Chapter 3

_One voice alone._ What will remain of all their empty pleasures In which their soul is sunk? I' the dregs of dreams Whose error's recognized. At their awaking--awaking full of horror!-- Whilst at the table the just poor will taste The sweets of peace unspeakable, The hideous cup exhaustless they will drink, Which in the day of wrath thou wilt present To all the guilty race.

_All the Choir._ O waking full of horror! O fleeting dream! O dangerous error!

{END OF THE SECOND ACT.}

_ACT III.--Scenes I. and II_

{MATHAN, NABAL, THE CHOIR.}

{MATHAN.}

Young daughters, go, and say to Josabet That Mathan waits to speak to her in private.

_One of the daughters of the Choir._

Mathan! O God of heaven do thou confound him.

{NABAL.}

How now? all flee, disperse without reply!

{MATHAN.}

Let us approach.

{ZACHARIAH, MATHAN, NABAL.}

{ZACHARIAH.}

Audacious! Whither would you go? Forbear Beyond this place to make advance: it is The holy minister's divine abode. To all profane the law forbids the entrance. Of whom are you in search? My mother shuns, Upon this solemn day, the guilty sight Of foul idolatry; and prostrate now Before the Lord, would shrink from being disturbed.

{MATHAN.}

My son, her time is ours; be not alarmed; I wish to speak to your illustrious mother. I come here charged with orders from the queen.

_Scene III._

{MATHAN, NABAL.} {NABAL.}

The children have already _their_ fierce pride. But what doth Athaliah seek in this? What is this tumult born of in her councils? By overbearing Joad this morn offended, And in her dreams braved by a murderous child, She went to sacrifice the high-priest Joad Unto her wrath, and in the end to place Within that temple Baal and you. You had To me already testified your joy; I hoped, on my part, for so rich a prey. What changes thus her vacillating vows?

{MATHAN.}

I have not known her, friend, for two days past. No more the queen of an enlightened spirit, Intrepid, raised beyond her timid sex, Who crushed, at first, her wondering enemies, And knew the value of occasion lost: The pangs of vain remorse whelm this great soul: She wavers, hesitates, is in a word, A woman. I, her heart, already wrung With threats from heaven, had filled with bitterness And rancour; she, confiding to my care Her vengeance, had commanded me to bring At once her guards together: but, indeed, Whether that brat before her brought, and said To be an outcast from his parents, had Diminished the alarm of frightful dreams, Or she had seen in him some unknown charm, I found her anger reeling, undecided: She now puts off her vengeance till to-morrow. Her projects all appear to slay each other. "Some knowledge I have gained of this boy's fate," So did I say; "now of his ancestry They have begun to boast: from time to time Joad shows him to the factious, holds him up, As if another Moses, to the Jews, And lying oracles support his speech." These words did cause the blood to mount her brow: Ne'er lucky fable had such prompt effect. "Must I drag on in this uncertainty? Let us escape," said she, "this restlessness. To Josabet declare you this resolve-- 'The fires are kindling, and the sword prepared, Nothing can save your temple from destruction, If hostage for your faith that child's not given.'"

{NABAL.}

Why for a boy of whom they're ignorant, That chance, perhaps, has cast into their arms, Will they behold their temple tombed in weeds?

{MATHAN.}

Ah! of all mortals known, the haughtiest! Sooner than yield a child into our hands, That Joad has consecrated to his God, He would endure the most terrific death. Besides 'tis plainly seen they love the child. If, from the queen, I heard a true report, Joad of his birth knows more than he imparts. However fatal it may be for them, I can foresee they will not give him up. On me the rest remains; and in the end I hope that fire and sword will free my eyes Of that obnoxious temple!

{NABAL.}

What can inspire in you so fierce a hate? Is it your zeal for Baal inflames you thus? As for myself, you know of Ishmael blood, I neither worship Baal nor Israel's God.

