Herod sends his soldiers to slaughter the innocents and Rachel's son is slain. Finding an officer in the stable she determines to kill him. Then a soldier enters. Revolted by his orders, he had mutinously attacked the officer. His rough, kindly wisdom overcomes Rachel's hysteria. Wearily she leans against the manger and suddenly all bitterness is drained from her, and in its place is charity.
—Samuel French