Athaliah | Page 4

Them to the son of David, when revealed; But with that noble fire with which they burn Can they, alone, avenge their prince's cause? For such great object is their zeal sufficient? Doubt you that Athaliah, at the word First spread abroad--that Ochoziah's son Is here concealed--will fail her barbarous troop Of strangers to collect about the temple, And violate its gates? Will it suffice 'Gainst them to place your sacred ministers, Who never scattered but their victims' blood; Who, raising to the Lord their harmless hands, Can only groan and pray for our offences? Perhaps, when in their arms, Joas pierced with wounds--
{JOAD.}
Then count you God for nought who fights for us! God, who protects the orphans' innocence, And in their weakness testifies His power; God, who hates tyrants, who in Jezreel Swore Jezabel and Ahab to uproot; God, who smote Joram, husband of their daughter, And even to his son pursued their house; God, whose avenging arm, awhile withheld, Is always threatening o'er that impious race:
{JOSABET.}
And 'tis His rigid justice on those kings That throes me for my wretched brother's son. For who can say that child, at birth, was not Condemned with them--included in their guilt? That God, for David's sake, will grant him favour, And separate him from a hateful race? Alas! the horrible perplexing state, In which heaven represents itself to me, Haunts me incessantly, and frights my soul. The chambers gorged with princes massacred-- Inexorable Athaliah, armed With poniard, fires her barbarous soldiery Unto the carnage, and pursues the course Of her assassinations. Left for dead, Joas strikes my sight! Methinks I still behold His nurse, distracted, throw her feeble form In vain before the murderers; and him, Extended on the earth, clasp to her breast I take him up all bloody--with my tears Bathing his visage--bring him back to life; And still in terror, or caressing me, I feel his innocent arms upon me press. Great God! let not my love be fatal to him, The precious relic of the loyal David: Brought up within Thy house to love Thy law, He knows no other father yet than Thee. About to attack a homicidal queen, If peril's aspect terrifies my faith, If flesh and blood to-day, bewildered being, Have too great part in tears I shed for him, Heir of Thy sacred promises, preserve him, And punish me alone for all my frailty!
{JOAD.}
Your griefs are crimeless, Josabet; but God Would have us trust in His paternal care. Upon the son who fears Him He does not Call blindly in His wrath to answer for His sire's impiety. All that remain Still faithful Hebrews, will come forth to-day To make their vows anew; all that revere The race of David, Athaliah hate! Joas will affect them with his modesty, Through which appears to glow his royal blood, And our example, by His very voice The Lord supporting, will moreover speak Within His temple straight unto their hearts. Two unbelieving kings in turns have braved Him; Tis now imperative a king be raised Upon the throne, who shall avow hereafter That, to the honour of his ancestors, God caused him, by the influence of His priests, To re-ascend; and, by their hands, hath snatched Him, Joas, from the oblivion of the tomb, To light again the fire of David's ashes. Great God! if Thou foreseest that of his race Unworthy, he will stray from David's footsteps, Yea, let him be as fruit whilst growing, plucked, Or blighted in its bloom by hostile blast! But if this child, obedient to Thy rule, Is to be useful aid in Thy designs, Restore the sceptre to the rightful heir; Give into my weak hands his potent foes; Confound the councils of the cruel queen! Deign, deign, my God, on Mathan and on her To cast the spirit of vanity and falsehood, Fatal forerunner of the fall of kings! Adieu; the hour is pressing. Unto you, His sister and our son advancing, bring The daughters of the families most devout.

Scene III.
{JOSABET, ZACHARIAH, SALOMITH, THE CHOIR.}
{JOSABET.}
Dear Zachariah, go, without delay; Accompany your noble father's steps. Daughters of Levi, young and faithful band, Whom now the Lord hath chosen for their zeal, That come so frequently to share my sighs: Children, my only joy in my long griefs, Those flowers upon your heads, and in your hands Those garlands were appropriate, formerly, At our great festivals; but now, alas! In these opprobious and afflicting times, What offering so comely as our tears? I hear, already, hear the sacred trumpet, And soon the temple will be open to us. Whilst I prepare myself for the occasion, Sing to the Lord, whom you have come to seek.

Scene IV.
{THE CHOIR.}
All the Choir sing.
Let all adore our God; the universe Is full of His magnificence!