I'll smite where'er I will.David.No!Jonathan.Father!David.No!For rapid palsy would come on thy hand,Awful and sceptre-ruined lord of men,An impotence, a shrivelling with fear,Avenging ere thou shed offenceless blood!
I'll smite where'er I will.
David.No!
Jonathan.Father!
David.No!For rapid palsy would come on thy hand,Awful and sceptre-ruined lord of men,An impotence, a shrivelling with fear,Avenging ere thou shed offenceless blood!
(Saul's hand drops.)
(Saul's hand drops.)
Is this thy love, the love of Saul the king,Who once was kindlier than kindest are?For but a woman's wantonness of wordAnd idle air, my life?Ahinoam.Saul, Saul!Jonathan.The shame!David.Some enemy—does Doeg curve his lip?—Hath put into her mouth this stratagemOf fevered, false-impassioned overpraise.
Is this thy love, the love of Saul the king,Who once was kindlier than kindest are?For but a woman's wantonness of wordAnd idle air, my life?
Ahinoam.Saul, Saul!
Jonathan.The shame!
David.Some enemy—does Doeg curve his lip?—Hath put into her mouth this stratagemOf fevered, false-impassioned overpraise.
(Saul,tortured, sweeps from the tent, entreated ofJonathan.Many follow in doubt, whispering.)
(Saul,tortured, sweeps from the tent, entreated ofJonathan.Many follow in doubt, whispering.)
Doeg(at door, to David). This is not all, boy out of Bethlehem.Goliath's dead——David.But not all villainy?
Doeg(at door, to David). This is not all, boy out of Bethlehem.Goliath's dead——
David.But not all villainy?
(OnlyMichalandMerabare left withDavid;he waits.)
(OnlyMichalandMerabare left withDavid;he waits.)
Merab(after a pause, then as if in shame). I burn for it!David.For what, and suddenly?Merab.My father so ungenerously wroth!And wrought away from recompense so right.Can you forgive him?David.Merab?Merab.Is it strangeThat even I now ask it?David.Merab's self?Merab.Herself and not to-day your friend; but nowConquered to exultation and aglowTo wreathe you for this might to Israel,Beautiful, unbelievable and bright!Noble the dawn of it was in your dream,Noble the lightning of it in your arm,And noble in your veins the fearless flowAnd dare of blood!—so noble that I askAs a remembrance and bequest for ever,In priceless covenant of peace between us,A drop of it——
Merab(after a pause, then as if in shame). I burn for it!
David.For what, and suddenly?
Merab.My father so ungenerously wroth!And wrought away from recompense so right.Can you forgive him?
David.Merab?
Merab.Is it strangeThat even I now ask it?
David.Merab's self?
Merab.Herself and not to-day your friend; but nowConquered to exultation and aglowTo wreathe you for this might to Israel,Beautiful, unbelievable and bright!Noble the dawn of it was in your dream,Noble the lightning of it in your arm,And noble in your veins the fearless flowAnd dare of blood!—so noble that I askAs a remembrance and bequest for ever,In priceless covenant of peace between us,A drop of it——
(She draws dagger and offers it to him.)
(She draws dagger and offers it to him.)
Upon this sacred blade ...David.Such kindness? in all honour?Merab.Poor requitalTo one whose greatness humbles me from hate.David(slowly). Then of my veins whatever drop you willBut, no ... (Pauses.) You do not mock me?Merab.Rather uponIts edge one vein of you—than priceless nard.David.Or perfume out of India jewel poured?
Upon this sacred blade ...
David.Such kindness? in all honour?
Merab.Poor requitalTo one whose greatness humbles me from hate.
David(slowly). Then of my veins whatever drop you willBut, no ... (Pauses.) You do not mock me?
Merab.Rather uponIts edge one vein of you—than priceless nard.
David.Or perfume out of India jewel poured?
(He searches her eyes.)
(He searches her eyes.)
Or than—I may believe?—a miracleOf dew, were you a traveller uponThe illimitable desert's thirst? Or than—
Or than—I may believe?—a miracleOf dew, were you a traveller uponThe illimitable desert's thirst? Or than—
(He draws his own dagger, pricks his wrist, and hands it her.)
(He draws his own dagger, pricks his wrist, and hands it her.)
