She washes the child handing her to Anna)

DISSOLVE

10 EXT. JOACHIM'S HOUSE 10

ANNA Mary, the Lord has this day magnified my soul. (Another 9 months pass and the child grows stronger. Anna places her on the ground to see if she can stand. She walked nine steps and came again to her mother's lap.)

ANNA (Catching Mary up into her arms.) As the Lord my God lives, you shall not walk again on this earth till I bring you into the temple of the Lord. (Accordingly she made her chamber a holy place, and suffered nothing uncommon or unclean to come near her, but invited certain undefiled daughters of Israel, and they drew her aside.)

DISSOLVE

11 INT. MARY'S 1ST BIRTHDAY- JOACHIM'S FEAST 11

JOACHIM Welcome all you priests, scribes, elders and all you people of Israel to the feast of my daughter's birth. I offer her unto the Lord God of Israel. (Holds her up before the chief priests.)

CHIEF PRIESTS God of our fathers bless this girl. Give her a name famous and lasting through all generations. So, let it be. ALL THE PEOPLE Amen. So, let it be.

JOACHIM (Holds her before the priests once again.)

CHIEF PRIESTS O' most high God regard this girl and bless her with an everlasting blessing.

ANNA (Took Mary up and giving her the breast sings the following unto the Lord.) I will sing a new song unto the Lord my God, for he has visited me, and taken away from me the reproach of my enemies, and has given me the fruit of his righteousness, that it may now be told the sons of Reuben, that Anna gives suck. (Then she put the child to rest in the room, which she had consecrated, and she went out and ministered unto them. And when the feast was ended, they went away rejoicing and praising the God of Israel.)

SUBTITLE: A YEAR LATER (GOM - GOSPEL OF MARY - STATES TWO YEARS HAVE ELAPSED.)

GOM: SUBTITLES: TWO YEARS LATER

12 INT. JOACHIM'S HOUSE 12

JOACHIM Anna, let us lead her to the temple of the Lord, that we may perform our vow, which we have vowed unto the Lord God, lest he should be angry with us, and our offering be unacceptable.

ANNA Let us wait the third year, lest she should be at a loss to know her father.

JOACHIM Let us then wait.

SUBTITLE: ANOTHER YEAR LATER - MARY (GOM: THREE YEARS LATER)

13 INT. JOACHIM'S HOUSE 13

JOACHIM Let us invite the daughters of the Hebrews, who are undefiled, and let them take each a lamp, and let them be lighted, that the child may not turn back again, and her mind be set against the temple of the Lord.

14 EXT. THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD-JERUSALEM 14

(They ascend in procession toward the temple, which being built in the mountain could only be reached by ascending fifteen stairs according to the fifteen Psalms of degrees carrying lamps and Mary's parents placed her upon the first of fifteen stairs, and began to put off their traveling clothes replacing them with cleaner neater garments as custom decreed, meanwhile she ascended the stairs unassisted as would a much older child.)

HIGH PRIEST (Receives Mary and blesses her.) Mary, the Lord God has magnified your name to all generations, and to the very end of time by you will the Lord show his redemption to the children of Israel. (Places Mary on the third step of the altar, and the Lord gives her grace and she begins to dance with her feet, and all the house of Israel loves her.) (Joachim and Anna leave to go home, both praising the Lord) Praise the father, behold she returns not!

JOACHIM (Joachim and Anna leave to go home, both praising the Lord)Praise the father, behold she returns not!

ANNA Thank God. It’s a miracle, she remains in the temple to serve the Lord. Let us go home now Joachim.

15 INT. TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM 15

MARY (She is (Protevangelion) twelve or (GOM - gospel of Mary) fourteen years old walking in the temple surrounded by angels who feed her and are speaking to her as the priests look on.)

ZACHARIAS -HIGHPRIEST All virgins having public settlements in the temple having hereby come of age are commanded to return home to be married.

MARY I cannot comply with your command, both my parents and I have devoted my life to the service of the Lord, a vow I shall never break by lying with a man.

ZACHARIAS You bring me into difficulty, I cannot ask you to dissolve your vow and thus disobey the scripture, which says, Vow and pay, nor do I wish on the other hand to introduce a custom to which the people are strangers. At the coming feast, it shall be decided.

16 INT. TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM - FEAST 16

PRIESTS Let us consult the Lord. Zacharias, stand at the altar of the Lord, and enter into the holy place, and make petitions concerning Mary, and whatsoever the Lord shall manifest unto you, that do.

ZACHARIAS (Enters into the holy of holies, and taking with him the breastplate of judgment prepares to make prayers concerning Mary.)

ANGEL - VOICE FROM THE ARK AND MERCY SEAT Isaiah saith, there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a flower shall spring out of it's root. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and piety, and the spirit of the fear of the Lord shall fill him. And, according to the prophecy, all the unmarried men of the house of David and all the widowers who are eligible should bring their several rods to the altar. Out of whatsoever person's rod after it is brought, a flower should bud forth, and on the top of it the Spirit of the Lord should sit in the appearance of a dove, he should be the man to whom the virgin should be given and be betrothed. He by whom the Lord will show this sign shall be the husband of Mary.

17 EXT. ALL JUDAEA 17

CRIERS (Sounding the trumpet) Come forth all you men of the house of David.

JOSEPH (Throwing down his hatchet, goes to meet them.)

CRIERS All unmarried men are commanded to bring forth their several rods unto the altar before the high priest.

18 EXT. TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM 18

JOSEPH (Brings forth his rod.) Why do we do this?

ZACHARIAS For the virgin's betrothal it is commanded.

JOSEPH Ah! (Humbly draws back his rod.)

ZACHARIAS (Receiving the rods from the other men, he then enters the temple to pray. On returning he distributes the rods back to their owners, but no sign or miracle occurred that appeared agreeable to what the heavenly voice had uttered would transpire.) Nothing that agrees with what the voice uttered has occurred. Again, the Lord must be consulted. (He returns to the holy of holies and mercy seat of God.)

19 INT. HOLY OF HOLIES/MERCY SEAT 19

ANGEL - VOICE FROM THE ARK AND MERCY SEAT He to whom the virgin is to be betrothed is the only man assembled here who has brought forth not his rod.

20 EXT. TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM

20 ZACHARIAS Joseph, bring thy rod.

JOSEPH (Holds forth his rod. A dove descends from the sky and lands on top of it.) (GOM) (A dove proceeds forth from the rod and flew landing atop Joseph's head.) (Protevangelion) (No mention of the flowers budding is referenced by either GOM or Protevangelion.) (I feel like the flowers budding should be added to the script here since two of the known stories include this element and are therefore made incomplete by this glaring omission. It is up to the director of course.)

ZACHARIAS Joseph, you are chosen to take the virgin of the Lord to keep her for him.

JOSEPH No, I am an old man. And, I have children. She is young, and I fear lest I should appear ridiculous in Israel.

ZACHARIAS Joseph, fear the Lord thy God, and remember how God dealt with Dathan, Korah and Abiram, how the earth opened and swallowed them up because of their contradiction. Now therefore Joseph fear God, lest the like things happen in your family.

JOSEPH (Voice trembling in fear) I shall return to Bethlehem to set my house in order and make the necessary provisions for the marriage.

21 EXT. JOACHIM'S HOUSE 21

(Mary arrives attended by seven virgins of the same age who we're weaned at the same time as Mary and who were appointed by the high priest to attend her, returned with her to her parent's house in Galilee.)

22 INT. MARY'S INNER CHAMBER 22

(The angel Gabriel enters the room and fills it with a prodigious light and in a most courteous manner salutes her.) Hail Mary! Virgin of the Lord most acceptable! O Virgin full of grace! The Lord is with you, you are blessed above all women, you are blessed above all men, that have been hitherto born.

MARY (Calmly and without fear or astonishment whatever was considering what such an extraordinary salutation could mean in terms of what did it portend and what end it would have.)

GABRIEL (To this thought of Mary the angel divinely inspired replies.) Fear not Mary, as though I intended anything inconsistent with your chastity in this salutation. For you have found favor with the Lord because you made virginity your choice. Therefore while you are a virgin, you shall conceive and bring forth a son. He shall be great, because he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end. For he is the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, and his throne is forever and ever.

