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 11 
 
 THE SHEPHERn KINE 
 
1? Front Street 
 
I ■««. I III llll I 
 
 II.. ■ a— ^. 
 
 DAVID and JONATHAN, 
 
 -OR- 
 
 THE SHEPHERD KING 
 
 A Classic Tragedy in 5 Acts, 
 
 By Geo. A. Lafayette. 
 
 V 
 
 
 
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress in the year of onr Lord, 1889, at 
 the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. D. C, by G, A. 
 
 Lafayette. 
 
 ICST/V. B This Play is properly protected under the Copyright 
 Laws ofihe United States, and any Infringement will be prosecuted 
 The right to engage in dramatic representation can be procured 
 by addressing the Author, P. 0. Box, 475, Seattle, Wash 
 
 THK PUBLISHERS. 
 

 \ W 
 
 GEO. A. LAFAYETTE. 
 
 [In response to questions by pesrons apparently interested, tlie pub- 
 lishers obtained the following statement as to how and why the stroy was 
 written and dramatized.] 
 
 To The Cq-operative Printers: 
 
 I first conceived of the idea of writing- a play on the 
 story of David and Jonathan in 1887, and devoted the 
 greater part of two years to collecting statistics. The 
 more I considered the matter the more convinced I became 
 that the subject was without a superior in the annals of 
 history. Not alone because of great dramatic interest and 
 incident, but because of these and the other and more im- 
 portant fact that it offered food for the elevation of 
 dramatic studies and teaches a lesson only excelled in the 
 experience of the people it represents. 
 
 Having seen the evil effect of a morbid spirit in man, 
 the idea of illustrating the two sides of a great mind was 
 suggested to me in Saul, and I have sought to establish in 
 Pluto, a character as an avil genius, and at the same time 
 voice the unuttered sentiment so strongly prevading Saul's 
 mind. The defeat of Pluto is only the agonizing mental 
 conditions of Saul, for be it remembered that never did the 
 king abandon his desire to kill David, however he may have 
 seemed to do so by an outward show, hence, the false character 
 and nature of his covenants. 
 
 My sincere hope is that something is accomplished 
 to aid in advancing the stage to its just level, and that my 
 efforts will at least be in part appreciated. 
 
 Courteously and Fraternally, 
 
 G. A. Lafayette. 
 Seattle, Wash., February 15, 1894. 
 
 T:4?<96-uC6<t99 
 
Mr. Lafayette as "Pluto J 
 
 PTAJTO "Ee grows apace instead 01 tailing down, 
 
 Moie desparate means must be the consequence* 
 
 pane 2S 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 This is an historical play based on the history as re- 
 lated in Dr. Kitto's work, and, with few exceptions, the 
 words are original in use with the author, the scenes 
 are taken from bible history in their entirety. It is not 
 imaginative in any respect; it is all true in detail as to 
 fact. 
 
 My reader: Not a little difficult is it to treat of 
 the history represented in the foliowing pages and con- 
 fine the treatise to the space in propriety necessary al- 
 loted to an acting play. It has taken a goodly number 
 of days to accomplish it and the suject involves a story of 
 interest. There is not, however, anything in the play 
 that one sees in fraternity, though the narative is espec- 
 ially interesting to members because of the fact that it 
 deals with the other side of a subject which touches them 
 most near. 
 
 The author's aim in writing this story, as he has. on 
 dramatic lines, is to provide the literary world with a 
 work that embraces a distinctive nature as well as char- 
 acter. We are abundantly supplied with plays that are 
 devoid of stage direction outside of professional channels. 
 
 We have also untold editions of plays adapted for the 
 stage but a story that tells the tale, as an actor would 
 in all but act, and at the same time gives the reader an 
 opportunity to carry the actor too and form the scene 
 instead of having the scene brought to the actor — so far 
 as we know — is new to some extent at least, and we feel 
 safe in saying that the reader will be releived of that 
 task so common in story reading, viz; wading through 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 V. 
 
 lenghty explanations as to places and thoughts, because 
 the stage directions abridges the former and the dia- 
 logue makes the latter plain. 
 
 Another incentive is to demonstrate, so far as possible 
 to the literary world, that the "windy suspirations of 
 forced breath," so common to the average novel, is an 
 unnecessary feature in literary creation unless it is in- 
 dulged in for the purpose of drawing fantastic pictures 
 to soothe the itching ear and indulge in high sounding 
 phrases. 
 
 It is a well-known fact that the conversational part of 
 the average story is sought and perused by the average 
 reader and the discriptive is passed over unnoticed and 
 a great deal is lost to the author as well as the reader 
 in that the former has much labor for little gain and the 
 latter often has to wade through a sea of sluck to obtain 
 a little meat There are, to say the least, abridged in this 
 class of composition and the author has, as he deems 
 proper, given the character to the reader to talk to him 
 and not to read about as his part. 
 
 If this novel way of story writing takes as it should 
 the author will take pleasure in giving the public some 
 further and more striking works of the same class. 
 That it will take we have great hopes, and firmly be- 
 lieve. 
 
 David and Jonathan from their youth up, were greatly 
 attracted toward each other. Saul, who was afflicted 
 with severe mental weakness, which at times unseated 
 his reason, found his only relief in listening to the j y- 
 ing on the harp by David, the shepherd lad, who had al- 
 ways to be sent for when the king was depressed with 
 these fits of morbid melancholy, and had the run of the 
 
VI PREFACE. 
 
 palace with Jonathan as his playfellow. At the time 
 Saul's army, awed and panic stricken by their champion 
 the giant, Goliah, was in danger of defeat by the Phil- 
 istines, David, the shepherd lad, again appeared as Saul's 
 deliverer from trouble, and engaged to accept the giant's 
 challenge — met him in single combat — killed him with 
 a pebble from his sling, and brought his head to the 
 king as a trophy of his victory over the Philistines. 
 From this time* on, David became one of Saul's house- 
 hold, and Saul had him educated with his son Jonathan 
 in the art of war. Grown to manhood, his wonderful 
 military achievments and victories aroused the admir- 
 ation and love of the army and the people, who made 
 David their ideal of all that was good and brave. This 
 greatly offended Saul, fearing that while David lived, 
 Jonathan had no way to inherit the kingdom. It is at 
 this period that the author of the Drama takes up the 
 story of Saul's jealousy and determined vengeance vac- 
 illating at times, when convinced of the evident hive 
 and loyalty of David for the house of Saul, he would 
 load David with evidence of hiB confidence and greatful 
 appreciation of his services. At others, owing to his 
 mental weakness, which increased with his years, an 
 hunger for vengeanoe was provoked on the slightest pre- 
 tence. This is clearly illustrated in the Drama by the 
 personation of Saul's evil genius in the character of 
 Pluto, ever present to take advantage of Saul's evil 
 moods, and with malignant suggestions destroying all 
 impulse to good action, by arousing his jealousy and 
 hatred to David, so aiding his vindicativeness even to a 
 determination to take David's life. Through all these 
 trials the brotherly love of "David and Jonathan' 
 
