And there was an order from the Emperor Augustus, that all in Bethlehem of Judæa should be enrolled.
2And Joseph said: I shall enrol my sons, but what shall I do with this maiden?
3How shall I enrol her? As my wife?
4I am ashamed. As my daughter then?
5But all the sons of Israel know that she is not my daughter.
6The day of the Lord shall itself bring it to pass as the Lord will.
7And he saddled the ass, and set her upon it; and his son led it, and Joseph followed.
8And when they had come within three miles, Joseph turned and saw her sorrowful; and he said to himself: Likely that which is in her distresses her.
9And again Joseph turned and saw her laughing.
10And he said to her: Mary, how is it that I see in thy face at one time laughter, at another sorrow?
11And Mary said to Joseph: Because I see two peoples with my eyes; the one weeping and lamenting, and the other rejoicing and exulting.
12And they came into the middle of the road, and Mary said to him: Take me down from off the ass, for that which is in me presses to come forth.
13And he took her down from off the ass, and said to her: Whither shall I lead thee, and cover thy disgrace? for the place is desert.