MARY (She replies not as though unbelieving, but willing to know the manner of it says.) How can that be? For seeing, according to my vow, I have never known any man, how can I bear a child without the addition of a man's seed?

GABRIEL Think not, Mary, that you shall conceive in the ordinary way; For without lying with a man, while a virgin, you shall conceive; while a virgin, you shall bring forth; and while a virgin you shall give suck. For the Holy Ghost shall come upon you, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow you, without any of the heats of lust. So, that which shall be born of you shall be only holy and without sin, and being born, shall be called the Son of God.

MARY (Stretching forth her hands, and lifting her eyes to heaven.) Behold the handmaid of the Lord! Let it be unto me according to your word.

23 EXT. GALILEE - JOACHIM'S HOUSE 23

JOSEPH (Sees Mary is with child and is considering whether to privately put an end to their agreement and as privately to have her put away.) I must somehow find a way to end this agreement. (The angel appears to him in his sleep.)

ANGEL OF THE LORD Joseph, son of David, fear not; be not willing to entertain any suspicion of the virgin's being guilty of fornication, or to think any thing amiss of her, neither be afraid to take her to wife; for that which is begotten in her and now distresses your mind, is not the work of man, but the Holy Ghost. For she of all women is that only virgin who shall bring forth the son of God, and you shall call his name Jesus, that is, Savior; for he shall save his people from their sins. (Joseph thereupon, according to the command of the angel married the virgin and did not know her, but kept her in chastity. And now (ninth month according to GOM) her conception drew near, when Joseph took his wife and the necessary provisions to Bethlehem, the city from which he came.)

24 EXT. JOSEPH'S HOUSE 24

JOSEPH (Takes Mary into the House.) Mary, behold I have taken thee from the temple of the Lord, and now I will leave thee in my house; I must go to mind my trade of building. The Lord be with thee.

25 INT. TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM/PRIESTS COUNCIL 25

PRIEST #1 Let us make a new veil for the temple.

ZACHARIAS Call together to me seven undefiled virgins of the tribe of David. Fade out

26 INT. TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM 26

(The virgins arrive including Mary.)

ZACHARIAS Cast lots before me now, who of you shall spin the golden thread, who the blue, who the scarlet, who the fine linen, and who the true purple. Mary, of the tribe of David ... (falls dumb and cannot speak)

MARY (Takes the true purple thread to spin.)

27 EXT. JOSEPH'S HOUSE 27

MARY (Exits carrying a pot, going out to draw water she hears a voice.)

GABRIEL Hail you who are full of grace, the Lord is with you; you are blessed among women.

MARY (She looks around to the right and to the left to see from where that voice came, and then trembling went into her house.)

28 INT. JOSEPH'S HOUSE 28

MARY (Laying down the water-pot she took the purple, and sat down in her seat to work it. And, behold the angel of the Lord stood by her and spoke.)

ANGEL Fear not, Mary, for you have found favor in the sight of God. The Lord is with you and you shall conceive. MARY What! Shall I conceive by the living God and bring forth as other women do?

ANGEL Not so, Mary, but the Holy Ghost shall come upon you, and the power of the most high shall overshadow you; wherefore that which shall be born of you shall be holy, and shall be called the son of the living God, And you shall call his name Jesus; for he shall save his people from their sins. And behold your cousin Elizabeth, she also has conceived a son in her old age. And this now is the sixth month with her, who was called barren; for nothing is impossible with God.

MARY Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be unto me according to your word.

29 INT. TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM 29

(Mary carries the purple she had wrought to the high-priest.)

HIGH-PRIEST (Samuel or Zacharias blesses her.) Mary, the Lord God has magnified your name, and you shall be blessed in all the ages of the world.

30 EXT. ELIZABETH'S HOUSE 30

MARY (Full of joy, she knocks at the door.)

ELIZABETH (Opens the door.) From where has this come to me, that the mother of my Lord should come unto me? For lo! As soon as the voice of your salutation reached my ears, that which is in me leaped and blessed you.

MARY (Lifting up her eyes to heaven.) Lord! What am I that all the generations of the earth should call me blessed?

31 INT. JOSEPH'S HOUSE 31 JOSEPH (Entering his house finds Mary grown big and begins smiting upon his face.) What shall I say concerning this young woman? For, I received her a virgin out of the temple of the Lord my God, and have not preserved her such! Who has deceived me this way? Who has committed this evil in my house, and seducing the Virgin from me, has defiled her? Is not the history of Adam accomplished in me? For in the very instant of his glory the serpent came and found Eve alone, and seduced her. Just after the same manner it has happened to me. (Arising from the ground.) O’ you who have been so favored by God, why have you done this? Why have you debased your soul, who was educated in the Holy of Holies, and received your food from the hand of angels?

MARY (With a flood of tears.) I am innocent and have known no man. As the Lord my God lives, I know not by what means.

JOSEPH (Walks away from Mary and begins to reason with himself.) If I should conceal her crime, I shall be found guilty by the law of the Lord; and if I reveal her secret to the children of Israel, I fear lest she being with child by an angel, I shall be found to betray the life of an innocent person: What therefore shall I do? I will privately dismiss her. (Night came and an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream.)

ANGEL Be not afraid to take that young woman, for that which is within her is not the work of man, but of the Holy Ghost; And she shall bring forth a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins.

JOSEPH (Arising from his sleep begins to glorify God.) Bless you O' God of Israel, for you have shown me great favor, and preserved the Virgin.

32 EXT. JOSEPH'S HOUSE 32

ANNAS (The Scribe) Why haven’t seen you since your return?

JOSEPH Because, I was weary after my journey, and I rested after the first day.

ANNAS (Turning about perceived the Virgin big with child.)

33 EXT. TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM 33

(Annas enters)

34 INT. TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM 34

ANNAS (Approaches the high priest and speaks) Joseph in whom you placed so much confidence, is guilty of a notorious crime, in that he has defiled the Virgin whom he received out of the temple of the Lord, and has privately married her, not discovering it to the children of Israel.

HIGH PRIEST (Samuel or Zacharias) Has Joseph done this?

ANNAS If you send any of your servants, you will find that she is with child.

35 TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM - (Trial of Joseph and Mary) 35

HIGH PRIEST Mary, what have you done? Why have you debased your soul, and forgot your God, seeing you were brought up in the Holy of Holies, and received your food from the hands of angels, and heard their songs? Why have you done this?

MARY (With a flood of tears) As the Lord my God lives, I am innocent in his sight, seeing I know no man.

HIGH PRIEST (To Joseph) Joseph, why have you done this?

JOSEPH As the Lord my God lives I have not been concerned with her.

HIGH PRIEST Lie not, but declare the truth; you have privately married her, and not revealed it to the children of Israel, and humbled yourself under the mighty hand (of God), that your seed might be blessed. (Joseph is silent.) You must restore to the temple of the Lord the Virgin you took from it. (Joseph weeps bitterly.) I will cause you both to drink the water of the Lord, which is for trial, and so your iniquity shall be laid open before you. ((Takes water, and forces Joseph to drink.) Joseph I command you to go unto the mountainous place and return. (Joseph leaves and later returns perfectly well. And, all the people wondered that his guilt was not discovered.) Since the Lord has not made your sins evident, neither do I condemn you. Away, all of you!

JOSEPH (Takes Mary home.) Praise the God of Israel. Hallelujah! Blessed father. Thank you. Thank you.

36 EXT. JOSEPH'S HOUSE-AUGUSTUS DECREE ON DOOR 36 JOSEPH (Takes decree - ALL JEWS OF JUDEA AND BETHLEHEM off the door and enters his house)

JOSEPH (Speaking indirectly to God or directly to himself.) I will take care that my children be taxed: but what shall I do with this young woman? To have her taxed as my wife I am ashamed: and if I have her taxed as my daughter, all Israel knows she is not my daughter. When the time of the Lord's appointment shall come, let him do as seems good to him. (He saddles his ass and puts Mary upon it. Then Joseph and Simon follow after her {passing through Jerusalem-INF-GOT/gospel of Thomas} and arriving at Bethlehem within three miles.)