PREFACE. VII. 
 
 stands prominently conspicuous in its steadfastness and 
 constancy, in that " the soul of Jonathan was knit with 
 the soul of David, and he loved him as his own soul." 
 
 This Drama is appropriate in illustrating the lesson 
 taught by all fraternal and benevolent associations. 
 
 My apology for putting the character of Pluto into 
 the cast is accounted for in the fact that it would be 
 humiliating, to say the least, to cause Saul to devise and 
 concoct his evil plots and execute them too, hence Pluto 
 is caused to say in large part, as avered, what Saul 
 thinks and delineate the evil genius, also while evincing 
 largely the morbid, mental condition of the king. Pluto 
 is representative of the eyil spirit that permeated Saul 
 and may be said with due propriety to voice the tem- 
 per working on him through an agency bent on the ac- 
 complishment of evil ends. This is naturally the office 
 of an evil genius. 
 
 Saul was intellectually a giant but his moods abused 
 him and caused him to abuse his friends, even his own 
 son and daughter because they aaanifested an attach- 
 ment for David, and his slaughter of the preisthood 
 shows the extreme of his frantic temperament at times. 
 These as other, things in his record were entirely with- 
 out excuse. 
 
 By these observations one can readily see how much 
 folly would abound in bringing the dark side of that pic- 
 ture to view in the character of Saul. It would, to say 
 the least, as before observed, be humiliating to a dam- 
 aging degree. 
 
 Hence, the reflection of Saul's merry moods as well 
 as his envious passions through the character of Pluto. 
 Let it be remembered also, that the character of Plut rt 
 
VIII. PREFACE. 
 
 reflects no part of Maphiato, while portraying Belial be- 
 cause Pluto was first i n command under Mephisto and 
 frequently observes his mister's will in the composition^ 
 hence, the character, in so far as its distinctiveness fig- 
 ures, may be said without excess, to represent the firs* 
 servant of Eblis abroad on a lark being mindful of his 
 master's will and desired achievments. 
 
 It is because the critics have distorted and con- 
 founded this idea that we have called attention to it. 
 
 The other characters speak for themselves. 
 
 G. A. Lafayette, 
 
 Author. 
 
BY BRO. GEO. A. LAFAYETTE. 
 
 INT RO D U C T I N. 
 
 Courageous David ! Marvelous Jonathan ! 
 
 Thy names illustrious are among the nations; 
 
 Living thou in days of antique fame, 
 
 A famous pattern setting for all nien. 
 
 Because that thou didst live beneath a tyrant — 
 
 Yet in all manly ways wert far above him — 
 
 A principle asserts in thee most clear, 
 
 A friendship manifest in trait most dear, 
 
 A practice fashioned after things sublime, 
 
 A brotherhood most perfect in its clime. 
 
 A David sought to serve a king he loved; 
 
 A Jonathan, though son to Saul, proved true; 
 
 And David vanquished every deepened plot 
 
 To cut ofl' his career in Nature's lot. 
 
 A Jonathan was true in every way, 
 
 A David mastered all the king's great fury. 
 
 In these two men we find examples fashioned 
 
 In likeness to the gods that claim obedience 
 
 To laws and ways that rule the universe 
 
 Because the star of friendship and true love 
 
 ^inds its adoption and its highest aim 
 
X. 
 
 INTRODUCTION . 
 
 In men of their illustrious and marked fame. 
 
 Of charity and kindness of the heart, 
 
 Our David plays an excellent manly part, 
 
 For he, though Saul was in his power, 
 
 Advantage took of no reclining hour, 
 
 And though the king was sleeping in repose, 
 
 His garment David cut, but not his sinews; 
 
 This deed makes David greatest among men, 
 
 In charity and kindness of akin 
 
 That makes us feel the doctrine manifest 
 
 To "man in rendering good lor every evil. 
 
 It manifests that trait of character, 
 
 So far as circumstance necessitates it, 
 
 Illustrated in the words of Christ: 
 
 " Greater love hath no man than this," 
 
 " That a man lay down his life for his friends." 
 
 But Jonathan, son of a jealous king, 
 
 A spirit showed that suits a sainted king; 
 
 Not selfish in his ways nor covetous, 
 
 But willing to give way to nature's course, 
 
 And see a king almoin ted of Jehovah, 
 
 Enthroned despite the fact that he would fall 
 
 And find a place in honored servitude, 
 
 With one in spirit and in traits humane 
 
 Like David, of whom we herein sing — 
 
 A David mighty in the faith of God, 
 
 A David full of great benevolence 
 
 A Jonathan content that providence 
 
 Should claim its own and find its destiny 
 
 In whatsoe'er the fates might thus decree. 
 
 A faltering soul of peevish, subtle spirit, 
 
 Full of revenge and full of malfeasance; 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 XI. 
 
 A king unkind in every unkind way, 
 
 Full of remorse and full of infamy — 
 
 Such a king that sought the life of David, 
 
 Yet David sought to serve him constantly. 
 
 He sought to serve the will of his creator, 
 
 And leave to him that rules, the due reminder. 
 
 His pledge he gave to Jonathan so kind, 
 
 In finish to a fealtj^ divine, « 
 
 Nor ever faltered in it or dismayed. 
 
 A prototype like this we pattern after, 
 
 A portotype like this we emulate, 
 
 A friendship love, and charity sublime 
 
 In all perfection, and in all most kind 
 
 In that we seek to follow as true men. 
 
