and King of the
Jews.

The fete of the sheep-shearing is being celebrated, and Noemi, Judah's
wife, approaches Leah with garlands of flowers, asking for her
benediction. But she is repulsed by her mother-in-law, who is too
proud to recognize the low-born maid as her equal, and slights her son
Judah for his love. She tries to incite him into rebellion against the
Syrians, when Jojakim, a priest appears. He {189} announces the death
of Osias, High-priest of Zion and calls one of Leah's sons to the
important office.--As Judah feels no vocation for such a burden,
Eleazar, his mother's favorite is chosen, and so Leah sees her dream
already fulfilled. They are about to depart, when the approaching army
of the Syrians is announced. Terror seizes the people, as Gorgias, the
leader of the enemy marches up with his soldiers and loudly proclaims,
that the Jews are to erect an altar to Pallas Athene, to whom they must
pray henceforth. Leah seeks to inflame Eleazar's spirit, but his
courage fails him. The altar is soon erected, and as Gorgias sternly
orders that sacrifices are to be offered to the goddess, Boas, Noemi's
father is found willing to bow to the enemy's commands. But the
measure is full, Judah steps forth and striking Boas, the traitor to
their faith, dead, loudly praises Jehova. He calls his people to arms,
and repulses the Syrians and Leah, recognizing her son's greatness,
gives him her benediction.

The second act represents a deep ravine near Emaus; the enemy is beaten
and Judah is resolved to drive him from Zion's walls, but Jojakim warns
him not to profane the coming Sabbath.

Judah tries to overrule the priests and to excite the people, but he is
not heard, and the enemy is able to kill the psalm-singing soldiers
like lambs.

The next scene shows us Eleazar with Cleopatra, daughter of King
Antiochus of Syria.

{190}

They love each other, and Eleazar consents to forsake his religion for
her, while she promises to make him King of Jerusalem.

In the next scene Leah in the city of Modin is greeted with
acclamations of joy, when Simei, a relative of the slain Boas appears
to bewail Judah's defeat: Other fugitives coming up, confirm his
narrative of the massacre.--Leah hears that Judah fled and that
Antiochus approaches conducted by her own son Eleazar. She curses the
apostate.--She has still two younger sons, but the Israelites take them
from her to give as hostages to the King Antiochus. Leah is