Wilt thou eat then?
SECOND VOICE.

(within).
No.
THE MOTHER.
It is Adaiah's voice.

I tremble for him.
I know his nature, devious as the wind, And swift to change, gentle and yielding always.
Be steadfast, O my son! THE SAME VOICE (within).
Thou, like a fury, Takest us from this present life, but God, Who rules the world, shall raise us up again Into life everlasting.
THE MOTHER.
God, I thank thee That thou hast breathed into that timid heart Courage to die for thee.

O my Adaiah, Witness of God! if thou for whom I feared Canst thus encounter death, I need not fear; The others will not shrink.
THIRD VOICE (within).
Behold these hands Held out to thee, O King Antiochus, Not to implore thy mercy, but to show That I despise them.

He who gave them to me Will give them back again.
THE MOTHER.
O Avilan, It is thy voice.