THE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON(Longer Version)

THE CHALLENGER FOR GOLIATHTHE CHALLENGER FOR GOLIATHTHE CHALLENGER FOR GOLIATHClick to view larger image.

THE CHALLENGER FOR GOLIATH

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(Goliath,a heavy man, enters like a lion loosed from his cage. He brandishes his sword, and attacksDavid.Daviddodges and flees;Goliathfollows him, hacking the air with his sword. AgainDaviddodges and runs to a sufficient distance to use his sling.Goliathcrashes to earth.Davidruns and stands over him, seizesGoliath'ssword and cuts off his head.)(TheChallengerand otherPhilistinesflee, crying, "Woe! Woe!")Israelites: Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!David(holding upGoliath'shead):Give ear, O ye people,O ye Israelites, and O ye Philistines:For so shall all they triumphWho put their trust in the Lord!Israelites(shout):For so shall all they triumphWho put their trust in the Lord!First Messenger(with wild enthusiasm): Where now are the Philistines?Israelites: They are fled.Saul: Proclaim through Israel the mighty tidings.(TheSecond MessengertakesGoliath'shead fromDavid,and repeats the tidings three times, standing at center, at right and at left of stage. While he speaks theSoldiersremoveGoliath.)Second Messenger(blowing horn):Give ear, O ye people:Slain is Goliath of Gath by the shepherd, David.And so shall all they triumphWho put their trust in the Lord.Jonathan(goes affectionately toDavid):O David, thou who art to me as a brother,I, Jonathan, prince of Israel, ask thy friendship.Take thou my robe in token of my love.David:O Jonathan, I am but a shepherd of the sheep,But I return thy love. (They exchange shepherd skin and velvet.)(EnterMichaland her dancing women, with cymbals. They chant as they dance.)Chant:

(TheChallengerand otherPhilistinesflee, crying, "Woe! Woe!")

Israelites: Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!

David(holding upGoliath'shead):

Give ear, O ye people,O ye Israelites, and O ye Philistines:For so shall all they triumphWho put their trust in the Lord!

Israelites(shout):

For so shall all they triumphWho put their trust in the Lord!

First Messenger(with wild enthusiasm): Where now are the Philistines?

Israelites: They are fled.

Saul: Proclaim through Israel the mighty tidings.

(TheSecond MessengertakesGoliath'shead fromDavid,and repeats the tidings three times, standing at center, at right and at left of stage. While he speaks theSoldiersremoveGoliath.)

Second Messenger(blowing horn):

Give ear, O ye people:Slain is Goliath of Gath by the shepherd, David.And so shall all they triumphWho put their trust in the Lord.

Jonathan(goes affectionately toDavid):

O David, thou who art to me as a brother,I, Jonathan, prince of Israel, ask thy friendship.Take thou my robe in token of my love.

David:

O Jonathan, I am but a shepherd of the sheep,But I return thy love. (They exchange shepherd skin and velvet.)

(EnterMichaland her dancing women, with cymbals. They chant as they dance.)

Chant:

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(Repeat three times in three different keys.)Saul(angrily):Peace, women!Ye ascribe unto David ten thousands,And to me ye ascribe but thousands.What more can he have but the kingdom?Michal(runs and kneels before him): O my father, be not wroth at my song.Saul(wearily):I have sworn thee to the man who slew Goliath;And that which the king sweareth will he do.David, I give thee Michal for thy wife. (He turns away.)David: The king's daughter within the palace is all-glorious.Michal(smiling upon him and extending her hand):O David!But see, my father is wroth at my song.Come and singthouto him.And so shall he forget the mighty warrior,In listening to the sweetest singer in all Israel.(She runs toSaul,who is reclining on couch.)Father, would'st hear again the shepherd's psalm?Saul(heavily):Yea, for I have a sickness, daughter;And the song is verily one of delight.(Michalleans besideSaulasDavidsings.)David(sings):The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;He leadeth me beside the still waters.He restoreth my soul:He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil,For thou art with me:Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:Thou anointest my head with oil:My cup runneth over—Saul(rises threateningly):What sayest thou?Whohath anointed thy head with oil?David:O king, the prophet Samuel, sent of God!O king, one day I shall be king of Israel.(Saul'shead sinks on his breast. He passes slowly out, followed by hisAttendants.)David(sings):Surely goodness and mercy shall follow meAll the days of my life;And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.(All turn to go, singing):Surely goodness and mercy shall follow meAll the days of my life.And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

(Repeat three times in three different keys.)

Saul(angrily):

Peace, women!Ye ascribe unto David ten thousands,And to me ye ascribe but thousands.What more can he have but the kingdom?

Michal(runs and kneels before him): O my father, be not wroth at my song.

Saul(wearily):

I have sworn thee to the man who slew Goliath;And that which the king sweareth will he do.David, I give thee Michal for thy wife. (He turns away.)

David: The king's daughter within the palace is all-glorious.

Michal(smiling upon him and extending her hand):

O David!But see, my father is wroth at my song.Come and singthouto him.And so shall he forget the mighty warrior,In listening to the sweetest singer in all Israel.

(She runs toSaul,who is reclining on couch.)

Father, would'st hear again the shepherd's psalm?

Saul(heavily):

Yea, for I have a sickness, daughter;And the song is verily one of delight.

