Staging: Houses are in the background; all villagers, Joseph, and Friend are on stage; the crowd is milling about and gossiping.

Villager 1: That's Joseph over there.

Villager 2: Have you heard about his betrothal?

Villager 3: She lives in Nazareth.

Villager 4: Well, I know what I would do if I were.

Friend: Well, Joseph, have you decided what to do about your plans for marrying Mary? From what you have told me, she is a good, kind person - and very devout. But she has put you in an awkward position.

Joseph: Mary is a good woman. But, under these circumstances, I cannot m…