Staging: Herod's court is set up to one far side. Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar each enter from different places at the rear of the room. The Magi meet at a central place, greet each other, and look over maps and scrolls together.

Meichior: The star is still brilliant in the sky. I'm sure it will lead us to the King of the Jews.

(The three proceed toward the stage.)

Caspar: We are approaching the land of Judea.

Bälthazah: King Herod is the present ruler of Judea. Surely, if the Christ child was born when the stars indicated, the king of the land will know about the event by now.

Meichior: Let's go quickly to Jerusalem to ask King Herod where the child is.

(Herod is seated in his court with his attendants. One servant leads the Magi to Herod.)

Herod: Who are you and what brings you to Jerusalem?…