FIRST PROPHET.
Why, let them come, one good remains to cheer; 95
We fear the Lord, and know no other fear.
CHORUS.
Can whips or tortures hurt the mind
On God’s supporting breast reclin’d?
Stand fast, and let our tyrants see
That fortitude is victory.
[Exeunt.
ACT II.
Scene as before. CHORUS OF ISRAELITES.
O PEACE of mind, angelic guest!
Thou soft companion of the breast!
Dispense thy balmy store.
Wing all our thoughts to reach the skies,
Till earth, receding from our eyes, 5
Shall vanish as we soar.
FIRST PRIEST.
RECITATIVE.
No more! Too long has justice been delay’d,
The king’s commands must fully be obey’d;
Compliance with his will your peace secures,
Praise but our gods, and every good is yours. 10
But if, rebellious to his high command,
You spurn the favours offer’d from his hand,
Think, timely think, what terrors are behind;
Reflect, nor tempt to rage the royal mind.
SECOND PRIEST.
AIR.