JOSEPH Perhaps she is in pain through that which is within her. (Joseph turned about to see Mary laughing.) Mary, how happens it, that I sometimes see sorrow, and sometimes laughter and joy in your countenance?

MARY I see two people with mine eyes, the one weeping and mourning, the other laughing and rejoicing. (Joseph went again across the way.) Take me down from the ass, for that which is in me presses to come forth.

JOSEPH Where shall I take you? For the place is desert.

MARY Take me down, for that which is within me mightily presses me. (So, Joseph takes her down.)

37 DISSOLVE 37 38 EXT. THE STAR OF BETHLEHEM-SUNSET/DUSK 38

39 WIPE 39

40 EXT. THE CAVE - BUILT INTO A STABLE WITH MANGER 40

MARY Joseph, the time of bringing forth is come. Let us go into this cave.

41 INT. CAVE/STABLE 41

JOSEPH (Places Mary upon a rock, leaving his sons with her.) Rest, here I shall fetch some help!

42 EXT. CAVE - NEARBY THE OUTSKIRTS OF TOWN 42

JOSEPH (Looks up into the air and sees the clouds astonished, and the fowls of the air stopping in the midst of their flight. And, looking down towards the earth sees a table being spread, and working people sitting around it, but their hands are upon the table, and they do not move to eat. They who have meat in their mouths do not eat. They who lift their hands up to their heads do not draw them back: And they who lift them up to their mouths do not put anything in; But all their faces are fixed upwards. And, he beholds the sheep dispersed, and yet the sheep stand still. And, the shepherd lifts up his hand to smite them, and his hand continues up. And, he looks unto a river and sees the kids with their mouths close to the water, touching it, but they do not drink. And, he beholds a woman coming down from the mountains.)

OLD HEBREW WOMAN Where are you going O’ man?

JOSEPH I go to inquire for a Hebrew midwife.

OLD HEBREW WOMAN Where is the woman that is to be delivered?

JOSEPH Pray come hither, good woman and go into that cave, near the hill over there and you will see the woman to who I am betrothed in travail, ready to bring forth.

OLD HEBREW WOMAN Then, is she not thy wife?

JOSEPH She is Mary, who was educated in the Holy of Holies, the house of the Lord, and she fell to my lot, and is not my wife, but has conceived by the Holy Ghost.

OLD HEBREW WOMAN Is this true?

JOSEPH Come and see. (The midwife goes along with him, and stands in the cave. Then a bright cloud overshadows the cave.)

43 INT. THE CAVE ENTRANCE 43

OLD HEBREW WOMAN (Startled at the light, greater than the light of the sun glowing around the mother and child) Art thou the mother of this child?

MARY I am.

OLD HEBREW WOMAN Thou art very different from other women.

MARY As there is not any child like unto my Son, so neither is there any woman like unto his mother.

OLD HEBREW WOMAN O' My Lady! I am come here that I may obtain an everlasting reward.

MARY Lay thy hands upon the child. (The Old woman/midwife lays hands gently upon Jesus.)

OLD HEBREW WOMAN From henceforth, all the days of my life, I will attend upon and be a servant of this child. This day my soul is magnified, for mine eyes have seen surprising things, and salvation is brought forth to Israel. (Suddenly, the cloud becomes a great light in the cave, so that their eyes cannot bear it. But, the light gradually decreases, until the infant appears wrapped up in swaddling clothes and sucking the breast of his mother Mary.)

OLD HEBREW WOMAN (Crying out) How glorious a day this is, wherein mine eyes have seen this extraordinary sight! (She goes out from the cave and Salome meets her.) I will tell you a most surprising thing I saw. A virgin hath brought forth, which is a thing contrary to nature.

SALOME As the Lord my God liveth, unless I receive particular proof of this matter, I will not believe that a virgin hath brought forth. (Then, she goes in.)

OLD HEBREW WOMAN Mary, show yourself, for a great controversy is risen concerning you. (And, Salome received satisfaction. But, her hand is withered, and she groans bitterly.)

SALOME Oh, woe to me, because of mine iniquity; for I have tempted the living God, and my hand is ready to drop off. O God of my fathers, remember me, for I am of the seed of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob. Make me not a reproach among the children of Israel, but restore me sound to my parents. For you well know, O Lord, that I have performed many offices of charity in your name, and have received my reward from you. (An Angel of the Lord appears.) Angel The Lord God hath heard thy prayer, reach forth your hand to the child, and carry him, and by that means you shall be restored. (Salome, filled with exceeding joy, goes to the child.)

SALOME I will touch him. (And purposed to worship him.) This is a great King that is born in Israel. (Straightway she is cured.)

OLD HEBREW WOMAN (The midwife/old woman goes out of the cave being approved.)

VOICE (Speaking to Salome) Declare not the strange things, which you have seen, till the child shall come to Jerusalem. (So, Salome also departs, approved by God.) (The shepherds and wise men come from the East to Jerusalem, according to the prophecy of Zoradascht bringing gifts and offerings: namely gold, frankincense, and myrrh worshipping him offering their gifts- finding Mary tending a fire and praising and adoring the Sovereign God in regard to the birth of Christ. An angel appears in the form of the star that had guided them in their journey, it appears above Mary's head framed in the silhouette of the cave entrance transforming into an Angel of light that illuminates the whole place in a golden light.)

OLD HEBREW WOMAN I thank you O' God, you God of Israel, for that my eyes have seen the birth of the Savior of the world.

44 INT. THE CAVE-THE EIGHT DAY 44

(Christ is circumcised, in the cave. The old woman acting as moel takes the foreskin and some say she took also the navel string, and places it within an alabaster box of old oil of spikenard, thus preserving it. Now this is that alabaster-box which Mary the sinner procured, and poured forth the ointment out of it upon the head and the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ, and wiped it off with the hairs of her head.)

45 EXT. BETHLEHEM 45

46 INT. THE OLD WOMAN'S SON'S PHARMACY 46

OLD HEBREW WOMAN My son keep this box in your drug shop. Take heed that you sell not this alabaster box of spikenard ointment, even though you are offered three hundred pence for it.

47 INT. THE TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM 47 SUBTITLE: THE FORTIETH DAY (Mary and Joseph present offerings and they are surrounded and overwhelmingly engulfed by myriads of angelic protectors.)

SIMEON (The high priest approaches Mary and stretches forth his hand.) Now O' my Lord, your servant shall depart in peace, according to thy word; For my eyes have seen your mercy, which you have prepared for the salvation of all nations; a light to all people, and the glory of your people Israel.

SUBTITLE: HANNAH - THE PROPHETESS HANNAH Praise the Lord great joy is upon you.

48 INT. KING HEROD'S PALACE 48 HEROD (Alone with a servant) What is become of these wise men that did go forth? Who said, where is the King of the Jews born? For we have seen his star in the east and are come to worship him. Why have they not returned? Quickly fools! Summon the priests and elders!

SERVANT Yes master. (Leaves to call them forth.)

49 EXT. NEAR BETHLEHEM - THE WISEMEN'S CAMPFIRE 49

WISEMAN #1 This is the cloth the blessed lady gave us. Let us cast it into the fire and worship as custom decrees. (One of the wise men casts it in.)

WISEMAN #2 All praises to the most high. (The fire dies down.)

WISEMAN #3 (He removes the cloth.) Behold it is not consumed. Neither is it singed. (They all begin to kiss the cloth and put it on their eyes and heal themselves.)

WISEMAN #1 This is doubtless a true miracle. The fire could not burn it. (They fall asleep before the fire and share the same dream.)

ANGEL (Appears to the wise-men.) Heed these words. You should not return to Herod through Judaea. (They awoke and departed into their own country by another way.)

FUZZY FADE 50 INT. HEROD'S PALACE – FLASHBACK 50

HEROD (The priests arrive.) Tell me in what place the Christ should be born.

PRIESTS (In one voice) Bethlehem.

ELDER In Bethlehem of Judaea; for thus it is written: And thou Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not the least among the princes of Judah, for out of you shall come a ruler, who shall rule my people Israel.

HEROD (And, having sent away the chief priests, he inquired of the wise men in the town hall saying) Where have you it written concerning Christ the King, or where he should be born? What sign was it you saw concerning the King that is born?