(Michalleans besideSaulasDavidsings.)

David(sings):

The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;He leadeth me beside the still waters.He restoreth my soul:He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil,For thou art with me:Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:Thou anointest my head with oil:My cup runneth over—

Saul(rises threateningly):

What sayest thou?Whohath anointed thy head with oil?

David:

O king, the prophet Samuel, sent of God!O king, one day I shall be king of Israel.

(Saul'shead sinks on his breast. He passes slowly out, followed by hisAttendants.)

David(sings):

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow meAll the days of my life;And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

(All turn to go, singing):

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow meAll the days of my life.And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

THE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMONTHE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMONTHE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMONClick to view larger image.

THE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON

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Gibeon, where Solomon comes to offer sacrifice.

A judgment seat is raised two steps above the floor, a little to the left of the room. From each side of the judgment seat extend walls, three or four feet high, to the front corners of the room. These walls may be black or white or yellow or terracotta cloth, stretched. Against the walls paste or pin or paint some bold design, such as diamonds, in a contrasting color, white against black; deep sea-blue against terracotta. Or use the conventional lotus design. For the background use a deep sea-blue curtain and throw a blue light upon it.

(TheWicked Judgeis seated on the High Place, judging the two women. TheFirst Woman,at his right, holds theBaby.TheSecond Womankneels at his left, with imploring gestures.)Wicked Judge(with a sweep of his hand): No more! No more, I say! I will hear no more. Am I not judge in the king, his place? (Points atFirst Womansternly.)Yousay yonder woman's child died in the night-time, and she wants yours. (Points atSecond Woman.)Yousay—stop sniveling—(Second Womanshrinks away from him.) You say 'twasherchild died and that she hath stolenyourchild.Isay, if you had minded your brats properly, there would not be this to-do. (A pause.) What were you doing when one of you stole the other's child? Gadding about the streets? Eh?Second Woman: O sir, sir, she stole him while I slept.First Woman: Most gracious Judge, I did not steal.Second Woman(turning on her): But thou did'st!Wicked Judge: O you women! Lo, all the troubles of this kingdom flow from this, that women do not properly observe the affairs of their households. As King Solomon remarks, with rather more wisdom than he usually manifests, "Who can find a virtuous woman?"Both Women(together): Sir! Most gracious Judge! Only hear me—Wicked Judge(crashing his fist down): Silence!Silence!!(ToSecond Woman.) Where are your witnesses?(Second Womanmakes an imploring and hopeless gesture.)Wicked Judge(fiercely): What? No witnesses? Be off! Be off, I say. (He waves both women away; then his voice changes.) Stay, wait—I had forgot. I must—er—consider the welfare of the infant. (ToSecond Woman.) It may bethouwouldest be the better guardian. Hast thou the means to feed and clothe the child, and—er—pay all needful fees?Second Woman: I am poor, but, sir, I am the mother.Wicked Judge: Pshaw! Pshaw! (Turns toFirst Woman.) And thou?First Woman(producing gold pieces): I have these bits of gold. (Her voice takes a mocking inflection.) Most gracious Judge, it may be thou, of thy great kindliness, wilt guard the gold for me, for I, alas, am but a weakling woman, and my child needs all my care.Wicked Judge(pocketing gold): Ah, yea, yea, thou art indeed the rightful mother. (Raises his eyes to heaven.) More is a child to be desired than gold, yea, than much fine gold. I will indeed look after thy gold for thee. Now get ye gone. (Turns crossly toSecond Woman.) And count thyself lucky that I do not call the guard, and have thee cast into prison for bearing lying witness.(A Boyrushes in, shouting as he runs.)Boy: Ohé! Ohé! King Solomon, he entereth now the city. He cometh here to offer sacrifice; the children dance before him. Ohé! Ohé! (He runs out.)Wicked Judge(gathers up his rolls of parchment, shrugging): I will not bow before him, I! And he but a beardless youth! (Passes out.)(TheSecond Womancrouches low, weeping and praying;First Womanregards her.)First Woman(laughing): Pray, aye, pray! The child will callme"Mother." He will throw his little arms about my neck and hail me. For three pieces of ruddy gold have I bought him, and thy prayers shall never win him from me.Second Woman(fiercely): As there is a God in Israel, to whom men pray, I yet shall have my child.First Woman: A God in Israel? (Shrugs.) As there is god-head in gold, which men worship, lo, I shall keep thy child. (She makes a sweeping bow and passes out.)Second Woman: O God, God, give me my child, my son. Thou knowest the child is mine, thou knowest,thouknowest. Thou sawest when in the dark of the night-time she crept into my chamber and stole him from me. She cradleth him, and I am desolate.Shouts Without: King Solomon! King Solomon, all hail! Hail to King Solomon, the son of David!(TheSecond Womanlooks about wildly, then crouches in a dim corner. TheChildrenenter dancing; they carry palms; they sing.)Song: "Hail to the Monarch" (Cantata of Esther)

(TheWicked Judgeis seated on the High Place, judging the two women. TheFirst Woman,at his right, holds theBaby.TheSecond Womankneels at his left, with imploring gestures.)