{MATHAN.}

Friend, canst thou think that I allow myself To be made blind by an unworthy zeal For a vain idol, fragile form of wood, Which, notwithstanding my support, the worms Upon its altar every day consume? Born servant of the God that temple loves, It might be Mathan would adore Him still, If lust of greatness, thirst for dominance, Could be accommodated to His yoke. Nabal, what need repicture to thy mind The noted quarrel of myself and Joad. When I 'gainst him the censor dared dispute, My factions, struggles, waitings, my despair? Vanquished by him I chose a new career, And wed my soul entirely to the court. I by degrees approached their royal honours, And soon my voice was made an oracle. I probed their heart, and flattered their caprice; Bestrewed with flowers the precipice's brink; Serving their passions, naught to me was sacred; Measure and weight I changed as they inclined. As much as Joad's unpliant humour pained The softness of their supercilious ear, So much I pleased them with my dexterous art; Concealing from their eyes the bitter truth; Lending convenient colour to their rage; And, lavish, above all, of wretches' blood. At length, to Baal, whom she had introduced, By Athaliah was a temple reared. Jerusalem did weep to see herself Profaned: The alarmed band of Levi's race Did elevate to heaven appalling cries. Giving example to the timid Jews. Deserter from their law, myself approved The enterprise, and merited by that Baal's priesthood: and I made myself withal A terror to my rival; I put on The turban--walked his equal. Ne'ertheless I must avow, that in that glorious height The troublesome memory of the God I left Still throws into my soul a shade of dread: Tis that which strengthens and supports my fury. Happy, if on the temple my revenge Accomplishing, I can at length content Her petty spite, and lose amongst the wreck The ravage and the slaughter, my remorse, By dint of those enormities. But here Is Josabet.

_Scene IV._

{JOSABET, MATHAN, NABAL.}

{MATHAN.}

Commissioned by the queen To calm again, and dissipate the anger, Princess, in which heaven placed so sweet a soul, Be not surprised at my addressing you. A rumour, which however I suspect To be a fable, favouring the warnings, Which in a dream she had received, on Joad, Accused of dangerous complots, she was going To pour the floodgates of her wrath. I wish Not here to boast of services to you-- I know of Joad's injustice to myself-- But for offence I must return good deeds. At length, I come to speak the words of peace. Live, solemnize your feasts without distrust, She only claims a pledge of your submission: It is--I did my utmost to dissuade her-- The orphan whom she says that she has seen.

{JOSABET.}

Eliacin?

{MATHAN.}

I am ashamed of her on that account: Of a vain dream she makes too much ado: But you declare yourselves her mortal foes, If not that child's resigned to me at once: The queen impatiently 'waits your reply.

{JOSABET.}

And that on her part is the peace announced.

{MATHAN.}

Can you one moment hesitate to grant it? Or is that courtesy too dear for peace?

{JOSABET.}

Could Mathan, I was wondering, stript of guile, Have overcome the injustice of his heart; And, fatal plotter of so many ills, Could he be author of a shade of good.

{MATHAN.}

Of what do you complain? Come I enraged To tear from you your offspring, Zachariah? What is this other child you love so well? In turn, this great affection marvels me. Is _he_ to you a pearl so precious, rare? Is _he_ a liberator trained by Heaven? Remember, your refusal would confirm A faint report that's just begun to spread.

{JOSABET.}

What report I

{MATHAN.}

That of illustrious origin's the child, Destined to some great project by your spouse.

{JOSABET.}

And by that tale, which flatters Mathan's fury--

{MATHAN.}

Princess, to think me false belongs to you. Yet still I deem that Josabet, the foe Implacable of falsehood, would resign Her own life even, were it requisite, Rather than life of insincerity Be purchased by the slightest word untrue. Then of that child's descent there is no trace? Darkness profound surrounds his origin! You know not of what parents he was born? From whose hands Joad received him to his arms? Pray speak, I listen ready to believe. Princess, unto the God you serve give glory!

{JOSABET.}

Base one, is't well you thus dare speak the name Of God, whom your own tongue bids men to curse! Could His veracity be vouched by you, You, wretched, sat upon the noxious bench Where poison's scattered, falsehood hath the sway; You, nurtured in deceit and treachery?