WISEMAN #1 We saw an extraordinary star shining among the stars of heaven, and so outshined all the other stars, as that they became not visible, and we knew thereby that a great King was born in Israel, and therefore we are come to worship him.

HEROD Go and make diligent inquiry; and if ye find the child, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. (The wise men depart)

51 EXT. - FLASHBACK CONTINUED 51

(So, the wise-men go forth and behold the star which they saw in the east went before them, till it came and stood over the cave where the young child was with Mary his mother.)

52 INT. HEROD'S PALACE - NORMAL TIME 52

HEROD (Perceiving that he is being mocked by the wise men is very angry.) Kill all the children in Bethlehem under the age of two years old.

CERTAIN MEN O' King Herod. (Obedient acknowledgement.)

53 INT. THE CAVE 53

JOSEPH (Is sleeping as an angel appears awakening him.)

ANGEL Arise, Joseph. Take the child and his mother and go forth into Egypt. Herod has commanded that all children of Bethlehem two years old and under be killed. When the cock crows go forth. (The cock crows.) (The angel departs.)

MARY (Fearfully, takes Jesus and wraps him up in swaddling clothes and lays him in an Ox-manger, because there was no room for them in the Inn.) There is no room for us at the Inn. We must leave quickly!

ELIZABETH John, I must find my son. John. (She finds him.) Let us hide in the mountains.

54 THE MOUNTAINS 54

ELIZABETH There is no place to hide. I cannot climb up.

MARY (Groaning within herself.) O' mountain of the Lord, receive the Mother with the Child. (The mountain is divided and instantly receives them, as an angelic protector appears to preserve them.)

55 INT. KING HEROD'S PALACE 55

HEROD Go and fetch the child John, ask Zacharias where he is.

SERVANTS Yes, O' King. (They depart.)

56 INT. TEMPLE- THE ALTAR 56

ZECHARIAS I am a minister of God, and a servant at the altar; how should I know where my son is?

57 INT. KING HEROD'S PALACE 57

HEROD (The servants return.) So, he doesn't know where his son is. Is not this son of his like to be King in Israel? Go and tell Zacharias his life is in my hand and he must tell the truth.

SERVANTS Yes, O' King. (They depart once again.)

58 INT. TEMPLE DOORWAY - NEXT TO ALTAR 58

ZACHARIAS (Back turned.) I am a martyr for God. And, if Herod shed my blood the Lord will receive my soul. Besides, know you shed innocent blood. (The servants of Herod kill him without hesitation.)

PRIESTS (Priests of the children of Israel enter the temple at the hour of salutation. Zacharias was not present to meet them and bless them according to custom. They find him lying by the altar in congealed blood.)

VOICE FROM HEAVEN Zacharias is murdered, and his blood shall not be wiped away, until the revenger of his blood come. (The roofs of the temple howl and are rent from the top to the bottom. And they cannot find the body, but only blood made hard like stone. All the tribes mourn for him, and lament for three days.)

PRIEST (Priests cast lots to determine a successor.) Simeon is chosen to become the new high priest. He has been assured by the Holy Spirit that he will not die, till he has seen Christ come in the flesh.

VOICE OF ARK You will not taste of death before Christ shall come in the flesh.

59 OUTSKIRTS OF EGYPT - A HUGE IDOL 59

JOSEPH (Awakens and arises to begin the journey to Egypt. They draw near to a great city. The girts of his saddle break as they enter the city.)

PRIEST Bring your vows. This God shall speak the truth. And, I shall interpret the meaning thereof. (The priest is interrupted by his son who being possessed with a multitude of devils is maniacal and deranged uttering all manner of strange guttural sounds and doing other strange things walking around naked throwing stones at the crowd. Joseph and Mary pass by entering a nearby Inn. The citizens stare at them in astonishment, the magistrates and priests assembled beside the idol are struck dumb at Christ's passing by.)

MAGISTRATE What means all this consternation and dread which has fallen upon all our country?

IDOL (Answering) The unknown God is plainly come hither, who is truly God; nor is there anyone besides him that is worthy. He alone is worthy of divine worship for truly he is the Son of God. At the fame of him this country trembles, his coming has created the commotion and consternation; and we ourselves are affrighted by the greatness of his power. (At the same instant, the idol falls down and breaks into pieces, as do all the idols held by the people crumble to bits, then dust, then nothing. And all the inhabitants of Egypt fall, besides others running together and falling down.) (Mary is hanging out Jesus swaddling clothes for drying, when the priests son enters and takes one of them down and puts it upon his head. Presently, the devils begin to depart from the boy's mouth and fly away in the shape of crows and serpents. He is healed and runs outside praising the Lord.)

PRIEST'S SON Praise the Lord. I am well! I am well! (Joseph and Mary follow him.)

PRIEST (Witnessing his son's restoration to health.) My son what has happened to you? By what means art you cured?

SON When the devils seized me I went into the Inn and there I found a very handsome woman with a baby whose swaddling clothes she had just washed and hanged on a post. One of these, I took and put it upon my head, instantly the devils left me and fled away.

PRIEST Glory to God, my son. Perhaps this boy is the Son of the living God, who made the heavens and the earth, for as soon as he came among us, the idol spoke and was broken asunder, and all the gods fell down, and were destroyed by a greater power. It is fulfilled that which is written: Out of Egypt I have called my Son.

JOSEPH (With fear and trembling) When we were in the land of Israel, Herod intending to kill Jesus slew all the boy children of Bethlehem.

MARY There is no doubt that if the Egyptians come to hear of this idol that is broken they will burn us with fire. Let us depart. (They escape to a nearby camp of thieves who have taken hostages. Upon their arrival the thieves hearing a great noise like a King with an enormous army approaching with trumpets sounding, at which they are frightened and run away leaving behind their hostages and booty. Upon this the prisoners arise and untie each other grabbing their bags to go away they meet Joseph and Mary.)

ONE OF THE HOSTAGES Where is that King, the noise of whose approach our captors heard and left us so that we are now safe?

JOSEPH (Looks at Jesus) He will come after us.

60 EXT. ANOTHER EGYPTIAN CITY 60

MARY (Upon entering the city, Mary sees a woman in fits and is compassionate towards her. The woman possessed with a devil in who, Satan, that cursed rebel had taken up his abode is chained and bound yet broke the bonds as often as they were given. And, standing at crossroads, in churchyards, would throw stones at men.) How awful, I pity this poor woman. Would that she were free of Satan's grip. (The spirit separating from the woman and fled in the form of a young man.)

SATAN-YOUNG MAN Woe unto me, because of thee Mary, and thy Son.

WOMAN IN FITS (Regaining herself, she blushes and is ashamed being naked and she runs into her father's house and he meets her at the door.) Father, I am free. (He gives her his coat to cover herself.)

POSSESSED WOMAN'S FATHER Bless you. Bless you. Please let me entreat you, you are my welcome guests. (Invites Joseph and Mary and Jesus inside where they are entertained with great respect.) These provisions are for you. Please take them with our gratitude. Farewell.

WOMAN - FORMERLY IN FITS Thank you, again.

61 EXT. NEXT TOWN/MARRIAGE-BRIDE STRUCK DUMB 61

(The next morning having received a sufficient supply of provisions for the road, they went from them and arrived at another town by evening where a marriage was about to be solemnized; but by the arts of Satan and the practices of some sorcerers, the bride is become so dumb she cannot open her mouth. This dumb bride sees St. Mary entering into the town, and carrying the Lord Christ in her arms, she stretches out her hands to the Lord Christ and taking him in her arms, hugs him closely, very often kissing him, continually moving him and pressing him to her body. Straightway, the string of her tongue was loosed, and she began to sing praises unto God, who had restored her.)

BRIDE Praise God who has restored me. I can talk. Praise the lord. The curse is lifted. (The gathering rejoices thinking that God and his angels were come down among them. In this place they abode three days, meeting with the greatest respect and most splendid entertainment. And, being then furnished by the people with provisions for the road they departed and went to yet another city in which they were inclined to lodge, because it was a famous place.)

62 EXT. ONN - FAMOUS EGYPTIAN CITY 62

MARY We shall abide here. For this place is a place of great renown and prominence. For a time we stay.

JOSEPH So, be it.