Wicked Judge(with a sweep of his hand): No more! No more, I say! I will hear no more. Am I not judge in the king, his place? (Points atFirst Womansternly.)Yousay yonder woman's child died in the night-time, and she wants yours. (Points atSecond Woman.)Yousay—stop sniveling—(Second Womanshrinks away from him.) You say 'twasherchild died and that she hath stolenyourchild.Isay, if you had minded your brats properly, there would not be this to-do. (A pause.) What were you doing when one of you stole the other's child? Gadding about the streets? Eh?

Second Woman: O sir, sir, she stole him while I slept.

First Woman: Most gracious Judge, I did not steal.

Second Woman(turning on her): But thou did'st!

Wicked Judge: O you women! Lo, all the troubles of this kingdom flow from this, that women do not properly observe the affairs of their households. As King Solomon remarks, with rather more wisdom than he usually manifests, "Who can find a virtuous woman?"

Both Women(together): Sir! Most gracious Judge! Only hear me—

Wicked Judge(crashing his fist down): Silence!Silence!!(ToSecond Woman.) Where are your witnesses?

(Second Womanmakes an imploring and hopeless gesture.)

Wicked Judge(fiercely): What? No witnesses? Be off! Be off, I say. (He waves both women away; then his voice changes.) Stay, wait—I had forgot. I must—er—consider the welfare of the infant. (ToSecond Woman.) It may bethouwouldest be the better guardian. Hast thou the means to feed and clothe the child, and—er—pay all needful fees?

Second Woman: I am poor, but, sir, I am the mother.

Wicked Judge: Pshaw! Pshaw! (Turns toFirst Woman.) And thou?

First Woman(producing gold pieces): I have these bits of gold. (Her voice takes a mocking inflection.) Most gracious Judge, it may be thou, of thy great kindliness, wilt guard the gold for me, for I, alas, am but a weakling woman, and my child needs all my care.

Wicked Judge(pocketing gold): Ah, yea, yea, thou art indeed the rightful mother. (Raises his eyes to heaven.) More is a child to be desired than gold, yea, than much fine gold. I will indeed look after thy gold for thee. Now get ye gone. (Turns crossly toSecond Woman.) And count thyself lucky that I do not call the guard, and have thee cast into prison for bearing lying witness.

(A Boyrushes in, shouting as he runs.)

Boy: Ohé! Ohé! King Solomon, he entereth now the city. He cometh here to offer sacrifice; the children dance before him. Ohé! Ohé! (He runs out.)

Wicked Judge(gathers up his rolls of parchment, shrugging): I will not bow before him, I! And he but a beardless youth! (Passes out.)

(TheSecond Womancrouches low, weeping and praying;First Womanregards her.)

First Woman(laughing): Pray, aye, pray! The child will callme"Mother." He will throw his little arms about my neck and hail me. For three pieces of ruddy gold have I bought him, and thy prayers shall never win him from me.

Second Woman(fiercely): As there is a God in Israel, to whom men pray, I yet shall have my child.

First Woman: A God in Israel? (Shrugs.) As there is god-head in gold, which men worship, lo, I shall keep thy child. (She makes a sweeping bow and passes out.)

Second Woman: O God, God, give me my child, my son. Thou knowest the child is mine, thou knowest,thouknowest. Thou sawest when in the dark of the night-time she crept into my chamber and stole him from me. She cradleth him, and I am desolate.

Shouts Without: King Solomon! King Solomon, all hail! Hail to King Solomon, the son of David!

(TheSecond Womanlooks about wildly, then crouches in a dim corner. TheChildrenenter dancing; they carry palms; they sing.)

Song: "Hail to the Monarch" (Cantata of Esther)