_Scene V._

{JOAD, JOSABET, MATHAN, NABAL.}

{JOAD.}

Where am I? Am I looking at Baal's priest? What, David's daughter speaking to that traitor? And will you tolerate his speech with you? Do you not fear that a profound abyss Will yawning open underneath his feet, So that its flames at once will compass you? Or that these walls will crush you fallen on him? What wants he? Wherefore comes, this enemy Of God, to taint the air we here inhale?

{MATHAN.}

This violence gives evidence of Joad. Yet he would show more prudence to respect His sovereign, and not outrage one that she Has deigned to charge with her commands.

{JOAD.}

Well, what's the ill she bids you to announce, What frightful charge may such an agent bear?

{MATHAN.}

To Josabet I have made known her will.

{JOAD.}

Then quit me, monster of iniquity, Go fill thy measure of all horrid things. God rules to join thee with the perjured race, Achitophel, Abiron, Doeg, Dathan t The dogs which tore the limbs of Jezebel, Waiting to show their fury upon thee, Already, at thy gates, demand their prey. {mathan (_agitated_).} Before this day expires--it will be seen Which of us---- He shall be forced--

_(To Nabal.)_

But, Nabal, let us go.

{NABAL.}

Where wander you? What wildering chaos is The master of your senses? That's your way.

_Scene VI._

{JOAD, JOSABET.}

{JOSABET.}

The storm has burst! The queen, enraged, demands Eliacin. Already of his birth, and your designs They have begun to pierce the mystery: Mathan but failed to name to me his father.

{JOAD.}

To the perfidious Mathan who has told it? Has not your agitation said too much?

{JOSABET.}

I did whate'er I could to curb myself. Howe'er, believe me, peril presses, Sir; For happier times let us reserve that child. Whilst wicked ones deliberate with each other, Before he is surrounded, torn from us, Allow me to conceal him once again; To him are open yet the doors, the gates. Shall we convey him to the wildest desert? I am prepared, I know a secret way, By which myself and he, still unperceived, The torrents of the Cedron passing over, May go into the desert, where in tears, And seeking safety, like ourselves, in flight, David escaped his rebel son's pursuit. I shall, on his account, fear wild beasts less;-- But why do you not favour Jehu's aid? Perhaps good counsel I may offer you; Let us make Jehu guardian of this treasure, We could to-day conduct him to his kingdom, For short the road is leading to his court. Jehu has not a wild, relentless heart; The name of David's honoured in his eyes. Alas! is he a king so callous, cruel, Unless his mother was a Jezebel, That he would not commiserate the fate Of such a suppliant? Is not his cause The common one of kings?

{JOAD.}

Dare you propose to me such timid counsels? What can you hope in Jehu's countenance?

{JOSABET.}

Does God forbid all care and all prevision? Will not an over-confidence offend Him? Employing human means to sacred ends, Has He Himself not Jehu's arm equipt?

{JOAD.}

Jehu, on whom I see your hopes are built, Paying His gifts with thankless thoughtlessness, Jehu in peace leaves Ahab's hideous daughter; Following the course profane of Israel's kings, Of Egypt's worthless god he saves the temples; Jehu, at length, dares offer on the heights An incense rash which God can not allow: His heart's not just enough, nor pure his hands, To serve His cause--to avenge His injuries. No, No, 'tis God alone we must engage. Far from concealing, let us show the boy, And let the diadem surround his head: I even will urge on the expected hour, Before vile Mathan's complots can be formed.

_Scene VII_

{JOAD, JOSABET, AZARIAH, THE CHOIR, AND SEVERAL LEVITES.}

{JOAD.}

Well, Azariah, is the temple closed?

{AZARIAH.}

The gates have all been made before my eyes

{JOAD.}

Your saintly troops and you alone remain?

{AZARIAH.}

Twice I have walked around the sacred courts, And all are fled; dispersed without return, Scattered in fear--a miserable crew! God by His holy tribe's no longer served:-- E'er since that people Pharoah's steps escaped, An equal panic has not seized on them.

{JOAD.}

A people in performance loose, and born For slavery--bold against God alone! Let us pursue our work. But who retains These children, even in our midst?

_One of the daughters of the choir_

Alas, could we, sire, part ourselves from you? In the Lord's temple are we aliens? Around you are our fathers and our sires.