TORMENTED GENTLEWOMAN (She is experiencing a flashback where while bathing in the river Satan leaps upon her belly in the form of a serpent folding himself about her belly.) Lady, please let me hold the child and kiss him.

MARY (Trustingly hands Jesus over to her and immediately Satan departs from the woman's body and the townsfolk begin to rejoice and praise the Lord Jesus.)

TOWNSFOLK Hallelujah! Blessed be our Lord.

63 INT. ONN- THE EGYPTIAN CITY 63

GENTLEWOMAN (Bringing perfumed water in a washbasin) I have brought sweet-perfumed water to wash the child.

MARY Thank you. (Places Jesus in the water and washes him.)

64 EXT. OUTSIDE GENTLEWOMAN'S DOMAIN 64

(She retains the tub of water in which Jesus bathed and carried it outside seeing a girl with leprosy sprinkles her with the tub water and instantly she is cleansed. The people gather around seeing what is happening.)

TOWN INHABITANT Without doubt Joseph and Mary and that boy are gods for they do not look like mortals. (As they make ready to depart from the town, the girl, formerly leprous approaches them.)

LEPER GIRL Please, may I go with you? Please, take me. Let me follow. JOSEPH Come along child.

65 EXT. A CITY INN WITHIN VIEW OF A KING'S PALACE 65

JOSEPH It must be the palace of a great King.

INNKEEPER It is the home of the Prince.

66 EXT. THE INN 66

(The girl exits the Inn finding the Princess in a sorrowful condition mourning.)

THE GIRL Why are you crying Princess?

PRINCESS Wonder not at my groans, for I am under a great misfortune, of which I dare not tell anyone.

GIRL But, if you will entrust me with your private grievance, perhaps I can find a remedy for it.

PRINCESS You shall keep the secret and not reveal it to any one alive. (The girl nods in agreement.) I have been married to the Prince, who rules as a King over large dominions, and I lived long with him and finally at length conceived, but alas I brought forth a leprous son, which, when he saw he would not own to be his and commanded me to either kill him or send him to some nurse in such a place that he may never be heard of and go away that I would never see him again. So here I pine lamenting my miserable circumstances. Alas my son! Alas my husband! Have I disclosed it to you? Girl I have found a remedy for your disease, which I promise you, for I was also leprous, but God hath cleansed me, even he who is Jesus, the Son of Mary.

PRINCESS Where is this God?

GIRL He lodges with you in this same house.

PRINCESS But how can this be? Where is he? (Joseph and Mary exit.)

GIRL Behold, Joseph and Mary and the infant with them who is called Jesus. It is he who delivered me from my former disease and torment.

PRINCESS But by what means were you cleansed from your leprosy? Will you not tell me that?

GIRL Why not? Water was taken with which his body was washed, and was poured on me and at that moment my leprosy vanished.

PRINCESS (Arose and provided a great feast for Joseph among a large company of men. The next day the princess brings perfumed water to wash Jesus and afterwards poured it on her son whom she had brought with her, and immediately was made clean.) Blessed is the mother that bare thee O' Jesus. Dost thou thus cure men of the same nature with thyself with the water with which the body is washed? Please receive these gifts and my eternal admiration and adoration.

67 EXT. THE IMPOTENT NEWLYWED MAN'S HOUSE 67 (Man who had been influenced by sorcerers and was unable to enjoy private relations with his wife is freed of the disorder by the presence of Jesus. Early the following morning as Joseph and Mary were preparing to go forward on their Journey the man hindered them, and provided a noble entertainment for their pleasure. Lodging at his house that night the man was freed of his disorder. But going forth on the morrow they were hindered by the grateful man who provided them with a noble entertainment. Going forth on the morrow they came to yet another city seeing three women going from a certain grave with great weeping. Mary sends the girl, their traveling companion to inquire of them.)

MARY Go and ask them, what is the matter with them, and what misfortune has befallen them? (When the girl asked them they answered not, but asked her.)

THREE WOMEN Who are you, and where are you going? For the day is far spent and the night is at hand.

GIRL We are travelers, seeking for an Inn to lodge at.

THE WOMEN Go along with us and lodge with us. (Then, they followed the three women into a new house, well-furnished with all sorts of fine furniture. It being winter time the girl went into the parlour where the women were, and found them weeping and lamenting as before. By them stood a mule, covered over with silk, and an ebony collar hanging down from his neck, whom they kissed, and were feeding.)

GIRL How, handsome, ladies, that mule is! (They replied with tears, and spoke.)

WOMAN 1 This mule, which you see, was our brother, born of this same mother as we.

WOMAN 2 For when our father died, and left us a very large estate, and we had only this brother, and endeavoring to secure him a suitable match, thought he should be married as other men.

WOMAN 3 Then, some giddy and jealous woman bewitched him without our knowledge.

WOMAN 1 And we, one night, a little before day, while the doors of the house were all fast shut, saw this our brother was changed instantly into a mule much as you now see him to be.

WOMAN 2 And we, in the melancholy condition in which you see us, having no father to comfort us, have applied to all the wise men, magicians, and diviners in the world, but they have been of no service to us.

WOMAN 3 As often therefore as we find ourselves oppressed with grief, we rise and go with this our mother to our father's tomb, where when we have cried sufficiently we return home.

GIRL Take courage, and cease your fears, for you have a remedy for your afflictions near at hand, even among you and in the midst of your house. For I was also leprous: but when I saw this woman and this little infant with her, whose name is Jesus, I sprinkled my body with the water with which his mother had washed him, I was presently made well. And I am certain that he is capable of relieving you from under your distress. Arise, go to my mistress Mary, and when you have bought her into your own parlour, disclose to her the secret, at the same time, earnestly beseeching her to be compassionate to your case. (The women having heard the girl's discourse hasten to meet Mary, introducing themselves they sit down and begin weeping.)

WOMAN 1 Our Lady Mary, pity your handmaids, for we have no head of our family, no one older than us; no father, or brother to go in and out before us. But this mule, which you see, was our brother which some woman by witchcraft has brought into this condition you see. We therefore entreat you to be compassionate toward us.

MARY (Grieved at their case, and taking the Lord Jesus, put him upon the back of the mule.) O' Jesus Christ, restore (or heal) according to your extraordinary power this mule, and grant him to have again the shape of a man and a rational creature, as he had formerly. (Immediately the mule passed into human form, becoming a young man without appearance of deformity.)

RESTORED FAMILY (In worshipful adoration of Mary, they lift the Child above their heads, kissing him!) Blessed is your mother, O' Jesus, O' Savior of the world! Blessed are the eyes which are so happy to see you.

WOMAN 2 Mother, of a truth our brother is restored to his former shape by the help of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the kindness of that girl, who told us of Mary and her Son.

WOMAN 3 Inasmuch as our brother is unmarried, it is fit that we marry him to this girl their servant. (They consult Mary who gives her consent, and prepare a great wedding for the girl. So, their sorrow being turned into gladness, and their mourning into mirth, they begin to rejoice, to make merry, to sing, being dressed in their richest attire, with bracelets.) Glory be to God. O' Jesus Son of David who changes all sorrow into gladness, and mournfulness into mirth! (Ten days later Joseph and Mary departed and the girl began to cry more than all the rest.)

68 EXT. DESERT COUNTRY – INFESTED WITH ROBBERS 68

(In their journey they come into a desert country having been told it was infested with robbers; so Joseph and Mary prepared to pass through it in the night. As they are going along they see two robbers asleep in the road, and with them a great number of their confederates, also asleep.)

TITUS Dumachus, I beseech you let those persons go along quietly, that our company may not perceive anything of them.

DUMACHUS No Titus.

TITUS I will give you forty goats, and as a pledge take my girdle. (Which he gave to him before he had done speaking that he might not open his mouth, or make a noise.

MARY (Seeing the kindness which this robber did show them spoke to him.) The Lord God will receive you to his right hand, and grant you pardon of your sins.

JESUS (Answered her.) When thirty years are expired, O mother, the Jews will crucify me at Jerusalem; And these two thieves shall be with me at the same time upon the cross, Titus on my right hand, and Dumachus on my left, and from that time Titus shall go before me into paradise.