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(EnterKing Solomon,followed by twoSoldiersandPage.)Solomon(raising his hand in blessing): My children, I thank you for your love. Now get ye gone, for I would offer sacrifice alone.First Child: But we have learned a psalm of David thy father, to do thee reverence; may we not say it?First Soldier: Do ye not hear the king? (Threatens them.)Solomon: Nay, let the little ones come hither. The psalms of David, my father, are dear unto me. Now, babes, speak up.Second Child(toFirst): Do thou begin.First Child:Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,Nor standeth in the way of sinners,Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful;Second Child:But his delight is in the law of the Lord,And in his law doth he meditate day and night.Third Child:And he shall be like a tree, planted by rivers of water,That bringeth forth his fruit in due season;Fourth Child:His leaf also shall not wither;And whatsoever he doeth, it shall prosper.Fifth Child:The ungodly are not so,But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.All the Children:Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous:But the way of the ungodly shall perish.Solomon: I thank you. (He turns toSixth Child.) And why hast thou not spoken with the others?(TheSixth Childreaches a tiptoe and whispers in his ear.)Solomon: Thou hast learned something more; then speak, little one.Sixth Child:O king, a word fitly spoken,Is like apples of gold in baskets of silver.And the king that faithfully judgeth the poor,His throne shall be established forever. (She presents basket of oranges.)Solomon(in great delight): Ha, whose words are those?Sixth Child(with a demure courtesy): Your Majesty's!Solomon: Well done! Well spoken! I shall strive indeed to be a king whose judgments shall be like apples of gold in baskets of silver.Sixth Child(to others): Come now; the king would be alone.Solomon: The Lord be with you!Children: And with thee also, O thou son of David! (They courtesy and go.)Solomon(ascends to High Place and prays): O Lord God of my fathers, thou hast showed unto my father,David, great mercy according as he walked before thee in uprightness of heart; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father; and I am but a little child. I know not how to go out nor come in. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad. For who is able to judge this thy so great a people?(There is a pause during which theSecond Womanrises slowly and approachesSolomon.She kisses the hem of his robe. He turns and regards her with astonishment. She rises and speaks prophetically.)Second Woman: O king, because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast thou asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies, but hast asked understanding to discern judgment, behold, God will give unto thee a wise and understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee; neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.Solomon: Who art thou? for it was thus I heard the words of God speaking to my heart! Who art thou?Second Woman(prostrating herself): The least of thy servants! A grain of dust by the roadside!Solomon: Why art thou come here to the Hall of Judgment?Second Woman: I came hither for justice; but thy judge in Gibeon is as the chaff which the wind beareth away—Solomon(sternly): Beware how thou speak evil of them in authority. (Then he smiles.) I gather that the case went against thee. What hast thou lost? Fear not; I will requite thee. (He offers her gold.)Second Woman: O lord king, my loss was not of gold.Solomon: What then? Of land? Lo, I will give to thee a bit of land, hard by a spring of water—Second Woman: O lord king, I have lost no rood of land.Solomon: Speak then thy sorrow.Second Woman: O lord king, God gave unto thy father David a little son to sit upon his throne. Speak, was thy father glad?Solomon: Yea, verily, he rejoiced with great rejoicing.Second Woman: And thy mother, Bathsheba, was her heart likewise merry?Solomon: My father rejoiced, but his rejoicing was naught in the measure with my mother's joy.Second Woman: She would have grieved had'st thou been stolen from her?Solomon: What mother would not? But, woman, to thy tale—Second Woman: My tale is told. O son of Bathsheba,God hath given to thee an understanding heart. Let it read my sorrow; give me back my child.Solomon(bewildered): Woman, I have not thy child.Second Woman: Nay, but thy judge in Gibeon, for gold he hath rendered false judgment; for gold, he hath given my child to another woman.Solomon: Thou canst prove this? (She makes a despairing gesture of denial.) (Solomonclaps; theSoldiersenter.) The court of justice was held here this morn? (Soldierbows.) Bring hither the case of the child and the two women. (Soldierssalute and go.Solomonspeaks sternly to theWoman.) If thou speakest truly, the child shall be given thee: but if thou hast sought to move me by a lying tale—; lo, I shall punish thee so thou shalt wish thou never had'st been born.Second Woman(regarding him steadfastly): I have no fear, for God hath given to thee an understanding heart.(TheJudgewaddles in.)Wicked Judge: What's this? What's this? My lord the king desired me? (He sees theWoman.) Aha! Now I understand. This woman hath filled thy ears with lying tales. Lord king, the woman is mad—Second Woman(indignantly): I amnotmad.Wicked Judge(blandly): Mad, I say, mad! Deeming her mad, I have excused what otherwise I had—er—severely punished.Second Woman: I am not mad.Wicked Judge: She claims the child of another woman. (He taps his brow significantly.) What her game is, I know not, but she saith, I am corrupt, and thou but a beardless youth. She saith God hath given thee a kingdom, but not the wit to rule it. Ha, ha!(Soldiersenter withFirst WomanandChild.)Solomon(turning furiously toSecond Woman): Didst thou say this?(TheSecond Womanpays no attention to him; she is devouring the child with her eyes. She holds out her arms yearningly.)Second Woman: O my dove, my fair one! (She turns toSolomon.) Look, behold my baby! See his little leg—; lord king, behold his dimples. His eyes are like doves beside the water brooks; his cheeks are as a bed of spices; yea, he is altogether lovely. And he ismine. (She turns with pride to theKing,but shrinks away as she sees his anger.)First Woman(advancing to High Place):King Solomon, all hail!Thou wisest of all judges!Thou canst read the hearts of men;Thou understandest the language of beasts and birds;Lo, I bare my heart to thee.Read thou!I lay my child before thy feet;Judge thou! (She places child at foot of step.)Solomon: Guard, take the child. (Second Soldierlifts the child stiffly.) (ToFirst Woman.) Is this thy child?First Woman: Godknows.Solomon: Aye, but I would likewise know. Hath neither woman a witness?Wicked Judge(brusquely): Pshaw! Nonsense! There is no doubt at all, O mighty son of David. I have examined witnesses; they swear the child ishers. (Nods towardFirst Woman.) Moreover, she hath the child; possession witnesses. (PatsFirst Woman.) Fear not, my girl; the king will do thee right.Second Woman: O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house. And this woman's child died in the night; and she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid her dead son beside me. And when I arose in the morning, the child was dead; but when I had considered it, behold, it was not my son.First Woman: Nay, but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son.Second Woman: Nay, but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son.Solomon(sternly): Women, approach. (Both stand before him. ToFirst Woman.) Thou sayest, "This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead." (ToSecond Woman.) And thou sayest, "Nay, but thy son is the dead, and mine is the living." (ToSoldier.) Bring hither a sword. (First Soldiergoes out.)Wicked Judge: Lo, what is in the king's mind? Will he slay yonder woman for bearing lying witness?(Solomonraises his hand with a threatening gesture;Judgeshrinks back.First Soldierreturns with sword.)Solomon: I cannot judge between you; let God judge. (Turns toSoldier.) Take thou the sword; divide the living child in twain, and give half to the one and half to the other.(TheFirst Womanshrinks away. TheSecond Woman,with a little cry, rushes between theSoldierwho holds theChild,and theSoldierwho holds sword. She stands with fists doubled, to defend theChild.First Soldierthrows her aside; she falls.)Wicked Judge: O clever judge! O mighty son of David!First Woman(kneeling): I bow, lord king, to thy decree. Let the child be neither mine nor hers, but divide it.Second Woman(throwing herself beforeKing): O my lord, my lord, giveherthe child, give her thelivingchild, and in nowise slay it! Let the child live, even though it be within her arms, lord—lord—Wicked Judge: O clever judge! Ha, ha, ha! Through thee indeed the Lord hath spoken! Who would have thought to see such mighty wisdom, yea, in a beardless youth? Thy wit hath showed the truth, and made yon lying woman eat her lies. (TapsFirst Woman.) Even as I said, the child is hers. (ToSoldier.) Give unto this woman her child.First Soldier(with sword upraised): Is it thy will, O king, I slay the child, or give it to yon woman?Solomon: It is my will (he bends and raisesSecond Womangently) thou give untothiswoman the living child, and in nowise slay it; for she is the mother thereof, because she loveth much. For love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave. Many waters cannot quench love; neither can floods drown it.Wicked Judge(sourly): Humph!Second Woman(receivingChild,radiantly): He that ruleth over men righteously, that ruleth in the fear of God, he shall be as the light of the morning when the sun riseth, a morning without clouds, when the tender grass springeth out of the earth through clear shining after rain. King Solomon, all hail!All: King Solomon, all hail!(All pass out singing.) (If desired, the earlier song may be repeated.)Song: Music, "Ancient Days"