_Another._

Ha! if to avenge the shame of Israel Our hands may not as Jael's, formerly, Have power to pierce God's impious enemies' head, Yet we at least may give our lives to Him. Whilst you are fighting for His temple stormed, We may, at least, invoke Him with our tears.

{JOAD.}

Eternal Wisdom, in Thy quarrel armed Here, then, are Thine avengers--priests and children! But Thou sustaining, who can cast us down? From death Thou canst recall us when Thou wilt! Thou strikest and Thou healest, Thou destroyest And Thou resuscitatest. We rely Not on our own deserts, but on Thy name, Invoked so frequently, and on Thy oath Sworn to the most devout of all our kings, Within this temple made Thy holy dwelling, And which the sun's duration is to last. But whence this sacred thrilling of my soul? Am I transported by the Holy Spirit? It is so: it inflames me: speaks to me: My eyes are opened, and the times obscure Unveil themselves before me! Levites, lend Your harmony of sounds, and by their swell Support my ecstacy!

_The Choir sing to the sound of every symphony of the instruments._

O let the voice of God be heard, And to our hearts, His oracle divine, Be as the freshness of the morn Is to the tender grass in spring.

{JOAD.}

Heaven, hear my voice. Earth, lend thine ear. No more, O Jacob, say thy God doth slumber, O sinners disappear; the Lord's awake.

_Here the symphonies are resumed, and Joad instantly continues._

How into worthless lead pure gold is changed! Who is that priest slain in the holy place? Weep, weep Jerusalem, perfidious city, Wretched destroyer of the sacred seers; God of His love for thee divests Himself; Thy incense in His eyes is incense foul. Where do you take those children and those wives? The queen of cities God has overthrown: Her priests are captives, and her kings disowned. Temple be overthrown! Cedars cast your flames! Jerusalem, thou object of my grief, Who in one day has ravished all thy charms? O who will change, to weep thy miseries, Mine eyes to two fountains of tears?

{AZARIAH.}

O holy temple!

{JOSABET.}

O David!

{THE CHOIR.}

Restore, O God of Sion, O restore, Thy ancient benefactions in her favour.

_The symphonies resume, and immediately after Joad continues._

What new Jerusalem arises from The desert's depths in dazzling splendour, And bears upon her brow a stamp immortal?

{JOAD.}

Sing, people of the earth, Jerusalem reborn more grand and beautiful! Whence on all sides repair to her The progeny not fostered in her bosom? Lift high, Jerusalem, lift high thy head! Look on those monarchs of thy marvellous glory: The kings of nations are before thee prostrate, Kissing the dust of thy feet: The people in thy light walk emulous. Blest, who for Sion with a holy fervour Doth feel his soul expanded! Heavens scatter your dew, and let the earth Bring forth its Saviour!

{JOSABET.}

Alas! from whence this signal benefaction? If kings from whom Messiah's to descend--

{JOAD.}

Let Josabet prepare the diadem Which David's self bore on his sacred brow.

(To the Levites.)

And you, attend me to the place to arm Yourselves, where is concealed from strangers' eyes That formidable heap of swords and lances, Which ever in Philistine's blood were drenched; And which triumphant David, full of years And honours, caused to be unto the God That had protected him made consecrate. Could we employ them in a nobler cause % Follow, I will myself distribute them.

_Scene VIII._

{SALOMITH, THE CHOIR.}

{SALOMITH.}

What fears my sisters, O what mortal broils! All powerful God, are these the sacrifices, The first-fruits and the perfumes we This day should offer at Thy altars?

_One of the daughters of the Choir._

What spectacle unto our timid eyes! Who could have feared we ever should behold The murderous sword, the homicidal lance Flashing within the house of peace?

_Another._

Whence comes it that Jerusalem, Full of indifference to her God, Is silent in her present danger? Whence comes it, sisters, that for our protection Brave Abner, at the least, speaks not aloud?

{SALOMITH.}

Ah! in a court, in which prevails No other law than force and violence; In which its honours and employments are The price of blind and base obedience, Who will desire, my sister, to lift up His voice for sorrowing innocence?

_Another._

For whom's that sacred diadem prepared In this confusion--peril violent?