MARY God forbid this should be your lot, O my son. (They continue on to another city in which were several idols. As they approach the city it is turned into hills of sand. Then they went to that sycamore tree, which is now called Matarea where Jesus caused a well to spring forth, in which Mary washed his coat. A balsam grows there produced from the sweat that ran down from the Lord Jesus. Thence they proceeded to Memphis, and saw Pharoah, and abode three years in Egypt. Jesus performed many miracles there not recorded in the Gospel of the Infancy, nor in the Gospel of Perfection.) (Gospel of perfection is possibly the same as the Gospel of Eve, a Gnostic text largely missing.)

JOSEPH (At the end of three years he returned out of Egypt, and when he came near to Judaea, Joseph was afraid to enter; Hearing Herod was dead, and that Archelaus his son reigned in his stead, he was afraid; And, when he went to Judaea, an angel of God appeared to him and spoke.)

ANGEL O Joseph, go into the city Nazareth, and abide there. It is strange indeed that he, who is the Lord of all countries, should be carried backward and forward through so many countries.

69 EXT. BETHLEHEM 69 (When they came afterwards in to the city Bethlehem, they found there several very desperate distempers, which became so troublesome to children by just seeing this most of the children died. There was a woman who had a sick son, whom she brought, when he was at the point of death, to Mary, who saw her when she was washing Jesus.)

WOMAN WITH AFFLICTED SON Mary, look down upon this my son, who is afflicted with most dreadful pains.

MARY Take a little of that water with which I have washed my son, and sprinkle it upon him. (Then the woman took a little of the water, as Mary had commanded, and sprinkled it upon her son, who being wearied with his violent pains, had fallen asleep; and after he had slept a little, awakened perfectly well and recovered.) Give praise to God, who has cured your son.

WOMAN WITH CURED SON (Goes to neighbor woman’s house whose son is still afflicted with the same disease, and his eyes are now almost, quite shut, and she was lamenting for him day and night.) Why do you not bring your son to Mary, as I brought my son to her, when he was in the agonies of death; and he was cured by that water, with which the body of her son Jesus was washed?

2nd WOMAN WITH SICK SON (Goes to procure the same healing water, and washes her son with it, whereupon his body and eyes are instantly restored.)

MARY Give thanks to God for his recovery. (In the same city two wives of one man both had similarly sick sons. One called Mary, her son’s name Caleb offers Mary a very handsome carpet.)

NEIGHBOR 3rd WOMAN WITH SICK SON O’ Mary please accept this carpet of me, and give me a swaddling cloth instead.

MARY Yes. (She makes a coat out of the cloth and puts it on the sick boy and his disease is instantly cured. But, the son of the man’s other wife dies. Hereupon there arose between the two wives in doing the business of the family by turns, each her week. And when the turn of Mary the mother of Caleb came, and she was heating the oven, which was very hot, she went away. On her return saw her son Caleb lying in the middle of the oven laughing, and the oven quite as cold as though it had not been before heated, and knew that her rival, the man’s other wife had thrown Caleb into the fire. She brought him to Mary.)

MARY Be quiet, I am concerned that you might make this matter known. (After this the other wife, as she was drawing well water saw Caleb playing by the well, and that no one was near, took him, and threw him into the well. Later when some men came to fetch some water at the well, they saw the boy sitting on the superficies of the water, and drew him out with ropes, and were exceedingly surprised at the child, and praised God.) Mary mother of Caleb (Carries her son to Mary.) O’ my Lady, see what my rival hath done to my son? She hath cast him into the well, and I do not question but one time or another she will be the occasion of his death.

MARY God will vindicate your injured cause. (Accordingly, a few days after, when the other, wife came to the well to draw water her foot was entangled in the rope, so that she fell headlong into the well, and they who ran to her assistance found her skull broken and bones bruised. So, she came to a bad end, and in her was fulfilled that saying of the author, they dug a well, and made it deep, but fell themselves into the pit which they had prepared.) 4th

WOMAN WITH SICK SON (Yet, another woman in that city had likewise two sons sick. When one was dead, the other who lay at the point of death, she took him in her arms to the lady Mary and in a flood of tears addressed her.) O’ my Lady, help and relieve me; for I had two sons, the one I have just now buried, the other one I see is just at the point of death, behold how I earnestly seek favor from God, and pray to him. O’ Lord, you are gracious, and merciful, and kind; you have given me two sons; one of them you have taken to yourself, O’ spare me this other.

MARY (Perceiving her great sorrow pities her.) Do place your son in my son’s bed and cover him with his clothes? (The woman places him in the bed wherein Christ lay, at the moment when his eyes were just closed by death; as soon as the smell of the garments of the Lord Jesus reached the boy, his eyes were opened.)

BARTHOLOMEW Bread! Give me to eat mother! (He receives the bread and begins to suck it.)

4th WOMAN WITH SICK SON O’ Mary, now I am assured that the powers of God do dwell in you, so that your son can cure children who are of the same sort as himself, as soon as they touch his garments. Bartholomew my son is healed.

LEPROUS WOMAN O’ My Lady, help me.

MARY What help do you desire? Is it gold or silver, or that thy body be cured of its leprosy?

LEPROUS WOMAN Who can grant me this?

MARY Wait a little till I have washed my son Jesus, and put him to bed. (She goes to wash Jesus while the woman waits.)

MARY (Returns with water and gives it to the Leprous woman saying.) Take some of the water and pour it on your body. (No description of the type of water container is indicated. I would suggest a small pitcher or basin.)

LEPROUS WOMAN (Pours the water over her body as Mary had instructed and instantly becomes clean from the leprosy.) Praise god. Thank you father. (Having abode with Mary for three days she went away. Going into the city, she saw a certain Prince, who had married another Prince’s daughter.

PRINCE (When the Prince came near to see the young girl, he perceived between her eyes the signs of leprosy like a star, and declares.) This marriage is dissolved and void.

LEPROUS WOMAN (Witnessing the persons and seeing the sorrowful condition and the abundance of tears they are shedding she inquires of them.) Why do you cry?

PRINCE #2 AND PARTY Inquire not into our circumstances; for we are not able to declare our misfortunes to any person whatsoever. (They all are exceedingly sorrowful crying an abundance of tears.)

LEPROUS WOMAN Please tell me the reason for your sorrow. I might be able to direct you to a remedy. (So, they showed her the signs of leprosy in the young woman.) I also, whom ye see in this place, was afflicted with the same distemper, while traveling to Bethlehem on business, I went to a certain cave and I saw a woman named Mary with her son called Jesus. She seeing me to be leprous, was concerned for me, and gave me some water with which she had washed her son’s body; with that I sprinkled my body, and became clean.

THESE WOMEN Will you, Mistress, go along with us, and show this lady Mary to us?

LEPROUS WOMAN I will take you to her. (They arise following her and bring noble presents and offer them to Mary.)

MARY The mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ rest upon you. (Gives them a little of the water from Jesus bath.) Wash her with this. (When they had washed the woman she was presently cured.)

ALL THE PRINCE’S PARTY Blessed be our God. Praise his mighty hand. Amen.

PRINCE Thank you father for returning my wife’s health. I shall take her home and we shall renew our vows again before you with a second marriage in celebration of this miraculous healing gift.

GIRL POSSESSED BY SATAN (Appearing in the shape of a dragon swallowing her up and sucking out all of her blood so that she looked like a dead carcass. She finally comes to herself wringing her hands about her head crying out.) Woe, woe is me that there is no one to be found who can deliver me from this impious dragon. (Her father and mother and all the people around her saw her and wept over her.) My brethren and friends, is there no one who can deliver me from this murderer?

PRINCE’S DAUGHTER (Who had been cured of leprosy, hearing the girl’s complaint went to the top of her castle seeing her with her hands twisted about her head, pouring out a flood of tears, and all the people that were about her in sorrow posed a question to the possessed woman’s husband.) Is your wife’s mother alive?

POSSESSED WOMAN’S HUSBAND Her father and mother are both living.

PRINCE’S DAUGHTER Fetch her mother and bring her to me now. (Seeing the girls mother approaching.) Is this possessed girl thy daughter?

POSSESSED WOMAN’S MOTHER (Moaning and bewailing.) Yes, madam, I bore her.