(EnterKing Solomon,followed by twoSoldiersandPage.)

Solomon(raising his hand in blessing): My children, I thank you for your love. Now get ye gone, for I would offer sacrifice alone.

First Child: But we have learned a psalm of David thy father, to do thee reverence; may we not say it?

First Soldier: Do ye not hear the king? (Threatens them.)

Solomon: Nay, let the little ones come hither. The psalms of David, my father, are dear unto me. Now, babes, speak up.

Second Child(toFirst): Do thou begin.

First Child:

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,Nor standeth in the way of sinners,Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful;

Second Child:

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,And in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Third Child:

And he shall be like a tree, planted by rivers of water,That bringeth forth his fruit in due season;

Fourth Child:

His leaf also shall not wither;And whatsoever he doeth, it shall prosper.

Fifth Child:

The ungodly are not so,But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

All the Children:

Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous:But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Solomon: I thank you. (He turns toSixth Child.) And why hast thou not spoken with the others?

(TheSixth Childreaches a tiptoe and whispers in his ear.)

Solomon: Thou hast learned something more; then speak, little one.

Sixth Child:

O king, a word fitly spoken,Is like apples of gold in baskets of silver.And the king that faithfully judgeth the poor,His throne shall be established forever. (She presents basket of oranges.)

Solomon(in great delight): Ha, whose words are those?

Sixth Child(with a demure courtesy): Your Majesty's!

Solomon: Well done! Well spoken! I shall strive indeed to be a king whose judgments shall be like apples of gold in baskets of silver.

Sixth Child(to others): Come now; the king would be alone.

Solomon: The Lord be with you!

Children: And with thee also, O thou son of David! (They courtesy and go.)

Solomon(ascends to High Place and prays): O Lord God of my fathers, thou hast showed unto my father,David, great mercy according as he walked before thee in uprightness of heart; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father; and I am but a little child. I know not how to go out nor come in. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad. For who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

(There is a pause during which theSecond Womanrises slowly and approachesSolomon.She kisses the hem of his robe. He turns and regards her with astonishment. She rises and speaks prophetically.)

Second Woman: O king, because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast thou asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies, but hast asked understanding to discern judgment, behold, God will give unto thee a wise and understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee; neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

Solomon: Who art thou? for it was thus I heard the words of God speaking to my heart! Who art thou?

Second Woman(prostrating herself): The least of thy servants! A grain of dust by the roadside!

Solomon: Why art thou come here to the Hall of Judgment?

Second Woman: I came hither for justice; but thy judge in Gibeon is as the chaff which the wind beareth away—

Solomon(sternly): Beware how thou speak evil of them in authority. (Then he smiles.) I gather that the case went against thee. What hast thou lost? Fear not; I will requite thee. (He offers her gold.)

Second Woman: O lord king, my loss was not of gold.

Solomon: What then? Of land? Lo, I will give to thee a bit of land, hard by a spring of water—

Second Woman: O lord king, I have lost no rood of land.

Solomon: Speak then thy sorrow.

Second Woman: O lord king, God gave unto thy father David a little son to sit upon his throne. Speak, was thy father glad?

Solomon: Yea, verily, he rejoiced with great rejoicing.

Second Woman: And thy mother, Bathsheba, was her heart likewise merry?