 Though given to us by ordinaries, 
 
 We should at least exemplify in part 
 
 The manliness that's in their friendship's art, 
 
 At least in part their loves adherent obey 
 
 Until again we're fashioned into clay. 
 
 The lesser part, at least, we should expect, 
 
 Nor are we fair if this we do neglect. 
 
 Neglect it not, my brothers, in friendship; 
 
 Neglect it not, my brothers, in true love; 
 
 Neglect it not in truth, a virtuous balm; 
 
 In truth, the star of Nature's pleasant calm; 
 
 Neglect it not in Nature's own way, 
 
 Until again we're fashioned into clay. 
 
David and Jonathan, 
 
 — OR — 
 
 THE SHEPHERD KING. 
 
 CAST 
 
 Saul, King of Israel. 
 
 David, Son of Jesse. 
 
 Jonathan, Son of Sanl and friend to David. 
 
 Abner, Saul's Captain and Chamberlain. 
 
 Abishai, JD ay id' 8 Comrade. 
 
 Achish, King of Gath. 
 
 Kabol, King of Carmel. 
 
 Michal Daughter of Saul. 
 
 Abigail, Wife of Nabol. 
 
 Samuel, A prophet priest. 
 
 Ahemilich, " " 
 
 Deog, Saul's Courtier. 
 
 Witch of Endor.... 
 
 Pluto, — the evil genius — Counterpart of Saul. 
 
 Preists, Citizens, Soldiers, Chamberlains, Attendants. 
 
 Period, 1093 B. C. 
 
 Scene, Gibeah and Judea. 
 
David and Jonathan, 
 
 -OR — 
 
 THE SHEPHE&D KING. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 —overture- 
 Scene 1. — ( The court in 5. — Several standing in 
 groups conversing. — Enter Abishai r Enter Ab- 
 ner 1. ) 
 
 Abishai, Morrow, my Lord. 
 
 Abner Good morrow, sir. 
 
 Abishai (fc) The city seems deserted. 
 
 Abner (f c) It seems a rare occasion, truly. 
 
 This David has grown wonderously — 
 
 He'll have the kingdom next. 
 Abishai I think he hath no thought of it. 
 
 True, the maidens jourmey forth 
 
 With musical greetings, precious gifts, and incense; 
 
 Full of mirth, responsively in song 
 
 To the joyful strains of instrument 
 
 To welcome his return home. 
 
 But David craves not even this — 
 
 The king's uncommon late at court. 
 
 (looking toward throne) 
 Abner He is in melancholy mood this morning. 
 Abishai His humor seems to grow upon him 
 
 And there seemeth to be some special cause 
 
 For its marked exhibition now. 
 
 I doubt not David's welcome 
 
 Hath much concern in it. 
 Abner Mayhap it hath. At least 
 
 He doth not join the welcome. 
 
XIV. DAVID AND JONATHAN. 
 
 Abishai It's much to be regreted. David's honors 
 
 Are thus distasteful to him. 
 Abner Men differ in opinion, oftentimes, 
 
 As to such things, however, 
 
 He is his own high master in it 
 
 And may be in or out of humor 
 
 As it pleases him. 
 Abishai True but this justifies not 
 
 The breach of common courtesy. 
 
 Abner (looking 1) The king approacheth. The king! 
 
 (king's march) 
 
 ( Enter royal guards 1 headed by Deog, and after 
 movements take places at throne. All ac- 
 knowledge the approach. Enter Saul, 1 e. Com- 
 pany retires severally. Guards rest. Abishai and 
 Abner retire to 1 f and observe Saul. ) 
 
 Saul (c) For me they ascribe but thousand slain, 
 
 While for David tens of thousands claim. 
 
 Must I be abated thus, and by a rabble 
 
 That cannot appreciate? 
 
 I say it is a crime to thus unbraid 
 
 A king, and make him second to his subject. 
 
 Nay, it is treason, and a fault deserving 
 
 The death of those possessing it. 
 
 — music behind — 
 ( Enter Michal 1 e) 
 
 Michal List to the sweet sounds of maidens' voices 
 
 Whose cadence dying on the distant air 
 
 Give praise to David in the field — 
 
 And belie thy need for frown, 
 
 For is he not thy subject, 
 
 And the son of Jesse, 
 
 Illustrious in our race ? 
 
OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 
 
 15 
 
 Saul I know he is, and, in that I have cause 
 
 To think my kingdom's made of brittle glass. 
 
 For was he not annointed of Jehovah 
 
 And promised elevation to the crown? 
 
 I say he's in my way, and out of it 
 
 I'll have him, ere he grows too strong ! 
 Michal (kneeling) I do implore and do adjure, oh king, ; 
 
 That thou'lt he kind unto the faithful David. 
 
 I know he is as loyal as a king 
 
 And honors Saul above all other men. 
 Saul He does. He honors me because he sees 
 
 A chance to take advantage of and use 
 
 My own frail nature in refusing to 
 
 Affront the braggart giant in the field. 
 
 What! Will a youth precede a king, 
 
 A man in years of great maturity, 
 
 Performing deeds to make the cheek of him 
 
 Grow pale with shame and rage? 
 
 And wilt thou still proclaim that I 
 
 Am not abated and upbraided, too — 
 
 But wherefore, dost thou love this David so 
 
 Art fond of him? I caution thee 
 
 To have a care, tor I'll have none of it. 
 
 And I will devise some means to have 
 
 This stripling reprimanded, 
 (exit Saul, attended 1) 
 Michal I fear, I fear, yet what I fear I know not. 
 
 I'ts the very cluthing of my heart strings 
 
 That twine so closely 'bout thee, love, 
 
 That love and life make one? 
 
 Oh Jehovah, hear: 
 
 Though that very wrath which makes earth tremble, 
 
16 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 
 
 Be lacking in the daughter of a king 
 
 Make more steadfast in that coming 
 
 '1 hat's given to the winged mates 
 
 When danger's nigh. 
 
 I trust thy guidance 
 
 And the stars that watch my slumbers. 
 
 I'll deem thy watchward smiles 
 
 So thou but givest me strength 
 
 To lead my love to safety. 
 
 (exit Michal r) 
 
 (enter Pluto 1) — soft tremlo- 
 
 Pluto (c) Now David is the royal sou of Jesse — 
 
 This the palace of the haughty Saul. 
 