Than this?Merab.Shepherd!David(quickly). Treachery? treachery, then?Under a sham of tribute poison?Michal.Poison?David.And I of vanity should prick it in?I a mere shepherd innocent of wile!A singer music-maudled and no more?...The daughter of King Saul has yet to learn.
Than this?
Merab.Shepherd!
David(quickly). Treachery? treachery, then?Under a sham of tribute poison?
Michal.Poison?
David.And I of vanity should prick it in?I a mere shepherd innocent of wile!A singer music-maudled and no more?...The daughter of King Saul has yet to learn.
(She goes. He turns toMichal.)
(She goes. He turns toMichal.)
But you, fairest of all my hopes, what word!The vaunting of this victory is done.We are alone at last.Michal.Yes.David.That is all?...For Israel I've wrought to-day—and forYou, ever round about me as a mistOf armèd mighty angels triumphing.Michal.Yes: It was well.David.To you no more? to youWhom not a slave can serve unhonoured?Michal(struggling). Nothing.David.Empty of glow then seems it, impotent,A shrivelled hallowing ...Ashes of ecstasy that burned in vain.Michal.No, no! I——David.Michal?Michal.No, divine it was!And had I cried my praise the ground had brokeTo Eden under me with blossoming.Where was so wonderful a deed as this,So fair a springing of salvation up?Glory above the heavens could I seize,Wreathing of dawn and loveliness unfading,To crown you with and crown!David.O lips!Michal.With butA sling, a shepherd's sling, you sped the brook,Drew from its bed a stone, and up the hillWhere the great Philistine contemning cried,Mounted and flung it deep upon his brain!David.This is the victory and not his death!Tell, tell thy joy with kisses on my lips!Thy mouth! thy arms! thy breast!Michal.No no!David.Thy soul!
But you, fairest of all my hopes, what word!The vaunting of this victory is done.We are alone at last.
Michal.Yes.
David.That is all?...For Israel I've wrought to-day—and forYou, ever round about me as a mistOf armèd mighty angels triumphing.
Michal.Yes: It was well.
David.To you no more? to youWhom not a slave can serve unhonoured?
Michal(struggling). Nothing.
David.Empty of glow then seems it, impotent,A shrivelled hallowing ...Ashes of ecstasy that burned in vain.
Michal.No, no! I——
David.Michal?
Michal.No, divine it was!And had I cried my praise the ground had brokeTo Eden under me with blossoming.Where was so wonderful a deed as this,So fair a springing of salvation up?Glory above the heavens could I seize,Wreathing of dawn and loveliness unfading,To crown you with and crown!
David.O lips!
Michal.With butA sling, a shepherd's sling, you sped the brook,Drew from its bed a stone, and up the hillWhere the great Philistine contemning cried,Mounted and flung it deep upon his brain!
David.This is the victory and not his death!Tell, tell thy joy with kisses on my lips!Thy mouth! thy arms! thy breast!
Michal.No no!
David.Thy soul!
(Clasps her.)
(Clasps her.)
Too much of waiting and of severance,Of dread and distance and the deep of doubt!Now must I fold you, falter all my loveAnd triumph on your senses till they burnBeautiful to eternity with bliss.Michel.Loose, loose me!David.Nay, again! immortal kisses!Michal.A frenzy, 'tis a frenzy! From me! see!This irremediable victoryOver Goliath severs us the more.
Too much of waiting and of severance,Of dread and distance and the deep of doubt!Now must I fold you, falter all my loveAnd triumph on your senses till they burnBeautiful to eternity with bliss.
Michel.Loose, loose me!
David.Nay, again! immortal kisses!
Michal.A frenzy, 'tis a frenzy! From me! see!This irremediable victoryOver Goliath severs us the more.
(The tumult, again, afar.)
(The tumult, again, afar.)
Hear how the people lift you limitless!Almost to-day and in my father's roomThey would that you were king.David.But ere to-morrowDim shall I be, and ere the harvest bendLess than a gleam in their forgotten peril!Michal.O were it, were it! But all silentlyJehovah fast is beckoning the realmInto thy hands.David.Then futile to resistThe gliding on of firm divinity.And yet whatever may be shall be done.Michal.All, all?David.That for thee reverently may.Michal.That anointing, then——David.Of that!... not that!Michal.Yet grantIt may be told my father; that I maySay to him all the secret!David.And provokeMurder in him, insatiable thoughI fled upon the wilderness and famine?Michal.He would not!David.Nay.Michal.I'll plead with him.David.In vain.Michal(coldly). Then ... it is as I thought.David.You are distraught.Michal.This stroke to-day (pointing toGoliath'shead) no love of me had in it.David.A love, a passion fervid through me asThe tread and tremble of seraphic songAlong the infinite.Michal.You use me!David.Use?Michal.A step to rise and riot in ambition!David.So bitter are you, blind? even in all?Michal.You snared me to you!David.Michal!Michal.CunninglyWith Samuel netted fears about my father,Till I am paltrily unto you pledged.David.Enough.Michal.Too much.David.No more: the pledge I flingOut of my heart, as 'twere enchantment dead,And free you; but no more.
