Jephthah and Other Mysteries

60 JEPHTHAH. ADULAH. Father ! JEPHTHAH. My daughter! [He suddenly stops, and blanches, understanding. Alas my daughter! _ [He continues tn a dazed, toneless voice. Thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me; for I have opened my mouth unto the Lord, and I cannot go back. ADULAH. My father, O my father! Enter Eleazar and Chorus. ELEAZAR.| Most welcome, conqueror! [ Jephthah waves him aside, What is this? What is this? CHORUS. Speak, Jephthah, speak! What ill has fallen? Speak! [Szlence. After a little the Chorus of Maidens understand, and break into watling. The old men gradually understand, and fill the atr with incoherent lamentations. BehindJephthah the soldiers, with white lips, have assumed their military formation, and stand at atten- tion by a visible effort of self-control.