 He envies the deeds of honest David, 
 
 The shepherd is the object of his scorn 
 
 And he would find a way to execute it. 
 
 Now I have tempted him, I'll help him to it. 
 
 He is attendant of the king's own person. 
 
 Now, let me see; now, let me see; I'll have 
 
 Him east the son of Jesse off; I'll tempt him 
 
 To device to have this shepherd ostracized 
 
 By his own countrymen. He is a braggart 
 
 A worshipper of God; a knave who has a prophecy 
 
 That hails him as a king by birth. 
 
 How comes a king but by the people's choice. 
 
 The whited sepulchre he is, he will 
 
 No doubt abuse a power if its given him; 
 
 I'll counsel Saul to give him full command 
 
 Of a good thousand men; he, by some act 
 
 Will over-estimate, and then, the odium! 
 
 His honor, it will vanish like the chaff. 
 
 Now this will suit king Saul, and I 
 
OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 17 
 
 Will miss my aim among the Israelites 
 
 If I fail in it; however, if I do 
 
 I will persuade him to som- r.iher deed 
 
 Of like proportion and e<y <; offence 
 
 To beat the fates that bless this David's birth 
 
 Is my most high ambition — 
 
 Now here comes Saul, I'll temp him. 
 
 (retiring to throne.) 
 — quick tremelo — 
 (enter Saul 1, attended) 
 Saul (c) Now what troubles me is how to make 
 Demand for his rejection, and his condemnation. 
 Pluto I'll tell you how, king Saul. 
 Saul What ! How comest thou here? » 
 
 Leave, thou evil spirit! 
 Pluto Art not inclined to conquer this same David? 
 Saul I am. But wherefore speakest thou? 
 Pluto To aid thee in thy purposes. 
 Hast thou a goodly thousand men? 
 Saul I have, but now, what of them? 
 Pluto Give David their command: dismiss him. 
 He will be over-honored in the place 
 And will, no doubt, abuse it. Canst thou 
 Not see how he will fall in favor ? 
 
 This thing performed, he works his own destruction ' 
 Ha, ha, ha! Perceivest thou? 
 Saul (reflectively) I do; I will dismiss him, 
 From close attention on my royal person 
 And give him keeping of a thousand men; 
 He, by some act, will over-estimate 
 His standing with the common populace 
 And public disrepute will be the thing 
 
18 DAVIT* AND JONATHAN, 
 
 That will attach itself to the assumption, 
 
 Then David's star will dim and fade, 
 
 While Saul's will shine in splendor. 
 
 But he is cautious, I must exercise 
 
 A care, or I shall find it different. 
 
 Pluto, thou art a mischief, but thou servest me. 
 (exit Saul, r, attended) 
 Pluto Now this is my first care 
 
 In this, my dangerous enterprise. 
 
 When devils will foul, heinous sins perform 
 
 They do at first suggest with honest shows 
 
 Seeming to do their 1 subjects good in all 
 
 And seeking in the subject a true object 
 
 As I am doing now. Ha, ha, ha! 
 
 Old Eblis smiles when I am affable. 
 
 While Saul strives to finish David, 
 
 I'll play upon his kingly sensibilities 
 
 And make him think me king withal 
 
 While I abuse him with impunity 
 
 And out of his ambition make the net 
 
 That will entrap them all. 
 
 Now here comes David and his Jonathan 
 
 I will give heedful note to them. 
 
 (retires up stage, 1, takes throne.) 
 (enter David and Jonathan, r) 
 David Now Jonathan, have I offended him 
 
 Im ; -?se I conquered enemies in the field? 
 
 I di . i lie State some service in the act 
 
 Is it offensive to protect our master? 
 Jonathan It is his honor, my friend David. 
 
 I will disuade him from his purposes. 
 
 He is in morbid feeling since the fray 
 
OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 19 
 
 And self condemned because he sees 
 
 The honor you receive, while he 
 
 As he must needs, is held in question. 
 David I hope I am not guilty of offence. 
 
 Let me be scorned; say it was the kiug 
 
 That blessed me in the acts and thus 
 
 The populace will be appeased. 
 Jonathan Wouldst thou prevaricate avoiding honor 
 
 To shield the hasty humor of a Icing? 
 
 Now look you, David, I'm his son 
 
 But let the father find his claim 
 
 To the honor he would fain 
 
 Establish with his subjects. 
 
 The deeds are thine and thou shalt have 
 
 The praise despite the envy of a king. 
 
 My sister loves you, she and I 
 
 Will change the testy humor of our father. 
 
 Your deeds in the position that you have 
 
 As leader of a goodly thousand men 
 
 Have won you favor. Have no fear withal, 
 
 All will be well; indeed, it must be so. 
 David The king. — king's march - 
 
 ( David and Jonathan retire to 1 f. ) 
 (enter Saul, r, attended.) 
 Pluto (to Saul) He doth love thy daughter 
 
 He hath declared himself. 
 Saul (to David) Now David is it true that j©» 
 
 Do love my daughter, Michal ? 
 David Oh king, that I do love her is most tru* 
 
 And I am nothing loath to confess it 
 
 But that I thought it pleased your majesty 
 
 I am not guilty, for I have feared 
 
20 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 
 
 To even think on it. 
 Saul (aside rfe) He is in tune. I'll make condition 
 
 That will require his life ere he 
 
 Shall cla'in the proffered offer of her hand. 
 PLU'ro(to Saul)Howbeit now, if thou shouldst offer Michal 
 
 As a trophy? She's wondrous fair — 
 
 I have heard that heroes going forth 
 
 To tight in battles for their country's worth 
 
 Are braver, and do serve their country better 
 
 When they bear in arms a woman's love, 
 
 And this may make him fight the harder, see ? 
 
 While I bear thee, king Saul, good company, 
 
 And worms may feed on his mortality. 
 Saul Thou seemest to dote upon 
 
 Thy knowledge of our women. 
 Pluto Aye, aye; and why not, pray; 
 
 I know the first one 
 
 T'was my master gave dame Ev« 
 
 The apple in the garden. 
 Saul This fruit hath spice in it 
 Pluto Aye, aye; thou hast it sir, 
 
 T'was through her Adam fell, 
 
 As David shall through Michal. 
 
