Him, Joas, from the oblivion of the tomb,
To light again the fire of David's ashes.
Great God! if Thou foreseest that of his race
Unworthy, he will stray from David's footsteps,
Yea, let him be as fruit whilst growing, plucked,
Or blighted in its bloom by hostile blast!
But if this child, obedient to Thy rule,
Is to be useful aid in Thy designs,
Restore the sceptre to the rightful heir;
Give into my weak hands his potent foes;
Confound the councils of the cruel queen!
Deign, deign, my God, on Mathan and on her
To cast the spirit of vanity and falsehood,
Fatal forerunner of the fall of kings!
Adieu; the hour is pressing. Unto you,
His sister and our son advancing, bring
The daughters of the families most devout.

_Scene III._

{JOSABET, ZACHARIAH, SALOMITH, THE CHOIR.}

{JOSABET.}

Dear Zachariah, go, without delay;
Accompany your noble father's steps.
Daughters of Levi, young and faithful band,
Whom now the Lord hath chosen for their zeal,
That come so frequently to share my sighs:
Children, my only joy in my long griefs,
Those flowers upon your heads, and in your hands
Those garlands were appropriate, formerly,
At our great festivals; but now, alas!
In these opprobious and afflicting times,
What offering so comely as our tears?
I hear, already, hear the sacred trumpet,
And soon the temple will be open to us.
Whilst I prepare myself for the occasion,
Sing to the Lord, whom you have come to seek.

_Scene IV._

{THE CHOIR.}

_All the Choir sing._

Let all adore our God; the universe
Is full of His magnificence!
Let all invoke Him ever:
His empire was before the birth of time;
Sing, and proclaim His benefactions.

_One voice alone._
In vain unrighteous violence hath imposed
Silence upon the people praising Him:
His name shall never perish.
Day unto day proclaims His glory and His power:
The universe is full of His magnificence:
Sing, and proclaim His benefactions.

_All the Choir._
The universe is full of His magnificence:
Sing, and proclaim His benefactions.

_One voice alone._

He gives to flowers their lovely hues,
He brings the fruits to birth and ripens them;
To these He portions, with judicious care,