Athaliah Part 14

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 G.o.d 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 G.o.d?

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 G.o.d'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 G.o.d The debt you owe Him. Do you feel this n.o.ble 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 G.o.d Himself declares that a wise king Does not rely on riches and on gold; But fears the Lord his G.o.d; 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 G.o.d, Appears the type most perfect of great kings.

{JOAD.}

Then, in their riot, you'd not imitate The faithless Joram, G.o.dless 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.