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! Let all invoke Him ever: His empire was before the birth of time; Sing, and proclaim His benefactions.