RUTH. I thought I viewed my Mahlon’s likeness in him. The same his manly port and dignity, tempered with smiles of sweet benevolence. He bid me seek no other field but his, and promised liberal harvests to my toils. I thanked him for this kindness shewn a stranger, he praised me for the love I bear thee, and said ’twas for thy sake he noted me. NAOMI. Follow his counsels as thou wouldst a brother’s. Remain fast by his maidens, nor let them meet thee in another’s field. So shall his friendship make our lives as happy as any earthly fortune now can make them. (_enter Rebecca_) REBECCA. All hail, Naomi! Welcome to thy country, and still more welcome; for bringing this sweet damsel. My son, struck by her charms, and still more by her virtues, solicits your consent and hers, to make him happy. (_to Ruth_) Say, will thy heart, where sweet compassion reigns, where noble friendship sheds its purest light; consent once more to wed a son of Judah, and add new honors to our chosen race? NAOMI. Ah say, my daughter! Wilt thou make him happy? this generous man, this most deserving kinsman. I prayed that Heaven would shower its favors on him, and could it bless him more than by giving thee? RUTH. I once believed no second vows would win me or charm my heart, from the lost lord [- -illegible- -] my fond affections; but my lord [- -illegible- -] seemed returned once more, when [- -illegible - -] my eyes gazed on the noble Boaz. his liberal hand bespoke a generous heart, and I with pride and pleasure shall accept, a second husband from God’s chosen people. REBECCA. Thy sweet compliance wins my best affections, and I will haste to make my son most happy. (_music_) SONG SUNG AT MY EXHIBITION IN PLACE OF THE FIRST HERE. I Sons of Judah hear a stranger! Deign my sorrows to remove; Music! aid a hapless gleaner; Tune their hearts to deeds of love. Peace and plenty on thee shower; Want attends my day of woe. I have tasted pleasure’s power, More the depths of grief to know. II Then in pity soothe the gleaner! Let not age implore in vain. I’ve a mother, had you seen her [-illegible-] you’d give the golden grain. [-illegible-] the smiles of fortune cheer’d us; [-illegible-] and friendship bless’d our board.— [illegible] long since those tongues that jeer’d us, [illegible] have trembled at a word. III