 He'll quicken the Philistines' spear, 
 
 And if his spear fails — thy javelin ! 
 Saul I will look to it. 
 Pluto (r f, aside) It shall be thy javelin— 
 
 But he anticipates me in this thought. 
 
 He's apt and shrewd; I'll teach him 
 
 On more potent things. 
 
 ( Pluto retires up stage, r) 
 (enter Michal, rue, down.) — tremelo -•— 
 
OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 21 
 
 Saul She comes ! 
 
 Michal, lovest thou this David? 
 Michal You ask me do I love him. 
 
 Father, thou ne'er didst teach me lov«. 
 
 When wakened from my dreams, 
 
 In sad affright, I looked into the stars 
 
 That I might see my mother's eyes 
 
 In tenderness on me 
 
 And feel myself safe as in my childhood, 
 
 I deemed that love. 
 
 But now, if to think, and live, and. breathe 
 
 And ask no better heaven 
 
 Then that loved one's presence, 
 
 1 think — I love. 
 Saul Now, David, she is thine— 
 
 That is, when you discharge 
 
 A great requirement I have to make,. 
 David What is it? Name it. 
 Saul The Philistines trouble me 
 
 Go thou unto the country near to Gath 
 
 And by the force of arms subdue them 
 
 And make them honor Saul 
 
 Then come to me and claim the trophy, 
 
 This, my daughter Michal. 
 Michal Oh father, do not send him thither. 
 
 He cannot cope such dangerous enterprise 
 
 He will be slain and I will loose my husband ! 
 Saul None but a hero should enjoy in any 
 
 The blessings of a wife like thee. 
 
 Let him accept the offer I have made 
 
 And I will give him thee, but not till then. 
 Jonathan David will be equal to it, I am sure. 
 
22 DAVID AN!) JONATHAN., 
 
 David, my friend, gp'out and do 
 ; The thing the king demands. 
 
 And I will have thee for a brother. 
 
 j David (to Michal) Ah, Michal,, be brave, dear one. 
 
 l To earn that, dear, deal* hand ,• • ■ ■ , < . 
 
 \ 1 would be more content, , 
 ) 
 
 Then grasp it all unworthy 1 . 
 
 Give me th^' blessing 
 \ And that one above, thoust taught me ; 
 
 Guards our love ' ;, •, < 
 
 Will bring me back in safety to thee. - 
 I Tell me now, art thou content 
 
 And may I claim thee for mine own 
 
 When I return ? 
 Michal Thou canst, in life or death. < 
 
 I will be true. 
 Saul (aside) Now by the Mars, see that. 
 
 She loves him, and my Jonathan 
 
 Calls him his friend. 
 
 I wonder if it be deep-rooted. 
 
 I'll prove it in the dawning future^ - 
 
 Well, David;, What say you 
 
 Dost thou go ? 
 | David I. will;' and the everliving God of battles 
 
 Will give me power io return a victor. 
 
 My Michal,- now farewell— And Jonathan- 
 
 My friend, I will enfold thee to my heart. 
 
 (Saul starts a,ngerly) 
 
 Thy blessing give me (kneeling)-*— 
 
 And now, oh king, 
 
 I will return to thee a conqueror 
 
 To thine own house and claim my bride. 
 
OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 23 
 I . . : lL 
 
 i(exit David, 1) — Music— 
 
 Jonathan Saul, my father and my king, I note 
 
 Thou art displeased with David. 
 
 What is the cause of it ? 
 Saul Let him prove true and all the causes 
 
 I have had to spurn him are of naught. 
 
 I am contented in this enterprise. 
 Joxatkan He, .will prove true, I'm sure. 
 Michal And so am I. He is a loyal subject 
 
 (exit Jonathan and Michal, rue) 
 Saul He is a loyal subject and they love him. 
 
 My people all applaud him to the echo. 
 
 And is my kingdom not of brittle glass ? 
 
 What shall I do if he succeeds in this ? 
 
 I'll force to give my daughter, Michal, to him. 
 
 Or otherwise he'll apprehend my honor. 
 
 How am I, then, to get him' out of favor ? 
 Pluto (up stage, 1) Have him killed! 
 
 (Saul starts) 
 Saul I will have Jonathan perform the deed; 
 
 He is my heir. My argument shall be 
 
 That he will loose. his chances for the crown 
 
 If Dayid lives. That is, I'll do this thing 
 
 If he returns to me a conquerer. 
 
 I see not why the son of Jesse should 
 
 More than another question me, 
 
 Or why I'd hesitate to have him killed 
 
 To guard my kingdom's safety; 
 
 But what if Jonathan refuseth; 
 
 What if he proves a faithful friend to David'. 
 
 Am I not then a fool to think of him 
 
 As subject to my purpose V 
 
24 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 
 
 Pluto (behind Saul) Thou hast others — thy courtiers ! 
 Saul (starts, confused) I am to much in haste I'll have 
 
 Sufficient time to reason of it 
 
 And in the interim I will weigh it well. 
 
 I was not chosen king alone of courage 
 
 But because of other qualities. 
 
 And can I think my subjects will admire 
 
 A coward in a king while David lives ? 
 Pluto (behind Saul) He is a braggart and a knave! 
 Saul( starts, amazed) I fear David as the ancient Pharai. 
 
 Feared Moses and the Isrealites. 
 
 I know he has the power and the brain, 
 
 To prove a most successful adversary, 
 
 And as a human being he must possess 
 
 The weakness that prevades all human kind. 
 
 He'd have my place I know he would, 
 
 I feel it. And by the Gods I'll live 
 
 And die a Monk, be fed on rats 
 
 And ostracized by man before 
 
 I'll yield the right I have, unto another. 
 Pluto (skulking) That would I, sir, I would. Ha, ha, ha! 
 Sual My reasons grow apace. I'm in 
 
 And I'll wade through or leave myself 
 
 A sacrifice upon the alter of my soul's 
 
 Ambition to retain my own. 
 
 (exit Saul, r, attended) — a march — 
 
 Pluto (following to r f ) Ha, ha, ha! 
 
 How fondly do I torture him, ha ha! 
 