Hear how the people lift you limitless!Almost to-day and in my father's roomThey would that you were king.
David.But ere to-morrowDim shall I be, and ere the harvest bendLess than a gleam in their forgotten peril!
Michal.O were it, were it! But all silentlyJehovah fast is beckoning the realmInto thy hands.
David.Then futile to resistThe gliding on of firm divinity.And yet whatever may be shall be done.
Michal.All, all?
David.That for thee reverently may.
Michal.That anointing, then——
David.Of that!... not that!
Michal.Yet grantIt may be told my father; that I maySay to him all the secret!
David.And provokeMurder in him, insatiable thoughI fled upon the wilderness and famine?
Michal.He would not!
David.Nay.
Michal.I'll plead with him.
David.In vain.
Michal(coldly). Then ... it is as I thought.
David.You are distraught.
Michal.This stroke to-day (pointing toGoliath'shead) no love of me had in it.
David.A love, a passion fervid through me asThe tread and tremble of seraphic songAlong the infinite.
Michal.You use me!
David.Use?
Michal.A step to rise and riot in ambition!
David.So bitter are you, blind? even in all?
Michal.You snared me to you!
David.Michal!
Michal.CunninglyWith Samuel netted fears about my father,Till I am paltrily unto you pledged.
David.Enough.
Michal.Too much.
David.No more: the pledge I flingOut of my heart, as 'twere enchantment dead,And free you; but no more.
(He moves from her.)
(He moves from her.)
Michal.As if it wereEnchantment dead.... Ah then 'tis true—there isAnother—is another!David.Now, what fever?A gentleness clad once your every grace.Michal.There is some other that you lure and love.David.It is not Michal speaking; so I wait.Michal.Then you will learn.... Who's that?
Michal.As if it wereEnchantment dead.... Ah then 'tis true—there isAnother—is another!
David.Now, what fever?A gentleness clad once your every grace.
Michal.There is some other that you lure and love.
David.It is not Michal speaking; so I wait.
Michal.Then you will learn.... Who's that?
(Judithglides in.)
(Judithglides in.)
(To her.) Why are you here?Judith(toDavid,with a laugh, as if with amorous joy).Brave, it was brave, my love! beauteous! brave!David.Woman?Judith.The Philistine, a brazen tower,A bastion of strength, fell to the earth!David.Woman, who are you?
(To her.) Why are you here?
Judith(toDavid,with a laugh, as if with amorous joy).Brave, it was brave, my love! beauteous! brave!
David.Woman?
Judith.The Philistine, a brazen tower,A bastion of strength, fell to the earth!
David.Woman, who are you?
(She clasps and kisses him.)
(She clasps and kisses him.)
Take away your flesh.(Free.) Take it away, the heat and myrrh of it.Judith.So cold?David.Hireling!Judith.It is no longer fair?(Wantonly.) Oh! Ah! I understand! the princess! Oh!
Take away your flesh.(Free.) Take it away, the heat and myrrh of it.
Judith.So cold?
David.Hireling!
Judith.It is no longer fair?(Wantonly.) Oh! Ah! I understand! the princess! Oh!
(Goes laughing and shaking her timbrel wickedly.)
(Goes laughing and shaking her timbrel wickedly.)
Michal.A dancer, then, a very timbrel-player!David.Until this hour I never looked upon her.It is chicanery of chance or craft.You who are noble, though in doubt adrift,Be noble now!Michal.And loving? Oh, I will—Now that I know what should be done. Be sure!David.You mean ... that Saul——? You would not, no!Michal.Rest sure.
Michal.A dancer, then, a very timbrel-player!
David.Until this hour I never looked upon her.It is chicanery of chance or craft.You who are noble, though in doubt adrift,Be noble now!
