_ JEPHTHAH. 59
[Lhe storm, gathering to a climax, bursts in a
tremendous flash of lightning, and Jared is
killed.
Enter Jephthah and Soldters.
JEPHTHAH.
A terrible peal of thunder! And the sky
Seems for an hour past to have been in labour
And, safely now delivered, smiles again.
For see, the sun! O happy sunlight hours—
_ What is this blackened and distorted thing?
, A SOLDIER. |
Some fellow by the altar that kept watch,
Some faithful fellow—he is gone to God.
JEPHTHAH.
How is ’t the cattle have been driven home?
I trusted we had found a tender lamb,
A lamb of the first year, unblemished, white,
To greet me, that we do meet sacrifice,
Fulfilling thus my vow, and all our duty.
[A nose of timbrels and singing.
Surely some merriment—our news hath reached.
Glad news and welcome: God is very good.
Enter Adulah, running, followed by singing Maidens.