Jephthah and Other Mysteries

JEPHTHAH. AHINOAM. . But he hath one fair only daughter! Friends, With maidens bearing timbrels, and with dances, Let her go forth and bring her father home. JARED [aszae]. Horrible! I must speak and silence this Monstrous impossible villainy of fate. CHORUS. O wise old man, thou speakest cleverly. AHINOAM. So do, and praise be given you from God. ELEAZAR. God, Who this day has sliumbered not, nor slept, He only keepeth Israel: He is God! CHORUS. When God uplifted hands to smite, And earth from chaos was unrolled, And skies and seas from blackest night Unfurled, twin sapphires set with gold, And tumult of the boisterous deep Roared from its slow ungainly sleep, And flocks of heaven were driven to fold, Then rose the walls of Israel] steep, For in His promise we behold The sworded Sons of glory leap Our tribes in peace to keep. 47