PRINCE’S DAUGHTER Disclose the secret of her case to me, for I confess to you that I was leprous, but Mary, the mother of Jesus, healed me. And, if you desire your daughter to be restored to her former state, take her to Bethlehem, and inquire for Mary the mother of Jesus, and doubt not, but your daughter will be cured; for I do not question but you will come home with great joy at your daughter’s recovery.

POSSESSED WOMAN’S MOTHER (Arises as soon as the Prince’s daughter finishes speaking and takes her daughter to the appointed place and begins to tell Mary about her daughter’s case.) Mary my daughter is possessed by the accursed spirit Satan.

MARY (Gives her some of the water from Jesus bath.) Pour this water upon your daughter’s body. (Takes one of the swaddling cloths of Jesus.) Take this swaddling cloth and show it to the enemy as often as you see him.) Peace be with you. (They leave the city. On returning home Satan begins to seize her in the shape of a huge dragon, and the girl seeing his approach is afraid.)

POSSESSED WOMAN’S MOTHER Be not afraid daughter; let him alone till he comes nearer to you! Then show him the cloth Mary gave us and we shall see what happens. (Satan coming like a dreadful dragon makes the girl tremble in fear. But, she puts the cloth upon her head and about her eyes, and shows it to him. Instantly flames and hot coals issue forth from the cloth and fall upon the dragon.)

DRAGON SATAN (Sees the cloth and the fire and coals scattering forth upon his head and eyes; and cries out with a loud voice.) What have I to do with thee Jesus? Thou son of Mary, whither shall I flee? (Draws back much affrighted and departs from the girl.)

FORMERLY POSSESSED GIRL Thank you God. Bless you Lord. (All present at the working of this miracle begin to praise God in like manner.)

WOMAN WITH POSSESSED SON (Brings her son Judas Iscariot in her arms, who was inclined to bite himself on the hands and other parts and anyone present when seized by Satan. But, Jesus was not present as James and Joses had taken him to play with other children. When they went forth they sat down with Jesus. Judas being possessed came and sat down at the right hand of Jesus. With Satan controlling him he tried to bite Jesus. He couldn’t bite him and so struck Jesus on his left side, so that he cried out. In the same moment Satan goes out of the boy and runs away like a mad dog. This foreshadows Jesus being pierced in the same spot during his crucifixion by a spear. Opportunity to insert a flash forward to the moment of his being speared on the cross.)

70 EXT. DYER’S SHOP - JESUS PLAYING - AGE 7 70

SALEM (Jesus running and playing with the boys passes by a dyers shop named Salem. He sees a young man dipping (or dyeing) some cloths and stockings in a furnace, of a sad colour according to each person’s order; Jesus goes into the shop and takes all the colored cloths and throws them into the furnace just as Salem returns exclaiming loudly.) Argh! The cloths are spoiled. What hast thou done to me, O thou son of Mary? Thou hast injured both me and my neighbors; they all desired their cloths to be dyed a proper color: but you came and spoiled them all.

JESUS I will change the color of every cloth as you desire. (Salem begins to remove the cloths, and they are all dyed to the former color as desired by the dyer. Jews who saw this miracle praised God.

71 INT. KING’S PALACE - JERUSALEM 71

KING OF JERUSALEM (Joseph is brought before the King who sent for him.) I would have you make me a throne of the same dimensions with that place in which I normally sit.

JOSEPH (Bows) Yes O’ King. (Two years later he discovers the throne is two spans too small on each side of the appointed measure.)

KING (Sees the throne is too small.) That is not the size of the throne I commissioned you to build. Two years have passed. You don’t know what you are doing. Leave me. (Joseph exits.)

JOSEPH (Goes to bed without eating supper.) I don’t deserve to eat.

JESUS What are you afraid of?

JOSEPH I have lost all my labor in this two year project. The King is angry.

JESUS Fear not, neither be cast down. Lay hold on one side of the throne and I will the other, and we will bring it to the just dimensions. (When Joseph had done as Jesus had instructed, and each of them had with strength drawn his side, the throne obeyed, and was brought to the proper dimensions of the place.) Blessed be the father.

JOSEPH Praise the Lord my God.

72 EXT. STREET OF JERUSALEM 72

JESUS (Enters the street, sees some boys to play with and joins himself to their company. But, when they saw him, they hid themselves, and left him to seek after them. Jesus came to the gate of a certain house.) Where did the boys go?

WOMEN There is no one here.

JESUS Who are those you see in the furnace?

WOMEN We see kids about three years of age.

JESUS (Crying out loud.) Come out here, O you kids, to your shepherd. (Presently the boys come forth like kids and leap about him. When the women saw this they are amazed and trembling.)

BOYS (Worshipping Jesus.) O our Lord Jesus, son of Mary, you are truly that good shepherd of Israel! Have mercy on your handmaids, who stand before you, who do not doubt, but that you, O Lord, are come to save and not to destroy.

JESUS The children of Israel are like Ethiopians among the people.

WOMEN Thou Lord, knows all things, nor is any thing concealed from you. We entreat you, and beseech of your mercy that you would restore those boys to their former state.

JESUS Come here O boys, that we may go and play; (Immediately the kids were changed and returned into the shape of boys.)

73 EXT. MOUNTAIN TOP NEAR JERUSALEM 73

JESUS (Gathers the boys together and ranks them as though he were their King. They spread their garments on the ground for him to sit on; and having made a crown of flowers, put it upon his head, and stood on his right and left as the guards of a King. Passers by were taken by force.)

BOY - KING’S GUARD #1 (Presenting some detained people to Jesus.) Come here, and worship the King, that you may have a prosperous journey. (Meanwhile men arrive carrying a boy upon a couch. The boy has been bitten by a poisonous serpent when reaching into a partridge’s nest for eggs and is near to death. The boys make haste to meet him, and address his neighbors who are carrying him upon the couch.) Come and pay your respects to the King.

NEIGHBOR #1 No boys. We are too sorrowful. Please let us pass.

BOY - KING’S GUARD #2 (Looks at boy #1 and they take hold of the neighbors carrying the injured boy and drawing them against their wills to come toward Jesus.)

JESUS Why do you carry that boy?

BOY’S FATHER A Serpent bit him.

JESUS (Addressing the boys.) Let us go and kill that serpent.

BOY’S MOTHER (Crying) Please excuse us now our son is dying.

BOY - KING’S GUARD #1 Did you not hear what the King said? Let us go and kill the serpent; and will ye not obey him? (The boys follow Jesus bringing the couch back whether the boys parents and neighbors agree or not.)

JESUS (Arriving at the partridge’s nest where the boy was bitten Jesus addresses the boys.) Is this the serpent’s lurking place?

BOYS (In unison) It was.

JESUS (Calling the serpent.) Come forth. (The serpent presently comes forth in submission.) Go and suck out all the venom you have infused into that boy. (The serpent creeps to the boy, and sucks out all its venom.) Be no more cursed serpent. (Immediately it bursts asunder and dies. He touches the boy restoring him to health. The boy begins to cry.) Cease crying, for hereafter you shall be my disciple.

BOY’S MOTHER (All are rejoicing.) Thank you Lord for saving our son. His name is Simon. We are Canaanites.

74 EXT. WOOD GATHERING AREA 74

JOSEPH James, gather the wood.

JAMES Yes father. (James goes straight and Jesus follows along to the place where the wood is collected. James is bitten by a venomous viper and begins to cry out in pain. Jesus seeing his condition comes over to him and blows on the wound healing it completely and instantly.)

75 EXT. HOUSETOP - JERUSALEM 75

JESUS (Jesus is playing on a housetop with the boys when one of them falls off and dies immediately. The other boys all run away leaving Jesus alone on the roof. The dead boys relatives arrive.)

FALLEN BOYS FATHER Did you throw our son down from the housetop?

JESUS No, I did not. He fell.

FALLEN BOYS MOTHER Our son is dead. And, this is he who killed him.

JESUS Do not charge me with a crime, of which you are not able to convict me, but let us ask the boy himself, who will bring the truth to light. (Jesus stood over the head of the dead boy speaking loudly.) Zeinunus, Zeinunus, who threw you down from the housetop?

ZEINUNUS You did not throw me down, it was another who caused me to fall.

JESUS I bid ye hear his words. (Everyone begins to give praise to god for the miracle.)