Michal.And loving? Oh, I will—Now that I know what should be done. Be sure!
David.You mean ... that Saul——? You would not, no!
Michal.Rest sure.
(A hand is seen at the door.Ahinoamenters.)
(A hand is seen at the door.Ahinoamenters.)
Ahinoam.David, the king ... But what is this?
Ahinoam.David, the king ... But what is this?
(Michalgoes.)
(Michalgoes.)
David.O queen ...It is but life.Ahinoam.Nay.David.Life that ever stringsOur hearts, so pitifully prone for it,To ecstasy—then snaps.Ahinoam.I love thee, David.David.Then gracious be, and question here no more,Where words are futile for an utterance.But of the king—the king——?Ahinoam.He's driven still.And hither comes again, and must be calmed.The harp take you, and winds of beauty bring,And consolation, as of valley evesWhen there is ebb of sorrow and of toil.Oh, could you heal him and for ever heal!David.Then would I be——!
David.O queen ...It is but life.
Ahinoam.Nay.
David.Life that ever stringsOur hearts, so pitifully prone for it,To ecstasy—then snaps.
Ahinoam.I love thee, David.
David.Then gracious be, and question here no more,Where words are futile for an utterance.But of the king—the king——?
Ahinoam.He's driven still.And hither comes again, and must be calmed.The harp take you, and winds of beauty bring,And consolation, as of valley evesWhen there is ebb of sorrow and of toil.Oh, could you heal him and for ever heal!
David.Then would I be——!
(Breaks off with great desire. Takes the harp and seats himself.)
(Breaks off with great desire. Takes the harp and seats himself.)
Ahinoam.At once, for he will come.
Ahinoam.At once, for he will come.
(A strain of wild sadness bringsSaul,and many, within. He pauses, his hand to his brow, enspelled of the playing; then slowly goes up the daïs.)
(A strain of wild sadness bringsSaul,and many, within. He pauses, his hand to his brow, enspelled of the playing; then slowly goes up the daïs.)
Ahinoam.My lord, shall David sing—to ease us?Saul.Let him.David(with high sorrow).O heart of woe,Heart of unrest and broken as a reed! (Plays.)O heart whose flowIs anguish and all bitterness of need! (Plays.)O heart as a roe,Heart as a hind upon the mountain fleeingThe arrow-wounds of being,Be still, O heart, and rest and do not bleed!
Ahinoam.My lord, shall David sing—to ease us?
Saul.Let him.
David(with high sorrow).O heart of woe,Heart of unrest and broken as a reed! (Plays.)O heart whose flowIs anguish and all bitterness of need! (Plays.)O heart as a roe,Heart as a hind upon the mountain fleeingThe arrow-wounds of being,Be still, O heart, and rest and do not bleed!
(Plays longer with bowed head.)
(Plays longer with bowed head.)
O days of life,Days that are driven swift and wild from the womb! (Plays.)O days so rife—Days that are torn of trouble, trod of doom!
O days of life,Days that are driven swift and wild from the womb! (Plays.)O days so rife—Days that are torn of trouble, trod of doom!
(Plays.Michalenters.)
(Plays.Michalenters.)
O days of strife—Days of desire on deserts spread unending,The burning blue o'erbending,O days, our peace, our victory is the tomb!
O days of strife—Days of desire on deserts spread unending,The burning blue o'erbending,O days, our peace, our victory is the tomb!
(He plays to a close that dies in anguished silence.)
(He plays to a close that dies in anguished silence.)
Saul(rising in tears). David!David.My lord?Saul.Thy song is beauteous!Stilling to sorrow!... Oh, my friend, my son!David.To me is this? I do not dream? The kingAgain is kind and soft his spirit moves?Saul.To you!David.How shelter o'er me then will springAnd safety covering!Saul.It ever shall.Loveliest have you been among my days,And singing weary madness from my brain.
Saul(rising in tears). David!
David.My lord?
Saul.Thy song is beauteous!Stilling to sorrow!... Oh, my friend, my son!
David.To me is this? I do not dream? The kingAgain is kind and soft his spirit moves?
Saul.To you!
David.How shelter o'er me then will springAnd safety covering!
Saul.It ever shall.Loveliest have you been among my days,And singing weary madness from my brain.
(Davidstarts toward him.)
(Davidstarts toward him.)