 Now he hath ruled these many years 
 
 Despite the laws of power omnipotent, 
 
 And though this may be called blasphemy 
 
 Because one like myself doth voice it 
 
OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 
 
 Yet, it is true as Jepthah himself. 
 And, wonderful, as wonderful may seem 
 Yet its more wonderful when devils tell the truth. 
 As it in truth's not wonderful the same 
 When angels he so angry as they are 
 "With Saul and his foul crimes repeated — 
 Kind of me to thus defend the angels — 
 His envy gnaws like posion at his vitals 
 It reaches his poor soul, makes him cry out 
 For quarters as he has in his departure. 
 And yet, to me, there's music in its knell 
 For I'm happy when he's miserable; ha, ha! 
 Nor aught in all the fates can satisfy me 
 Until I have entwined him and the rest 
 And made them subject to my master's purpose. 
 (exit Pluto, 1) 
 
 8CENE 2 
 
 (enter David and Jonathan, r) — welcome 
 Jonathan So David, you have proven victor 
 David I have; the God of battles hath made me conquei'61 
 
 In this dangerous enterprise. I met 
 
 And vanquished all my foes, and now, 
 
 I come to claim my prize, my Michal. 
 
 I wonder where she is, she should be 
 
 On hand to greet me. 
 Jonathan She sees in thee a hero true, indeed 
 
 And would her love's fond claim concede; 
 
 But see she comes, and Saul, my father, too. 
 (enter Saul and Michal, 1) 
 Saul The prize is yours now, David, take her — 
 
 The vagabond! I wish they'd killed him. —(aside) 
 
 Now Jonathan, I'd have the courtiers 
 
26 DAVID AND JONATHAN. 
 
 And 3'ou to meet me presently; 
 
 Go, bring them to the court, I'll see tin m there, 
 (at c aside) 
 
 I'll give command to have him killed anon. 
 
 He shall not have nor yet enjoy her long. 
 
 (exit Saul r, frowning, exit Jonathan 1) 
 David My own fair Michal, I have undergone 
 
 A dangerous enterprise to win thy hand 
 
 But by the Goddess of our fervent loves 
 
 I do account that hand to me much more 
 
 Than all the lives a thousand Davids have. 
 
 Now, that I have thee, I am content; 
 
 Come what may, I care not for the winters bitter spray. \ 
 Michal My David, true and greatest of the great, 
 
 The maidens of our land all honor thee, 
 
 But I, the chosen one of all my kind 
 
 Embrace thee and enfold thee to me; 
 
 I am the honored maiden of the / ealm. • 
 
 David The honor all is mine; in thee I find 
 
 A thousand royal enjo^ ments of a kind 
 
 Befitting kings and heroes at one time. 
 Michal Nay, were I a queen, love 
 
 Percha* ce it were in my mind to make thee king. 
 
 Aye, now I bethink me, 
 
 For one little horn I'll play the queen 
 
 And weave me form these flowers a garland 
 
 Rare as golden diadem. 
 
 Dame Nature hands me out this sprig of tree 
 
 For royal scepter — na^ , nay, 
 
 Shalt be thy sword ! 
 
 For thy brave weilding hath wrought it so. — 
 
 Give me thy sword, 
 
OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 27 
 
 j And thine own cloak, my David, 
 
 ii Because worn by thee is made kingly, 
 
 Shall be the royal robe — 
 
 Give mi; thy robe ! (imperatively) 
 | David The jest seems merry to thee, 
 ] But I love to see thee so 
 , For form of state doth apt to 
 a Keep thy girlish spirits hidden. 
 
 Now. indeed, thou dost look every inch 
 
 A queen, as always. 
 
 Wilt thou wed me, then; how else may I be king. 
 
 (lovingly) 
 | Michal Perchance it is in my mind to wed the©. 
 
 iSee, I am already weary. 
 I take this diadem from my hair 
 And place it on thy brow; 
 And, about thy shoulders, this royal mantle. 
 And in thy hand the sceptre. 
 
 (runs from him, turns head to side to note effect) 
 Nature hath crowned thee king. 
 
 [bows knee before him, runs to him laughingly] 
 And thou art indeed, my king. 
 David [suddenly wratl 'Ail] Cast these trinkets aside. 
 
 How darest thou mock me ! 
 Michal Why, I vow, thou hast cast my wreath 
 Of flowers down; art not ashamed ? 
 Kings would have cherished them among 
 Their choicest iiadems, and yet; — 
 Nay, nay my David, be not wroth, 
 How knowest that I mock thee. 
 Thou shalt be king, 'tis prophesied. 
 David My time will come, but while my master lives 
 
28 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 
 
 I have no claim but faithful services. 
 
 Let Saul live out his lease of nature 
 
 And Day id will obedience give to him 
 
 Though it should be an hundred years. 
 Michal My ]< y.il David, brave and ever tru«. 
 David My fair and winsome Michal, kind and true. 
 (exit arm in arm r 2 e) 
 (enter Pluto 1 u e) 
 Pluto He grows apace instead of falling down. 
 
 More desperate means must be the consequence. 
 
 Since he has subdued the Philistines, 
 
 And shown therein he's competent to lead, 
 
 Also anticipated our design; _ 
 
 To that extent we're thwarted — 
 
 But, I'm determined as he grows, 
 
 To enlarge my plans, direct my blowa, 
 
 To level him to ignominious plain, 
 
 Else, are my efforts all in vain, 
 
 Incurring master's ire for my behavior; 
 
 And I stand twixt a reprimand and flailer 
 
 Receiving both if I am charged with failure; 
 
 Hence, my determination rises-higher, 
 
 When I see his victory may draw nigher. 
 (enter David 1 perusing a scroll ) 
 
 Thou royal son of Jesse, good morrow, sir. 
 
 (bowing low. David frowns. Pluto blanches) 
 David Who art thou, a soothsayer? 
 
 Or some conjurer ? 
 Pluto (nervously) E'en anything you plea** 
 
 So I may gain a favor with thee. 
 David What ! Thou prince of darkness ! 
 Pluto (majestically) Aye, I am a prince, a king, ha, ha! 
 
OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 29 
 
 (David returns to r f perusing) 
 Now to visit Saul and tempt him more. 
 