76 EXT. JOSEPH’S HOUSEHOLD - JERUSALEM 76

MARY Jesus fetch me some water from the well. (Jesus acknowledges and goes to the well. When he brings the pitcher up it breaks. Jesus spreads his mantle gathering up the water again and brings it to his mother who is astonished by it.)

77 EXT. – BETHLETHEM SABBATH/JESUS AGE 7 77

(It is raining hard. One version says Bethlehem another says Jerusalem. The rain abruptly comes to an end. Jesus and the other Hebrew boys begin playing beside the river, where the water is running over the banks standing in little lakes. The water becomes instantly clear and useful. Jesus and the boys start to draw water out of the river by forming little channels and making fish-pools. He and the other boys are playing making clay figures into various shapes, asses, oxen, birds, and other figures and bragging to each other that their workmanship is best. Jesus takes some soft clay from the bank of the stream and forms figures out of it of 12 sparrows placing them around his pool three on each side of it; and the other boys played with him. Son of Hanani and son of Anna the scribe can be integrated here into one character so as to not leave the son of Hanani dead. )

JESUS I will command these figures I have made to walk. (Immediately they moved walking away from him.) Return to me. (Immediately they returned.) Birds, I command you to fly. (They begin flying.) Animals, I have meat and drink to give you. (He gives it to them and they do eat and drink.)

BOYS (Relating the story to one of the boy’s father.) Father, Jesus commands the clay animals to walk. (Another boy.) And the birds flew. (Yet, another boy.) And he gave them meat and drink which they ate and drank.

BOY’S FATHER Take heed children, for the future, of his company, for he is a sorcerer; Shun him and avoid him and never play with him again. (The son of Hanani a Jew comes by and sees what the boys are doing. He goes directly to Joseph.)

SON OF HANANI Behold, your boy is playing by the riverside, and has taken clay, and formed figures of 12 sparrows, and profanes the Sabbath. (Joseph comes to the bank where Jesus is.)

JOSEPH Why do you do that which it is not lawful to do on the Sabbath day?

JESUS (Claps his hands over his pool and the sparrows he had made fly away chirping. He calls to them as they depart.) Go, fly away; and while you live remember me. (Jewish onlookers nearby are astonished at this strange miracle.)

SON OF HANANI Do you thus make figures of clay on the Sabbath? (He runs to each of them and brakes down their fish–pools. When he approaches Jesus fish-pool to destroy it the water vanishes from it.)

JESUS In like manner as this water has vanished, so shall thy life vanish. (The boy instantly dies.)

SON OF ANNA THE SCRIBE (Standing there with Joseph takes a bough of a willow tree, and scatters the waters which Jesus had gathered into lakes.)

JESUS You fool, what harm did the lake do you, that you would scatter the water? Behold, now you shall wither as a tree, and shall not bring forth either leaves, or branches or fruit. (Immediately he becomes withered all over. Jesus turns to go home leaving the parents of the boy lamenting his misfortune. They carry him to Joseph.)

WITHERED BOYS PARENT Why do you keep a son who is guilty of such actions?

JESUS (All present are calling for Jesus to heal the boy. Jesus returns and heals him except for one small member i.e. little finger, which remains withered.) Let this part remain withered as a warning.

78 EXT. EVENING JOSEPH WALKS WITH JESUS 78

JESUS (Jesus is in the street walking home with Joseph in the evening when he meets a boy who running by, rushes into his shoulder so hard that it throws Jesus violently to the ground.) You shall go no farther. As you have thrown me down, so shall you fall, nor ever rise. (At that moment the boy falls down dead.)

ONLOOKER #1 (Addressing the others.) Where was this boy born, that everything which he says presently cometh to pass?

DEAD BOY’S PARENT #1 Joseph, you are not fit to live with us, in our city, having such a boy as that.

DEAD BOY’S PARENT #2 Either teach him that he bless and not curse, or else depart from here with him, for he kills our children.

JOSEPH (Calling Jesus by himself.) Jesus, why do you do such things to injure the people so, that they hate us and prosecute us? (Sits down.)

JESUS I know that what you say is not of yourself, but for your sake I will say nothing. But, they who have said these things to you shall suffer everlasting punishment. (Immediately his accusers become blind.)

ONLOOKER #2 (All present who see this become exceedingly afraid and confounded.) Whatever he says, whether good or bad, immediately comes to pass. (Joseph arises, and plucks Jesus by the ear angering him.)

JESUS (Angry) Be easy; for if they seek us, they shall not find us. You have acted very imprudently. Do you not know that I am yours? Trouble me no more.

79 EXT.SCHOOL - JERUSALEM 79

ZACCHEUS (Hearing Jesus speaking to Joseph.) Joseph, you have a wise and sensible child. Why do you not send Jesus to me, that he may learn his letters?

JOSEPH I agree with you. I will tell Mary his mother.

80 INT. SCHOOL - JERUSALEM 80

ZACCHEUS (Mary and Joseph arrive with Jesus. Zaccheus sees Jesus and immediately writes out an alphabet for him.) Jesus, say Aleph.

JESUS Aleph.

ZACCHEUS Pronounce Beth.

JESUS Tell me first the meaning of the letter Aleph, and then I will pronounce Beth.

ZACCHEUS Do as I say. Either pronounce Beth or I will have to whip you. (Jesus begins explaining the meaning of Aleph and Beth, which are the straight figures of the letters, which the oblique, and what letters have double figures: which have points and which have none; why one letter goes before another; and many other things he began to tell him, and explain, of which he being a master had never heard nor read about.)

JESUS Take notice how I say to thee Aleph, Beth, Gimel, Daleth . . . (And so on continuing until the end of the alphabet.)

ZACCHEUS (Surprised.) I believe this boy was born before Noah. (Turns to Joseph) Thou hast brought a boy to me to be taught, who is more learned than any master. (Addresses Mary) This son of yours needs no learning.

ANOTHER SCHOOL MASTER (Joseph and Mary bring Jesus before a more learned master.) Say Aleph.

JESUS Aleph.

MASTER Pronounce Beth.

JESUS Tell me first the meaning of the letter Aleph, and then I will pronounce Beth.

MASTER (Lifts up his hand to strike Jesus. His hand instantly withers and he dies.)

JOSEPH Henceforth we will not allow him to go out of the house; for every one who displeases him is killed.

81 EXT. - THE FEAST - JERUSALEM 81

(Jesus is twelve years old when Joseph and Mary bring him to the feast of Jerusalem and return home without him.)

JESUS (Remains in the temple among the doctors, elders, and learned men of Israel. He addresses them.) Whose son is the messiah?

DOCTORS AND RABBIS The son of David.

JESUS Why then does he in the spirit call him Lord? When he says, the Lord said unto my Lord, sit you at my right hand, till I have made your enemies your footstool.

PRINCIPLE RABBI Hast you read books?

JESUS I have read books, and the things contained in books. Let me explain the books of the law, and precepts, and statutes: and the mysteries contained in the book of the prophets.

RABBI I never yet have seen or heard of such knowledge! What do you think this boy will be?

ASTRONOMER (Addresses Jesus.) Have you studied astronomy?

JESUS I will tell you the number of the spheres and heavenly bodies as well as their triangular, square, and sextile aspect; their progressive and retrograde motion; their size and several predictions that remain undiscovered.

PHILOSOPHER (Addresses Jesus.) Have you knowledge of physics.

JESUS I will explain the physics and metaphysics; things above and below the power of nature; the powers of the body, it’s humors, and their effects. Also the number of its members, bones, veins, arteries and nerves; the several constitutions of body, hot and dry, cold and moist, their tendencies, how the soul operates on the body; what it’s various sensations and faculties are; the faculty of speaking, anger, desire; and lastly the manner of composition and dissolution.

PHILOSOPHER Jesus from now on I will be your disciple and servant.

MARY (Returns with Joseph seeing Jesus sitting among the doctors.) My son, why have you done this to us? Behold I and your father have been at much pains in seeking you.

JESUS Why did ye seek me? Did you not know that I ought to be employed in my father’s house? (Mary and Joseph do not understand.)

DOCTORS Is this your son?

MARY He is my son.

DOCTORS O’ happy Mary who have borne such a son.

FADE OUT