Solomon: My father rejoiced, but his rejoicing was naught in the measure with my mother's joy.

Second Woman: She would have grieved had'st thou been stolen from her?

Solomon: What mother would not? But, woman, to thy tale—

Second Woman: My tale is told. O son of Bathsheba,God hath given to thee an understanding heart. Let it read my sorrow; give me back my child.

Solomon(bewildered): Woman, I have not thy child.

Second Woman: Nay, but thy judge in Gibeon, for gold he hath rendered false judgment; for gold, he hath given my child to another woman.

Solomon: Thou canst prove this? (She makes a despairing gesture of denial.) (Solomonclaps; theSoldiersenter.) The court of justice was held here this morn? (Soldierbows.) Bring hither the case of the child and the two women. (Soldierssalute and go.Solomonspeaks sternly to theWoman.) If thou speakest truly, the child shall be given thee: but if thou hast sought to move me by a lying tale—; lo, I shall punish thee so thou shalt wish thou never had'st been born.

Second Woman(regarding him steadfastly): I have no fear, for God hath given to thee an understanding heart.

(TheJudgewaddles in.)

Wicked Judge: What's this? What's this? My lord the king desired me? (He sees theWoman.) Aha! Now I understand. This woman hath filled thy ears with lying tales. Lord king, the woman is mad—

Second Woman(indignantly): I amnotmad.

Wicked Judge(blandly): Mad, I say, mad! Deeming her mad, I have excused what otherwise I had—er—severely punished.

Second Woman: I am not mad.

Wicked Judge: She claims the child of another woman. (He taps his brow significantly.) What her game is, I know not, but she saith, I am corrupt, and thou but a beardless youth. She saith God hath given thee a kingdom, but not the wit to rule it. Ha, ha!

(Soldiersenter withFirst WomanandChild.)

Solomon(turning furiously toSecond Woman): Didst thou say this?

(TheSecond Womanpays no attention to him; she is devouring the child with her eyes. She holds out her arms yearningly.)

Second Woman: O my dove, my fair one! (She turns toSolomon.) Look, behold my baby! See his little leg—; lord king, behold his dimples. His eyes are like doves beside the water brooks; his cheeks are as a bed of spices; yea, he is altogether lovely. And he ismine. (She turns with pride to theKing,but shrinks away as she sees his anger.)

First Woman(advancing to High Place):

King Solomon, all hail!Thou wisest of all judges!Thou canst read the hearts of men;Thou understandest the language of beasts and birds;Lo, I bare my heart to thee.Read thou!I lay my child before thy feet;Judge thou! (She places child at foot of step.)

Solomon: Guard, take the child. (Second Soldierlifts the child stiffly.) (ToFirst Woman.) Is this thy child?

First Woman: Godknows.

Solomon: Aye, but I would likewise know. Hath neither woman a witness?

Wicked Judge(brusquely): Pshaw! Nonsense! There is no doubt at all, O mighty son of David. I have examined witnesses; they swear the child ishers. (Nods towardFirst Woman.) Moreover, she hath the child; possession witnesses. (PatsFirst Woman.) Fear not, my girl; the king will do thee right.

Second Woman: O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house. And this woman's child died in the night; and she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid her dead son beside me. And when I arose in the morning, the child was dead; but when I had considered it, behold, it was not my son.

First Woman: Nay, but the living is my son, and the dead is thy son.

Second Woman: Nay, but the dead is thy son, and the living is my son.

Solomon(sternly): Women, approach. (Both stand before him. ToFirst Woman.) Thou sayest, "This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead." (ToSecond Woman.) And thou sayest, "Nay, but thy son is the dead, and mine is the living." (ToSoldier.) Bring hither a sword. (First Soldiergoes out.)

Wicked Judge: Lo, what is in the king's mind? Will he slay yonder woman for bearing lying witness?

(Solomonraises his hand with a threatening gesture;Judgeshrinks back.First Soldierreturns with sword.)

Solomon: I cannot judge between you; let God judge. (Turns toSoldier.) Take thou the sword; divide the living child in twain, and give half to the one and half to the other.

(TheFirst Womanshrinks away. TheSecond Woman,with a little cry, rushes between theSoldierwho holds theChild,and theSoldierwho holds sword. She stands with fists doubled, to defend theChild.First Soldierthrows her aside; she falls.)

Wicked Judge: O clever judge! O mighty son of David!

First Woman(kneeling): I bow, lord king, to thy decree. Let the child be neither mine nor hers, but divide it.

Second Woman(throwing herself beforeKing): O my lord, my lord, giveherthe child, give her thelivingchild, and in nowise slay it! Let the child live, even though it be within her arms, lord—lord—

Wicked Judge: O clever judge! Ha, ha, ha! Through thee indeed the Lord hath spoken! Who would have thought to see such mighty wisdom, yea, in a beardless youth? Thy wit hath showed the truth, and made yon lying woman eat her lies. (TapsFirst Woman.) Even as I said, the child is hers. (ToSoldier.) Give unto this woman her child.

First Soldier(with sword upraised): Is it thy will, O king, I slay the child, or give it to yon woman?

Solomon: It is my will (he bends and raisesSecond Womangently) thou give untothiswoman the living child, and in nowise slay it; for she is the mother thereof, because she loveth much. For love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave. Many waters cannot quench love; neither can floods drown it.