{SALOMITH.}

The Lord has deigned to speak; But who can make us understand What to his prophet He has now revealed? Arms He Himself in our defence? Or does He arm to overwhelm us?

_All the choir sing,_

O promise! threatening! mysterious gloom! What evil and what good by turns foretold! How can we reconcile So much of wrath and love?

_One voice alone._

Sion will be no more; a cruel flame Will burn up all her excellence.

_Another voice._

O God, shield Sion; Thy eternal word She holds for her foundations.

_The first_

How all her splendour fades before my eyes.

_The second._

I see on every side her glory radiant

_The first._

Sion is sunk to a profound abyss.

_The second._

Sion, whose brow is in the heavens.

_The first_

What sorrowful abasement!

_The second._

What immortal glory!

_The first_

What wailings!

_The second._

What songs of victory!

_A third._

Let us cease from troubling; our God one day Will reconcile this mystery sublime!

_All three._

Let us revere His anger; trust His love.

_Another._

God! of a heart that loveth Thee Who can disturb the peace? Itself forgetting ever, It seeks, in all, Thy will supreme. On earth--in heaven even can there bloom Another blessing than the tranquil peace Of a heart that loveth Thee?

{END OF THE THIRD ACT.}

_ACT IV.--Scenes I and II_

{JOAS, JOSABET, ZACHARIAH, SALOMITH, A LEVITE, THE CHOIR.}

{SALOMITH.}

With a majestic step, beside my mother, Near Zachariah, walks Eliacin. What hide they, sisters, underneath their cloaks? In short, what is that sword that's borne before them?

{JOSABET (_to Zachariah_).}

Place on that table, reverentially, The book redoubted of our holy law: And also you, my loved Eliacin, This diadem place near the book divine. Levites we must have there, Joad orders it, The sword of David close beside the crown.

{JOAS.}

Princess, what then is this strange spectacle? This sacred book, this diadem, this sword? I ne'er have seen example of like form, Since in His temple God accepted me.

{JOSABET.}

Soon all your doubts, my son, will be dispelled.

{JOAS.}

Why will you fit this diadem on my brow? Ah, princess! keep its glory unprofaned! Respect the memory of the king who wore it. A wretched child abandoned to the bears--

{JOSABET (_tries on the diadem_).}

Allow me, son, I do what I am ordered.

{JOAS.}

But from your lips I hear your sobs arise! Princess, you weep, What pity touches you? To-day presented as burnt offering Am I, as formerly was Jeptha's daughter, By my own death to appease the wrath of God? Alas! a child has nought a father may Not claim.

{JOSABET.}

Here's one will tell you of the will of Heaven; Fear nothing. Let us leave these precincts.

{JOAD, JOAS.}

_( Joas running into the arms of the high-priest.)_

{JOAD.} Well, my son?

{JOAS.}

What is it, pray, that they prepare?

{JOAD.}

'Tis right my son I should inform you, even before all, Of God's great ends o'er you and o'er His people. Be armed with new fidelity and zeal! 'Tis time to show this ardour and this faith, Which to the bottom of your heart my cares Have cultivated; and to pay to God The debt you owe Him. Do you feel this noble And generous aspiration?

{JOAS.}

I feel prepared, if wished, to give my life.

{JOAD.}

You've oft heard read the history of our kings: My son, do you remember what strict law Must be imposed on him who takes the crown?

{JOAS.}

Thus God Himself declares that a wise king Does not rely on riches and on gold; But fears the Lord his God; and ever hath Before him His stern judgments, precepts, laws, And crusheth not his brethren with oppression.

{JOAD.}

But of our kings, if you must copy one, Which, from your choice, my son, would you be like?

{JOAS.}

David, who full of loyal love to God, Appears the type most perfect of great kings.

{JOAD.}

Then, in their riot, you'd not imitate The faithless Joram, godless Ochoziah?

{JOAS.}

O my father!

{JOAD.}

Continue, say what you think.

{JOAS.}

Whoe'er resembles, may he die like them.

_(Joad prostrates himself at his feet)._

My father, in what state are you before me?

{JOAD.}

I render you the homage of my king.

{JOAS.}

Joas! me?

{JOAD.}