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ACT II.
The Scene opens.
The Temple appears, and Herod seated on a Throne within it. On his right hand Annanelus the High-Priest stands drest in all his Pontifical Habits: On his left hand Pheroras, Abner, Phal∣tiel, Samias, Asdrubal, with all the Courtiers and the Guards.
The Singing Priests are all in their white Robes, with wreaths of Laurel on their Heads; after some time of silence, the chief Singer lifts up his right hand, and then the whole Quire of Priests sing the following Song.
SONG.
THose Clouds which dare the Sun obscure,
But a short time endure;
And when he breaks what did his Light confine,
His Beams with brighter Lustre shine.
So Herod's Danger which we did deplore,
Serves but to raise his Glories more;
He now appears to his glad Subjects sights,
Like cheerful Mornings after stormy nights.
In sign that we this blessing prize,
We offer up whole Herds in Sacrifice:
And flaming Incense on our Altars burn,
To Celebrate Our King's return:
Since to this Temple he new Life does give,
His Fame shall in his Piety still live.
[Flames are seen behind the Theatre in the Temple.
This Song is to be sung twice by the whole Quire of Priests; at the first end∣ing of the Song Herod descends from the Throne, walks out over the Thea∣tre, attended by all, having a Canopy of State carryed over him by four. By that time the Priests have ended the Song the second time, the last of the Procession are to be gotten off the Theatre, and then the Scene of the Temple is to be closed by the Scene of Herod's Apartment.
Enter Herod, Pheroras, Abner, Phaltiel, Samias, Asdrubal, and the Arabian Guards.
Pher.
The Sanhedrim are at your Palace Gate,
And beg admittance.
Her.
No. There let them wait.
By Fear, not Love, they now are hither drawn,
Base Spirits; when insulting fails, they fawn.
When they but dreamt Fortune had cast me down,
They did consult how to bestow my Crown.
Since they'll not tell on whom that guilt does fall;
Rather than punish none, I'll punish all.
Justice must not be mockt.
Pher.
But Justice then
Should not designedly punish guiltless Men.