Athaliah Part 6

What is your name?

{JOAS.}

Eliacin.

They say I am an orphan, Cast from my birth into the arms of G.o.d, And who my parents were I never knew.

{ATHALIAH.}

Have you no parents?

{JOAS.}

They abandoned me.

{ATHALIAH.}

How? And how long ago?

{JOAS.}

At my birth.

{ATHALIAH.}

Do they, at least, not know your native country?

{JOAS.}

This temple is my country; none I know Besides--

{ATHALIAH.}

Your father?

Where is it said that chance discovered you?

{JOAS.}

Among the cruel wolves, their helpless prey.

{ATHALIAH.}

Who placed you in this temple?

{JOAS.}

An unknown woman, never looked on since, Who did not say her name.

{ATHALIAH.}

But who took charge of your most early years?

{JOAS.}

Does G.o.d e'er let his children want in vain?

He gives the smallest birds their nourishment, And over all His works extends His goodness.

Each day I call on Him. His care paternal Nourishes me with gifts presented at The altar.

{ATHALIAH.}

What strange event again perplexeth me?

The sweetness of his voice, his youthful grace, Cause my aversion imperceptably To be succeeded--I could be inclined To pity.

{ABNER.}

Is this, then, Madam, that terrific foe '?

The fraud of your false dreams is manifest: Unless 'tis sympathy that touches you, It is that fatal blow which makes you tremble.

{ATHALIAH (_to Joas and Josabet_).}

Are you going?

{JOSABET.}

His story you have heard: His further stay would be importunate.

{ATHALIAH.}

No, No, return. What do you every day?

{JOAS.}

Adore the Lord; they train me in His law, They teach me how to read His sacred book, And now I copy it with mine own hand.

{ATHALIAH.}

How does that law instruct you?

{JOAS.}

That love is what the Lord desires; that He Sooner or later will avenge His name, His holy name blasphemed; that He protects The timid orphan, that He breaks the proud, And punishes the murderer.

{ATHALIAH.}

I understand. But what do all the people Enclosed within that place?

{JOAS.}