How I have wronged thee!Michal.Wronged him? (in fury).David.Michal!Saul.Girl?Michal.You have not wronged him!David.Michal!Michal.No! but heIs jeopardy and fate about you! driveHim from you utterly and now away!
How I have wronged thee!
Michal.Wronged him? (in fury).
David.Michal!
Saul.Girl?
Michal.You have not wronged him!
David.Michal!
Michal.No! but heIs jeopardy and fate about you! driveHim from you utterly and now away!
(Murmurs of astonishment.)
(Murmurs of astonishment.)
Saul.What mean you?Ishui.Speak.Saul.What mean you?Michal.This!David.No word!Michal.I'll not be kept!David.But shall be; for to tellWould rend silence for ever from you—paleYour flesh with haunting of it evermore!All, all your being would become a hiss,A memory of syllables that sear,A living iteration of remorse.I—I myself will save your lips the wordsOf this betrayal leaping from your heart.
Saul.What mean you?
Ishui.Speak.
Saul.What mean you?
Michal.This!
David.No word!
Michal.I'll not be kept!
David.But shall be; for to tellWould rend silence for ever from you—paleYour flesh with haunting of it evermore!All, all your being would become a hiss,A memory of syllables that sear,A living iteration of remorse.I—I myself will save your lips the wordsOf this betrayal leaping from your heart.
(Nobly beforeSaul.)
(Nobly beforeSaul.)
You seek, my lord ... you seek whom SamuelAnointed.Saul.Yes.David.Then know that it is I.
You seek, my lord ... you seek whom SamuelAnointed.
Saul.Yes.
David.Then know that it is I.
(Consternation.)
(Consternation.)
Saul.You!David.Guiltless I, no other!I, though I sought it not and suffer, though—
Saul.You!
David.Guiltless I, no other!I, though I sought it not and suffer, though—
(Saulseizes a javelin.)
(Saulseizes a javelin.)
I would it had not come and fast am swornNever against you to lift up——Merab.Hear, hear!Now he will cozen!Doeg.He, "thy servant!"Ishui.Hear!
I would it had not come and fast am swornNever against you to lift up——
Merab.Hear, hear!Now he will cozen!
Doeg.He, "thy servant!"
Ishui.Hear!
(Goliath'shead is upset.)
(Goliath'shead is upset.)
A voice.A thousand Saul hath slain! but David ten!Saul(choking). Omnipotence shall not withhold me more.
A voice.A thousand Saul hath slain! but David ten!
Saul(choking). Omnipotence shall not withhold me more.
(Lifts javelin.)
(Lifts javelin.)
Die, die!Jonathan.No, father ... hold!Michal(asSaulflings). What have I done?
Die, die!
Jonathan.No, father ... hold!
Michal(asSaulflings). What have I done?
(Reels.)
(Reels.)
Jonathan.David, unhurt? Away, the wilderness!Saul(with another javelin). He shall not, no!David(aflame). Strike, strike, then! strike, strike, strike,
Jonathan.David, unhurt? Away, the wilderness!
Saul(with another javelin). He shall not, no!
David(aflame). Strike, strike, then! strike, strike, strike,
(Rushes up throne.)
(Rushes up throne.)
Murderous king, afoam with murder-heat.Strike me to darkness and the waiting worm!But after be your every breathing blood!Remorse and riving bitterness and fear!Be guilt and all the hideous choke of horror!
Murderous king, afoam with murder-heat.Strike me to darkness and the waiting worm!But after be your every breathing blood!Remorse and riving bitterness and fear!Be guilt and all the hideous choke of horror!
(Saultrembling cowers, the javelin falling from him.Davidbreaks throughDoegandIshuiand escapes by the door.Michalsinks to her knees, her face buried in her hands.)
(Saultrembling cowers, the javelin falling from him.Davidbreaks throughDoegandIshuiand escapes by the door.Michalsinks to her knees, her face buried in her hands.)
Curtain.
Scene:A savage mountain-cliff in the wilderness of Engeddi. On either side grey crags rise rugged, sinking away precipitously across the back. Cut into each is a cave. The height is reached by clefts from all sides. Between the crags to the East is the far blue of the Dead Sea; and still beyond, bathed in the waning afternoon, stretch the purple shores of Moab. During the act the scene grows crimson with sunset and a thundercloud arises over the sea. Lying on a pallet of skins near the cliff's verge,Davidtosses feverishly. Three of his followers and a lad, who serves him, are gathered toward the front, ragged, hungry, and hunted, in altercation over a barley cake.
