Is true inheritor of Judah's throne, Last born of tristful Ochoziah's children, Reared up, you know it, by the name of Joas. All Israel wept like you the destiny Of this sweet flower, cut down so soon, and thought That with his brother he was wrapt in death. Attacked with the perfidious steel like them: But God knowing how to turn aside the blow, Kept in his heart the life-warmth near extinct, Allowing Josabet to carry him All bleeding in her bosom, and avoid The assassin's vigilance. She having none Except myself the accomplice of her theft, Concealed the child, and reared him in the temple. {JOAS.} Alas! for so much love, so many blessings, Father, how shall I e'er acquit myself? {JOAD.} For other times reserve this gratitude. Here then behold your king, your only hope! Till now my care has treasured him for you; You, servants of the Lord, must bear it out. Informed that Ochoziah's son still lives, The murderess, Athaliah, soon will rush, To hurry him again into the tomb. Already, without knowing him, she pants To ruin sacred ministers 'tis yours To anticipate her fury; now 'tis time To end the shameful slavery of the Jews, To avenge our princes' deaths, exalt our laws, And make our king be owned by our two tribes. The enterprize is great and dangerous; Attacking on her throne a haughty queen, Who sees a numerous camp of hardy strangers And traitorous Hebrews march beneath her standards! But God's my strength, whose interest guideth me. Think that all Israel lives within this child! Already God the avenger troubles her. Eluding whom, I have assembled you; She deems us armless here, without defence. Let us crown quickly and proclaim Joas king: Then, fearless soldiers of the new crowned prince, March and invoke the Arbiter of battles; And rousing in the people's hearts their faith, Even in her palace, seek our enemy. Then those so long in lazy slumber sunk, Beholding us advance in saintly garbs, Will haste with zeal to follow our example! A king whom in His temple God has nourished: Aaron's successor, followed by his priests, Leading the house of Levi to the combat; And in these hands, by all tribes venerated, The arms of David consecrate to God! The Lord will scatter terror on His foes. Bathe without fear in unbelievers' blood! Strike Syrian, and even Israelite! From those famed Levites do you not descend, Who, when to Nilus' god inconstant Israel Paid in the desert adoration vile, The saintly homicides of their own house, Did dedicate their hands in treacherous blood, And by that awful deed acquired for you The rank of sole presiders at the altar? But now I see you burn to follow me!