 | Zimri |  |
SCENE V.
To them an Israelitish Virgin.Recitative.
Vir.
Ah! why should those who are not chaste be fair?
E'en Zimri falls, seduc'd by guilty charms!
Zimri, who stemm'd the torrent of defection;
In whom each excellence of youth and years
Combin'd to form the hero, sage, and saint,
Last night, near yon dark grove, was seen to part
With Zuran's daughter; scarce her loosen'd zone
Beneath her swelling breast her robe restrain'd,
And smiles and blushes mingled in her cheek.
Air.
E'en Zimri falls, seduc'd by guilty charms!
Zimri, who stemm'd the torrent of defection;
In whom each excellence of youth and years
Combin'd to form the hero, sage, and saint,
Last night, near yon dark grove, was seen to part
3
Beneath her swelling breast her robe restrain'd,
And smiles and blushes mingled in her cheek.
Ah! mourn with me the lovely youth,
Whose heart receives a wanton guest;
A heart where love should dwell with truth,
And virtue be by virtue blest.
Whose heart receives a wanton guest;
A heart where love should dwell with truth,
And virtue be by virtue blest.
Recitative.
Moses.
A guilt incurr'd so late, not yet we punish;
To conscience first, the judge within his breast,
'Tis fit we leave him. To the sacred tent
Now bend your steps, and let one general pray'r
From all the just in unison ascend.
Chorus.
Come, to the sacred tent repair,
And prostrate breathe the fervent prayer,
May Heav'n accept the victims due,
And favour Israel's race pursue!
[Exeunt.
| Zimri | |