Scene:A savage mountain-cliff in the wilderness of Engeddi. On either side grey crags rise rugged, sinking away precipitously across the back. Cut into each is a cave. The height is reached by clefts from all sides. Between the crags to the East is the far blue of the Dead Sea; and still beyond, bathed in the waning afternoon, stretch the purple shores of Moab. During the act the scene grows crimson with sunset and a thundercloud arises over the sea. Lying on a pallet of skins near the cliff's verge,Davidtosses feverishly. Three of his followers and a lad, who serves him, are gathered toward the front, ragged, hungry, and hunted, in altercation over a barley cake.
David.Water! the fever fills me, and I thirst.Water!First Fol.Listen.Second Fol.He calls.David.Water! I thirst.The Lad.Yes, yes, my lord. (Takes up a water-skin.) Ah, empty, not a quaff!They've drunk it all from him! My lord, none's left.I'll run and in the valley brim it soon.
David.Water! the fever fills me, and I thirst.Water!
First Fol.Listen.
Second Fol.He calls.
David.Water! I thirst.
The Lad.Yes, yes, my lord. (Takes up a water-skin.) Ah, empty, not a quaff!They've drunk it all from him! My lord, none's left.I'll run and in the valley brim it soon.
(He goes.Davidsinks back.)
(He goes.Davidsinks back.)
Second Fol(toFirst).Youdrank it, then.First Fol.And should I thirst, not he?Give me the bread.Second Fol.If it would strangle you.First Fol.I'll have it.Second Fol.Or betray him? spitingly?It is the last. Already you have eat.And we are here within a wilderness.First Fol.Be it, but I'll not starve.Third Fol.He utters right.Why should we but to follow a mere shepherdFamish—over a hundred desert hills?The prophecy portending him the throne—Folly, not fate! though it is Samuel's.I'll trust in it no more.First Fol.Nor I.Third Fol.And SaulHas driven us from waste to waste—pressed usEven unto the Philistines for shelter,And now unto this crag. And is not David'sThought but of Michal, not of smiting himAnd, with a host, of leaping to the kingdom?
Second Fol(toFirst).Youdrank it, then.
First Fol.And should I thirst, not he?Give me the bread.
Second Fol.If it would strangle you.
First Fol.I'll have it.
Second Fol.Or betray him? spitingly?It is the last. Already you have eat.And we are here within a wilderness.
First Fol.Be it, but I'll not starve.
Third Fol.He utters right.Why should we but to follow a mere shepherdFamish—over a hundred desert hills?The prophecy portending him the throne—Folly, not fate! though it is Samuel's.I'll trust in it no more.
First Fol.Nor I.
Third Fol.And SaulHas driven us from waste to waste—pressed usEven unto the Philistines for shelter,And now unto this crag. And is not David'sThought but of Michal, not of smiting himAnd, with a host, of leaping to the kingdom?
(Davidstirs to rise.)
(Davidstirs to rise.)
First Fol.He moves; peace!Third Fol.Let him.Second Fol.Peace.Third Fol.And fawning too?David(sufferingly). Men—men, we must have news. Perpetual,Implacable they stare unto each other,This rock and stony sky.... We must have news.
First Fol.He moves; peace!
Third Fol.Let him.
Second Fol.Peace.
Third Fol.And fawning too?
David(sufferingly). Men—men, we must have news. Perpetual,Implacable they stare unto each other,This rock and stony sky.... We must have news.
(Rises and comes down to them. They are silent.)
(Rises and comes down to them. They are silent.)
Longer is death. 'Tis over many daysOf sighing—and remembered verdancy;Nor any dew comes here or odour up.Who will go now and bring us word of Saul?Third Fol.Have not Abishai, Abiathar,And others gone?David.Bravely.Third Fol.And none returned!David.Not one of all.Third Fol.Well, then, we are not swine;And life's but once.... So we will follow youNo longer hungered and rewarded never,But perilously ever.David.It is well.
Longer is death. 'Tis over many daysOf sighing—and remembered verdancy;Nor any dew comes here or odour up.Who will go now and bring us word of Saul?
Third Fol.Have not Abishai, Abiathar,And others gone?
David.Bravely.
Third Fol.And none returned!
David.Not one of all.
Third Fol.Well, then, we are not swine;And life's but once.... So we will follow youNo longer hungered and rewarded never,But perilously ever.