Wicked Judge(sourly): Humph!

Second Woman(receivingChild,radiantly): He that ruleth over men righteously, that ruleth in the fear of God, he shall be as the light of the morning when the sun riseth, a morning without clouds, when the tender grass springeth out of the earth through clear shining after rain. King Solomon, all hail!

All: King Solomon, all hail!

(All pass out singing.) (If desired, the earlier song may be repeated.)

Song: Music, "Ancient Days"

Listen:[audio/mpeg][audio/ogg; codecs=opus][midi]Sheet Music:[pdf]Music XML:[XML]

Listen:[audio/mpeg][audio/ogg; codecs=opus][midi]

Sheet Music:[pdf]

Music XML:[XML]

musical notationmusical notation

THE CHILDRENTHE CHILDRENTHE CHILDRENClick to view larger image.

THE CHILDREN

Click to view larger image.

Gibeon, where Solomon comes to offer sacrifice.

(TheHeraldenters, followed by twoSoldiers.TheHeraldblows his trumpet; the twoSoldiersflourish their spears.)Herald: Make way, make way; he entereth now the city! Way for King Solomon, the son of David!Soldiers: Way for King Solomon, the son of David! Way! Way! (They take positions, one on the right hand and one on the left.)First Soldier(conversationally): He cometh hither for sacrifice, they say.Second Soldier: Aye, and to render judgment.First Soldier: Is it true, think you, that he is wiser than all men that have gone before him?Second Soldier(shrugs): So men say. As for me, I shall judge for myself.First Soldier(poses mockingly): O King Solomon, King Solomon, little thou thinkest that the while thou art judging others, a mightier shall judge thee!Second Soldier(proddingFirstwith spear): Be still, thou ass; he cometh.(TheSoldiersstiffen to attention as theChildrenenter dancing and singing.)Song: Music, "Hail to the Monarch." (See Longer Version.)(Cantata of Esther)(EnterKing Solomonfollowed byTwo WomenandBaby,also byPagesand moreSoldiersif desired for effect. TheChildrenbow low.)Solomon(lifting his hand): The Lord be with you!All: And with thee also, O thou son of David!Child(offers silver basket of oranges): O king, a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold, in baskets of silver, and the king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established forever.Solomon(in delight): Ha! Who said that?Child(courtesies demurely): Your Majesty!Solomon: Well done! Well spoken! I shall strive to be indeed a king whose judgments shall be like apples of gold in baskets of silver. (He turns to altar and prays.) O Lord God of my fathers, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father, and I am but a little child. I know not how to go out or to come in. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad. For who is able to judge this, thy so great a people?(While he prays theFirst Womancreeps forward and kisses the hem of his robe.Solomonturns and regards her with wonder. She rises.)First Woman: O king, because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies, but hast asked understanding to discern judgment, behold God will give to thee a wise and understanding heart, so that therewas none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.Solomon: Who art thou? For it was thus I heard the word of God ringing in my heart. Who art thou?First Woman(prostrate): The least of thy servants—a grain of dust by the roadside.Solomon: Why art thou come—here to the Hall of Judgment?First Woman(rising): O my lord, I and this woman (IndicatesWomanwithBaby.) dwell in one house, and her son died in the night-time, and she arose at midnight and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid her dead son beside me—Second Woman(insolently): She lieth, lord king.First Woman: When I arose in the morning the child was dead, but when I had considered it, behold, it was not my son.Second Woman: Nay, but the living ismyson, and the dead isthyson.Solomon(regards both silently for a few seconds): Women, approach! (Both women stand before him.)Thousayest, "This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead," andthousayest, "Nay, but thy son is the dead, and mine is the living." (ToSoldier.) Bring hither a sword. (Soldiergoes.)Herald(with curiosity): What is in the king's mind? Will he slay yonder woman for bearing lying witness?(First Soldierreturns with sword.)Solomon: I cannot judge between you; let God judge. (ToSoldier.) Take thou the sword; divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half unto the other.(TheSecond Womancrosses hastily to the left as though to flee; theFirst Womandarts between her and theSoldierand stands ready, with clinched fists, to defend theBaby.TheSecond Soldierthrows her aside and takes theBabyfrom the other woman.)Herald(laughing): O clever judge! O mighty son of David!Second Woman(bowing low): I bow, lord king, to thy decree. Let the child be neither mine nor hers, but divide it.First Woman(with a little panting cry, throws herself beforeSolomon): O my lord, my lord, giveherthe child, give her thelivingchild, and in nowise slay it. Let the child live, even though it be within her arms—lord—lord—Herald: O prince of wisdom! Through thee indeed the Lord hath spoken. Who would have thought to see such mighty judgment, yea in a beardless youth? Thy wit hath showed the truth and made this lying woman eat her lies.Children(swarming aboutSecond Womanand bowing to her): Hail, mother of the child!First Soldier(raises sword and crosses toSecond Soldier,who holdsBaby): Is it thy will, O king, I slay this child, or give it to yon woman? (IndicatesSecond Woman.)Solomon: It is my will (he raisesFirst Womantenderly) thou give untothiswoman the living child, and in nowise slay it; for she is the mother thereof, because she loveth much. For love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave. Many waters cannot quench love; neither can floods drown it.First Woman(eagerly receivesBabyand cuddles it): O king, he who ruleth over men righteously, who ruleth in the fear of God, he shall be as the light of the morning when the sun riseth, a morning without clouds, when the tender grass springeth out of the earth through clear shining after rain. King Solomon, all hail!All(raising palms): King Solomon, all hail!(All pass out singing the children's song.)

