University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

SCENE, a PRISON.
Joseph
reclining in a melancholy Posture.
AIR.
Be firm, my Soul, nor faint beneath
Affliction's galling Chains;
When crown'd with conscious Virtue's wreath,
The shackled Captive reigns.

[Starting up.
Recitative accompany'd.
Jos.
But wherefore thus? Whence Heav'n these bitter Bonds?
Are these the just Rewards of stubborn Virtue?
Is this contagious Cell the due Abode
Of too much Innocence?—Down, down, proud Heart,
Nor blindly question the Behest of Heaven!
These Chastisements are just—for some wise End
Are all the partial Ills allotted Man.
AIR repeated.