David.It is well.
(He looses a bracelet from his arm.)
(He looses a bracelet from his arm.)
This was a gift from Saul. In it is ease.
This was a gift from Saul. In it is ease.
(Gives it toThird Follower,who goes.)
(Gives it toThird Follower,who goes.)
This ring was Jonathan's. The jewel tellsStill of the sunny haven of his heart.Upon my hand he pressed it—the day we leaptDeeper than friends into each other's love.
This ring was Jonathan's. The jewel tellsStill of the sunny haven of his heart.Upon my hand he pressed it—the day we leaptDeeper than friends into each other's love.
(Gives it toFirst,who goes.)
(Gives it toFirst,who goes.)
This chain——Second Fol.I want it not.David.You have not thought;'Tis riches—such as Sidon marts and TyreWould covet.Second Fol.I care not.David.None else is left.Second Fol.No matter.David.Then——?Second Fol.There was of GibeahA woman—dear to me. Her face at night ...Weeping among my dreams....The prophesyIs unfulfilled and vain!David.And you would go?Second Fol.The suffering—this cliff.David.I understand.(Motions.) So, without any blame, go—to content.
This chain——
Second Fol.I want it not.
David.You have not thought;'Tis riches—such as Sidon marts and TyreWould covet.
Second Fol.I care not.
David.None else is left.
Second Fol.No matter.
David.Then——?
Second Fol.There was of GibeahA woman—dear to me. Her face at night ...Weeping among my dreams....The prophesyIs unfulfilled and vain!
David.And you would go?
Second Fol.The suffering—this cliff.
David.I understand.(Motions.) So, without any blame, go—to content.
(TheSecond,faltering, goes.)
(TheSecond,faltering, goes.)
(Quietly.) A desolation left, of rock and air,Of barren sea and bitterness as vast.Thou hast bereft me, Saul!... and Michal, thou!
(Quietly.) A desolation left, of rock and air,Of barren sea and bitterness as vast.Thou hast bereft me, Saul!... and Michal, thou!
(He moves up cliff, gazes off, then kneels as to pray.)
(He moves up cliff, gazes off, then kneels as to pray.)
My flesh cries for oblivion—to sinkUnwaking away into the night ... where isNo tears, but only tides of sleep....No, criethNot for oblivion and night, but forRage and revenge! Saul! Saul!... My spirit, peace.I must revenge's call within me quellThough righteously it quivers and aflame.As pants the hart for the water-brook, so I!
My flesh cries for oblivion—to sinkUnwaking away into the night ... where isNo tears, but only tides of sleep....No, criethNot for oblivion and night, but forRage and revenge! Saul! Saul!... My spirit, peace.I must revenge's call within me quellThough righteously it quivers and aflame.As pants the hart for the water-brook, so I!
(He bows his head....Michalenters in rags with the lad. She seesDavidrise and wander into cave, right.)
(He bows his head....Michalenters in rags with the lad. She seesDavidrise and wander into cave, right.)
Michal.This is the place, then, this?Lad.Yes, princess.Michal.HereSo long in want and sickness he hath hid?Under the livid day and lonelier night?Lad.I brought him water, often.Michal.Little lad!But he has heard no word from me?—not howMy father, Saul, frantic of my repentance,Had unto Phalti, a new lord, betrothed me?How then I fled to win unto these wilds?Lad.He heard not anything—only the talesI told of Moab, my own land.... But, oh!
Michal.This is the place, then, this?
Lad.Yes, princess.
Michal.HereSo long in want and sickness he hath hid?Under the livid day and lonelier night?
Lad.I brought him water, often.
Michal.Little lad!But he has heard no word from me?—not howMy father, Saul, frantic of my repentance,Had unto Phalti, a new lord, betrothed me?How then I fled to win unto these wilds?
Lad.He heard not anything—only the talesI told of Moab, my own land.... But, oh!
(Davidplays within.)
(Davidplays within.)
It is his harp.Michal.And strains that weep o'er me!...I'll speak to him ... and yet must be unknown!A leper? as a leper could I...?Lad.WhyMust he not know you?Michal.Ask me not, lad, now;But go a little.Lad.Yes.
It is his harp.
Michal.And strains that weep o'er me!...I'll speak to him ... and yet must be unknown!A leper? as a leper could I...?
Lad.WhyMust he not know you?
Michal.Ask me not, lad, now;But go a little.
