JOAD, JOSABET, ZACHARIAH, SALOMITH, ISHMAEL, TWO
LEVITES, THE CHOIR.

JOAD.
Great God! Thy hour is come, they bring Thy prey!
Ishmael, listen. (Speaks low to him.)


JOSABET.
Mighty Master of the heavens!
Re-bind on her the veil which wrapt her eyes,
When rendering all her crimes abortive, Thou
Conceal'dst that tender victim in my bosom!


JOAD.
Go, prudent Ishmael, lose not any time,
Follow my grave instructions, step by step;
And, above all, let everything present
To her, upon her entry and her way,
The picture of a calm profound. You, children,
Prepare a throne for Joas. Let him advance,
Accompanied by our sacred combatants;
And also cause his faithful nurse to come,
Princess, and let your tears cease flowing.

(To a Levite.)
You, when the queen with mad presumption drunk,
Has passed the threshold of the temple's doors,
That she no more be able to return,
Take care that instantly the warlike trumpet
Shall spread a sudden consternation through
The enemy's camp; then call upon the people
To the support of Judah's king, and let
The marvellous prodigy of Joas preserved
Resound upon the ear. He comes.