(TheHeraldenters, followed by twoSoldiers.TheHeraldblows his trumpet; the twoSoldiersflourish their spears.)

Herald: Make way, make way; he entereth now the city! Way for King Solomon, the son of David!

Soldiers: Way for King Solomon, the son of David! Way! Way! (They take positions, one on the right hand and one on the left.)

First Soldier(conversationally): He cometh hither for sacrifice, they say.

Second Soldier: Aye, and to render judgment.

First Soldier: Is it true, think you, that he is wiser than all men that have gone before him?

Second Soldier(shrugs): So men say. As for me, I shall judge for myself.

First Soldier(poses mockingly): O King Solomon, King Solomon, little thou thinkest that the while thou art judging others, a mightier shall judge thee!

Second Soldier(proddingFirstwith spear): Be still, thou ass; he cometh.

(TheSoldiersstiffen to attention as theChildrenenter dancing and singing.)

Song: Music, "Hail to the Monarch." (See Longer Version.)

(Cantata of Esther)

(EnterKing Solomonfollowed byTwo WomenandBaby,also byPagesand moreSoldiersif desired for effect. TheChildrenbow low.)

Solomon(lifting his hand): The Lord be with you!

All: And with thee also, O thou son of David!

Child(offers silver basket of oranges): O king, a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold, in baskets of silver, and the king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established forever.

Solomon(in delight): Ha! Who said that?

Child(courtesies demurely): Your Majesty!

Solomon: Well done! Well spoken! I shall strive to be indeed a king whose judgments shall be like apples of gold in baskets of silver. (He turns to altar and prays.) O Lord God of my fathers, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father, and I am but a little child. I know not how to go out or to come in. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad. For who is able to judge this, thy so great a people?

(While he prays theFirst Womancreeps forward and kisses the hem of his robe.Solomonturns and regards her with wonder. She rises.)

First Woman: O king, because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies, but hast asked understanding to discern judgment, behold God will give to thee a wise and understanding heart, so that therewas none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.

Solomon: Who art thou? For it was thus I heard the word of God ringing in my heart. Who art thou?

First Woman(prostrate): The least of thy servants—a grain of dust by the roadside.

Solomon: Why art thou come—here to the Hall of Judgment?

First Woman(rising): O my lord, I and this woman (IndicatesWomanwithBaby.) dwell in one house, and her son died in the night-time, and she arose at midnight and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid her dead son beside me—

Second Woman(insolently): She lieth, lord king.

First Woman: When I arose in the morning the child was dead, but when I had considered it, behold, it was not my son.

Second Woman: Nay, but the living ismyson, and the dead isthyson.

Solomon(regards both silently for a few seconds): Women, approach! (Both women stand before him.)Thousayest, "This is my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead," andthousayest, "Nay, but thy son is the dead, and mine is the living." (ToSoldier.) Bring hither a sword. (Soldiergoes.)

Herald(with curiosity): What is in the king's mind? Will he slay yonder woman for bearing lying witness?

(First Soldierreturns with sword.)

Solomon: I cannot judge between you; let God judge. (ToSoldier.) Take thou the sword; divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half unto the other.

(TheSecond Womancrosses hastily to the left as though to flee; theFirst Womandarts between her and theSoldierand stands ready, with clinched fists, to defend theBaby.TheSecond Soldierthrows her aside and takes theBabyfrom the other woman.)

Herald(laughing): O clever judge! O mighty son of David!

Second Woman(bowing low): I bow, lord king, to thy decree. Let the child be neither mine nor hers, but divide it.

First Woman(with a little panting cry, throws herself beforeSolomon): O my lord, my lord, giveherthe child, give her thelivingchild, and in nowise slay it. Let the child live, even though it be within her arms—lord—lord—

Herald: O prince of wisdom! Through thee indeed the Lord hath spoken. Who would have thought to see such mighty judgment, yea in a beardless youth? Thy wit hath showed the truth and made this lying woman eat her lies.

Children(swarming aboutSecond Womanand bowing to her): Hail, mother of the child!

First Soldier(raises sword and crosses toSecond Soldier,who holdsBaby): Is it thy will, O king, I slay this child, or give it to yon woman? (IndicatesSecond Woman.)

Solomon: It is my will (he raisesFirst Womantenderly) thou give untothiswoman the living child, and in nowise slay it; for she is the mother thereof, because she loveth much. For love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave. Many waters cannot quench love; neither can floods drown it.

First Woman(eagerly receivesBabyand cuddles it): O king, he who ruleth over men righteously, who ruleth in the fear of God, he shall be as the light of the morning when the sun riseth, a morning without clouds, when the tender grass springeth out of the earth through clear shining after rain. King Solomon, all hail!

All(raising palms): King Solomon, all hail!

(All pass out singing the children's song.)

A lonely road with an inn in the distance. If the play is given indoors, any door may represent the inn.

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