Lad.Yes.
(He sets down the water-skin and goes.)
(He sets down the water-skin and goes.)
Michal(delaying, then in a loud voice). Unclean! Unclean!
Michal(delaying, then in a loud voice). Unclean! Unclean!
(Conceals her face in her hair.)
(Conceals her face in her hair.)
David.Who crieth here?Michal.Unclean!David(appearing). Who cries unclean?Poor leper in these wilds, who art thou?Michal.OneOutcast and faint, forlorn!David.Then you have comeTo one more bitter outcast than yourself—One who has less than this lone void to give,This sterile solitude and sun, this sceneOf leaden desolation that makes mad;Who has no ease but cave or shading rock,Or the still moon, or stars that glide the night.One over whom——Michal.Yet, pity!David.The pale hoursFlow dead into eternity.Michal.Ah, yet...!David.My cloak, then, for thy tattered limbs. Or, no—This chain of Ophir for thy every need.Once it was dear, but should be so no more.(Flinging it to her). Have it, and with it vanish memoryOut of my breast——Michal.No, no.David.And from me fallLink upon link her loveliness that bound.Michal.Oh, do not!David.Woman...?Michal.Nothing. A chain like thisI once beheld wind undulantly brightO'er Michal the king's daughter.David.Woman, the king's?Michal.Pity!David.Who are you?Michal.Stay! Unclean!David.A spy?A spy of Saul and hypocrite have creptHither to learn...?Michal.Have heed—unclean!David.How, thenWandering came you here?Michal.Unclean! Unclean!David.My brain is overfull of fever, mad.Almost and I had touched thy peril, heldThy hideous contagion.Michal.Wrong!David.Then whoArt thou to know and speak of her, of Michal?Michal.One who has served the king.David.And you have seenMichal, you have beheld her?Michal.Once, when sheIn face was fairer and in heart than nowThey say she is.David.And heard her speak?Michal.A nightUnder the leaves of Gibeah—when sheSang with another—David.David.Say no more.Michal.And from afar, under the moon, blew faintThe treading of the wine-presses with song.David she loved, but anger-torn betrayed,Unworthy of him.David.Speak of her no more,Nor of her cruelty, unless to prayHe she has ruined may forget her.Michal.YetIf deep she should repent?—if deep she should?
David.Who crieth here?
Michal.Unclean!
David(appearing). Who cries unclean?Poor leper in these wilds, who art thou?
Michal.OneOutcast and faint, forlorn!
David.Then you have comeTo one more bitter outcast than yourself—One who has less than this lone void to give,This sterile solitude and sun, this sceneOf leaden desolation that makes mad;Who has no ease but cave or shading rock,Or the still moon, or stars that glide the night.One over whom——
Michal.Yet, pity!
David.The pale hoursFlow dead into eternity.
Michal.Ah, yet...!
David.My cloak, then, for thy tattered limbs. Or, no—This chain of Ophir for thy every need.Once it was dear, but should be so no more.(Flinging it to her). Have it, and with it vanish memoryOut of my breast——
Michal.No, no.
David.And from me fallLink upon link her loveliness that bound.
Michal.Oh, do not!
David.Woman...?
Michal.Nothing. A chain like thisI once beheld wind undulantly brightO'er Michal the king's daughter.
David.Woman, the king's?
Michal.Pity!
David.Who are you?
Michal.Stay! Unclean!
David.A spy?A spy of Saul and hypocrite have creptHither to learn...?
Michal.Have heed—unclean!
David.How, thenWandering came you here?
Michal.Unclean! Unclean!
David.My brain is overfull of fever, mad.Almost and I had touched thy peril, heldThy hideous contagion.
Michal.Wrong!
David.Then whoArt thou to know and speak of her, of Michal?
Michal.One who has served the king.
David.And you have seenMichal, you have beheld her?
Michal.Once, when sheIn face was fairer and in heart than nowThey say she is.
David.And heard her speak?
Michal.A nightUnder the leaves of Gibeah—when sheSang with another—David.
David.Say no more.
Michal.And from afar, under the moon, blew faintThe treading of the wine-presses with song.David she loved, but anger-torn betrayed,Unworthy of him.
David.Speak of her no more,Nor of her cruelty, unless to prayHe she has ruined may forget her.
Michal.YetIf deep she should repent?—if deep she should?
(A cry interrupts. They start.)
(A cry interrupts. They start.)