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.