ry side;
And, leaving to my charge to guide your zeal,
Wait till my voice commands you to appear.

_(They all conceal themselves.)_

King, I believe this hope's allowed your vows;
You come to see your foes fall at your feet.
That one, whose madness in your infancy
Pursued you, now advances towards this place,
With hasty step, intent to ruin you;
But fear you not, think, that surrounding you,
The exterminating angel, stands with us.
Ascend your throne, and--but the doors are opening:
Allow this screen to cover you a moment.

_(He draws the screen.)_

Princess, you are pale.

{JOSABET.}

Without becoming so
Can I behold the temple filled with murderers?
What! See you not that numerous escort?

{JOAD.}

I see them close the sacred temple's doors,
That everything is safe.

_Scene V._

(_Athaliah enters, and addresses Joad._)

{ATHALIAH.}

Ah! there thou art, seducer! thou
Noxious contriver of conspiracies,
Who only on confusion feed'st thy hopes;
Perpetual enemy of sovereign power!
In the support of God thou hast reposed:
Art thou yet disabused of thy vain trust?
His temple and thy life he yields to me.
I ought upon the altar, where thy hand
Makes sacrifices, thee.--But with the price
They offer me I must content myself.
What thou hast promised, see to execute:
That boy, that treasure must be given to me.
Where are they?

{JOAD.}

Immediately thou shalt be satisfied;
I am about to show them both at once.

(_The screen is withdrawn. Joas is seen on his throne;
his nurse on her knees at his right; Azariah, with
his sword in his hand, is standing at his left; and
near him are Zachariah and Salomith, kneeling on
the steps of the throne; several Levites armed are
ranged around._)

Appear, dear boy, blood worthy Israel's kings!
Of our most saintly monarchs, knowst thou, queen,
The inheritor? Knowst thou at least these scars
Thy dagger made? Behold thy king, thy son,
The son of Ochoziah! Abner, you
And people recognise king Joas!

{ABNER.}

Heavens!

ATHALIAH (to Joad).

Perfidious wretch!

{JOAD.}

See'st thou that faithful Jewess
Of whom, thou knowest well, he drew the breast?