If ever I deserved a boon from thee! If leaving friends and country for thy sake, have gained a place for me within thy bosom! grant my request I pray thee! NAOMI. If thou hast gained a place within my bosom. Be witness ministering spirits of mercy, how dear a place you hold in my affections! Name thy request, and thou shalt see it granted, even with the blood that mantles at my heart. RUTH. Then stay at home I pray thee. Spare thy grief worn frame from future toil. Art not thou all my stock of happiness? my only comfort in this distant land? Then guard the treasure with a jealous eye, lest I in losing thee should lose my all. What shame! what just derision would Judah’s daughters cast on Ruth, who sent her mother to the field to glean and staid ignobly idle here at home. NAOMI. Then go my child, and Heaven prosper thee. RUTH _and a Company of Village Maids_. FIRST VILLAGER. But say; what first informed thy reason? oped thy eyes, to own the same laws which guide our nation? RUTH. My mind was roused at hearing the miracles wrought for your ancestors. Oft while the wondrous theme flowed from Naomi’s tongue, I thought an angel spoke. When righteous Abraham offered up his son; when Godlike Joseph saved his cruel brethren; when Moses, snatched from the devouring flood, rescued the chosen race from haughty Pharaoh:—my heart approved, and wished to share their virtues; But when my astonished mind reviewed the miracles; the glory, power, and wisdom of Jehovah:—I saw our Gods were impotent to save—the works of men and spirits of darkness—I scorned their worship, and from that moment prized Naomi far above the reverend forms to whom I owe my being. _Enter_ REBECCA. _All the maids rise._ REBECCA. The sun has hardly past his midday path, retire not therefore damsels. I have come to enjoy with you the innocent mirth, which healthful labor only knows. Let not my presence check your decent joy, but let the song the tale, again go round. FIRST VILLAGER. We were listening to a tale of virtuous woe; the history of this worthy Moabite. REBECCA. I have heard her story, and admire her virtue. (_to Ruth_) May God a recompense on thee bestow, for all thou hast left, and make this country dearer than thine own. RUTH. Accept my thanks. Tho’ words are poor to express my gratitude, for all this kindness shown a stranger. REBECCA. Thy merits claim it all. But say. Does no heart rending sigh affect thy bosom, for those dear friends thou hast left and left forever? RUTH.