THE CAPTIVITY. AN ORATORIO. IN THREE ACTS. "Written in 1764, but never set to music, or even published by its author. It is here printed from the original manuscript, in Goldsmith's handwriting, in the possession of Mr. Murray, of Albemarle Street, compared with the copy printed by Messrs. Prior and Wright, in 1837. I have adopted the most poetical readings of both copies. "For this Oratorio Goldsmith received at least ten guineas. In Mr. Murray's collection is the following receipt in Goldsmith's handwriting: 'Received from Mr. Dodsley ten guineas for an Oratorio, which he and Mr. Newbery are to share. October 31st, 1764. OLIVER GOLDSMITH.' "Mr. Murray's MS. is the copy sold by Goldsmith to James Dodsley." P. C. DRAMATIS PERSONE.1 FIRST ISRAELITISH PROPHET. FIRST CHALDEAN PRIEST. SECOND CHALDEAN PRIEST. CHALDEAN WOMAN. CHORUS OF YOUTHS AND VIRGINS. SCENE.-The Banks of the Euphrates, near Babylon 1 The Dramatis Persona is not in the MS. THE CAPTIVITY. ACT I. Scene I.-ISRAELITES sitting on the Banks of the Euphrates. First PROPHET. Recitative. YE captive tribes, that hourly work and weep, Chorus of ISRAELITES. Our God is all we boast below, To Him we turn our eyes; And though no temple richly drest, We'll make His temple in our breast, And offer up a tear. Recitative. That strain once more: it bids remembrance rise, But sweeter still, when Heaven was with us there. Air. O Memory, thou fond deceiver! Hence, deceiver, most distressing, First PROPHET. Yet, why repine? What, though by bonds confin'd, Should bonds enslave the vigour of the mind? 1 Variation." Thou, like the world, opprest oppressing, And he who wants each other blessing, ? Have we not cause for triumph, when we see And as our fortune sinks, our wishes soar. Air. The triumphs that on vice attend The good man suffers but to gain, As aromatic plants bestow No spicy fragrance while they grow, Second PROPHET. Recitative. But hush, my sons! our tyrant lords are near; The growing note their near approach declares ;— |