 (exit Pluto r. enter Jonathan hastily 1) 
 j — quick tremelo — 
 
 I Jonathan Now, David, my friend, David. 
 \ David (startled) Now, what's the matter, Jonathan? 
 f Jonathan My father, Saul, hath in a fit of humor 
 Commanded me and all the courtiers 
 To take thy life; and he is well in earnest. 
 He'd have us loose no time, but have it done. 
 I beg thee fly from hence away; 
 Until 'I have some time to argue with him. 
 ; David Haw I deserved this treatment; was it for this 
 I conquered great Goliah in the fie". J? 
 And have subdued so many adversaries? 
 I owe it to my God that thou art honest 
 My noble Jonathan, I will away, 
 .Ind then thou canst appease him of his aim — 
 But my poor Michal. Can I not hide within t 
 Jonathan Thou canst; — but get thee gone 
 To some abode until I have appeased him. 
 David I will go home. Adieu, my Jonathan. 
 
 (exit David hastily r) 
 Jonathan Now how to keep my father Baal 
 From his fell purpose. I will in 
 And plead for him at all events. 
 
 ( exit Jonathan 1. enter Pluto r) 
 Pluto Ha, ha, ha. He studies military tactics well — 
 Ke-'d be perfection in the manly art 
 And understand the trade of war to kill. 
 N <:\\ I have him in trouble, and I see 
 T.r-;j Jonathan would aid him. Let himl 
 
30 
 
 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 
 
 I'll throw him into disrepiite with Saul— 
 
 Now why not make him David's own destroyer, 
 
 I believe I can do that, withal — 
 
 The javelin for David. Aye, the javelin ! Ha, ha! 
 (exit Pluto r. enter Saul 1) 
 Saul I will charge further that they I ill him, 
 
 This David hath tormented me enough; 
 
 Must I be deposed because a shepherd 
 
 Hath slain his numbers in the battle-field? 
 
 By heavens it is time to strike. 
 
 I'll have the shepherd killed 
 (sits on throne) 
 
 And then my fears will rise no more 
 
 No more pale-hearted fear will visit ma 
 (enter Jonathan 1) 
 
 Now Jonathan, have you seen David? 
 
 Have my orders been fulfilled ? 
 
 Is he dead ? Or have the courtiers in all 
 
 Complied with my commands? 
 Jonathan Oh King, and oh my father Saul 
 
 Why seekest thou the life of David ? 
 
 Hath he conspired against thy life, or 
 
 What is his fault ? If to have killed 
 
 A monster enemy be a fault, or 
 
 If to serve the crown and state 
 
 In nil that signifies allegiance to 
 
 x k g, and fealty as a subject; 
 
 If to have loved my sister, or 
 
 If through his virtues to have won her; 
 
 If these be accounted as offences 
 
 Then who of us can hope to live? 
 Saul Thou argnest like an unsophisticated youth. 
 
OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 31 
 
 Jonathan If David be destroyed or if he hath 
 
 A sin against the crown committed, 
 
 Then I am sure every man 
 
 Within the realm of your great control 
 
 Hath well deserved to die. 
 Saul Thou simpleton, thou dupe, 
 
 Have done with thy fine spun arguments, 
 Jonathan Bear with me, kingly sovereign, 
 
 I am prone to serve thee and I will 
 
 If, after you have heard me, you command 
 
 That it be so. But listen to his virtues, 
 
 Not alone his faults, if he have any. 
 
 I'm sure thou hast mistook in all 
 
 He hath no thought to injure thee, 
 
 But he would serve the crown and state 
 
 And honor Saul as king and ruler. 
 Saul Still pleadest thou to me for him ? Hath he not 
 
 Forsworn himself by winning the affections 
 
 Of my subjects? Have not the maidens 
 
 Of my realm ascribed to him 
 
 His tens of thousands, while to ine 
 
 They do ascribe but thousands slain ? 
 
 Is not this enough ? Must Saul bow down 
 
 His head in honor of a shepherd subject? 
 
 I'll hear no more. Now have him killed I say. 
 Jonathan Thy will, oh king, but hear me: 
 
 I love David, I know his every fault. 
 
 He hath no envious thoughts of thee 
 
 I feel, though thou art mighty in thy place 
 
 That it behooves a king in mercy's name, 
 
 To exercise that charity which comes 
 
 Of heaven, and finds its mighty fore • 
 
DAVID AND JONATHAN, 
 
 In men of mighty note. Wouldst thou 
 
 in all thy majesty, and thy royal seat 
 
 lie accounted guilty of a deed like this? 
 
 Or any such a deed as conteplated ? 
 Saul Men of note, of charity, nothing. 
 
 I am one of those who believe 
 
 In the virtue of self-preservation. 
 Jonathan Now Saul, oh king, my father, sovereign. 
 ( kneeling) 
 
 1 do adjure thee with all a subject's loyalty 
 
 That thou wilt reason well thy bitterness 
 
 And think it kind that David's greatest fault 
 
 is that he loves his king and people, 
 
 And made a victim of a mighty giant 
 
 The rude disturber of our nation's peace. 
 
 If to be free from guilt be all there needs 
 
 To claim consideration of a king, 
 
 Then David, I am certain, claims his own 
 Saul Now art thou sure of this, Jonathan? 
 Jonathak i am most sure, oh king. 
 
 uj] I have my doubts; but for thy love 
 
 I will forego my former commands 
 
 And let him live more near me. 
 Jonathan And proyidence will bless you for it. 
 
 i risi ng ) — soft tremelo — 
 
 Saul Go send him in and let him play 
 
 Some tune upon his harp, to please, 
 
 1 want some music here to cheer me. 
 
 : exit Jonathan !, Saul takes up javelin, examines 
 it, sets it near; frowns, enter David with harp 1) 
 Sail (placing hand on javelin i 
 
 Play me that tune I love to hear. 
 
OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 33 
 
 (David site, prepares to play. Enter Pluto, ob- 
 servingly. Saul frowns. David piny-; a strain. 
 Saul throws the javelin, David dodges, Saul rises' 
 frowns. Pluto strides over to David, stands 
 aghast. ) 
 Pluto (r f c) It has failed, by all the Gods it baa I 
 — CWBmiM— 
 (tremelo stops as curtain falls) 
 
 ■^ — Sad of Atti 1 ■ ■ 
 
I ACT II 
 
 — OVERTURE— 
 
 Scene 1 (exterior of David's house, or palace, in 
 
 1. euter Pluto r) 
 Pluto Now, there's nothing great, nor nothing wise 
 That idle hands or brain supplies. 
 And as an idle brain is truly said 
 To be the devil's workshop, ha! ha! 
 I have counseled Saul to kill this David 
 In his bed chamber, or have him brought 
 Into his presence in the palace here, and slain. 
 I'll rest me here and note the consequence. 
 
 (a brief pause — Pluto looks around significantly) 
 Religion has its part in this great contest. 
 The leadership of Moses is no more 
 A boon companion of the Israelites. 
 They are in much divided, and 'tis mete 
 To work out havoc in their very midst. 
 I have longvdooked for such an opportunity, 
 Now here it has itself presented to me. 
 I see my way marked out in this to work 
 His ruin and the ruin of all Israel. 
 This is my great desire and it has been 
 Since Israelites were risen from brick-makers 
 Ha! ha! ha! Making bricks without their straw. 
 The master that I serve makes me the greater 
 When I the greater mischief raise with men 
 I will by divers plots and every means I can 
 
 ■ Saul to be at enmity with David 
 
OK THE SHEPHERD KING. 
 
 And by the worst I'll have the worst performed. 
 A monsterous bravery and subtle traitor's pains 
 I will enlist to cause them both disturbance. 
 Until I reach, if possible, the ruin of them all — 
 But here comes Saul. I'll get me a seclusion. (retiring) 
 (enter Saul, Abner and Deog, r) 
 
 Saul Stay, some of you and guard the house. 
 See that David does not 'scape me, 
 And I will make you all king's courtiers. 
 And in higher ways ye shall be servants' masters. 
 I'll have him slain in this house, (aside) 
 Bring me tidings of his whereabouts. 
 
 (exit Abner and Deog 1) 
 If he be in the house he'll ne'er escape me 
 For I will have it guarded night and day. 
 (Pluto comes forth near to Saul) 
 
 Pluto I think he will pretend that he be ill 
 And will decline to come on that account. 
 He is a subtle and a traitorous knave. 
 
 Saul He shall not 'scape me, be he sick o:- well 
 (exit Saul 1) 
 
 Pluto Now if he kills him I will smile, 
 For it is mete, as it will gratify me - 
 And I will smile serenely in content 
 Because it gives my master's object to me 
 And renders Saul subservient to him mora. 
 Then why not smile quite pleasantly 
 Befitting my endeavors and achievments 
 If before the act is e'en performed, 
 As he is in the house securely hemmed, 
 Embraced by Michal in a jolly 'havior, 
 And contentment must now prevade his mind, 
 
36 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 
 
 The sun upon my plan shines full and bright 
 
 And I may have him slain in love's true plight, 
 
 Yes, slain while he accompanies Michal fair, 
 
 Though her I wish no harm particular, 
 
 As she in general serves me well enough. 
 
 Yet him I claim, e'en at the utmost hazard. 
 
 But, Pluto, come now, go to thy charge 
 
 And smile in thine own pleasure, full and large, 
 
 Ha, ha, ha. 
 
 (exit Ptuto 1) 
 
 Scene 2 
 (interior of David's house — 2, enter David brood- 
 ing, enter Michal fearful ) 
 Michal Who are these men about the place 
 
 So constant in their watching ? 
 
 They seem to peer in at the window* 
 
 As though to guard departure of a foe. 
 
 I think they're of the king's attendant*. 
 
 My David, think'st 'tis harm to thee? 
 David That the king's wrath is on me I know 
 
 Else he would not have thrown the javelin. 
 Michal My husband, all through the late days 
 
 Upon my heart a leaden sense of fear 
 
 For thee doth choke me. 
 
 So wrapt my soul about thee, love, 
 
 That e'en soft breezes I am jealous 
 
 Should touch thy brow too harshly. 
 
 Last night I dreamed: I dreamed I saw thee, 
 
 On a vast expanse of barren country 
 
 As thou went, thorns sprung in thy pathway 
 
 To tear thy sandaless feet. 
 
 I called to thee, but my voice seemed 
 
OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 37 
 
 Far stretched. 
 
 And wan I fell upon the earth 
 
 Chaos closed o'er me, 
 
 I woke, 'twas but a dream. 
 David But a dream. 
 Michal What noise! (goes listens) — gentle strain — 
 
 Good God ! Thy life, thy life! 
 
 In jeapordy is held thy life. 
 
 The king's wrath — Thou must fty! Love, fly. 
 
 Before the sun doth come to make the dawn 
 
 Thou wilt be killed ! 
 David Tis even so; 
 
 But wouldst thou make a coward of me 
 
 To leave thee thus ? 
 
 I cannot; will not. 
 Michal Thou wilt not fly? 
 David Nay. 
 Mi (hal For my sake fly. 
 David Aye, it is for thy sake that I stay. 
 Michal Mark, my love, there is no time to loose, 
 
 Eyen now the guards tramp before the very door. 
 (David is transfixed) 
 
 It is a mighty game, but I must match 
 
 My women's magic 'gainst thine. 
 
 (Takes dagger from David's hilt, goes up stage) 
 
 See, here is thy knife. Did I not know 
 
 I hold thee by bonds more strong 
 
 Than prison chains, I would not 
 
 Sever them; did I not love thy life more — 
 David ~N&y, look up love, all is not lost; 
 
 Nor do I love to see thee plunged in sorrow; 
 
 For thy sake I will fly; 
 
38 DATED AND JONATHAN, • 
 
 As yet I can't, they will discover me; 
 
 The night is long, methinks I might 
 
 Escape before the morning dawns. 
 Michal Ah, true, true, here niayst thou not abide, 
 
 For if they find thee, surely they 
 
 would put thee to a dreadful death. 
 
 When they think we are lost 
 
 To the world in .peaceful slumber, 
 
 We will arrange it so that I may let you down 
 
 At rear of house from window in a, basket, 
 
 Forsooth, it will be easy. 
 David A happy thought, and we will execute it — 
 
 But how to turn the blame from thee? 
 Michal I'll claim that you are ill, abed 
 
 And cannot be disturbed, until you've had 
 
 Sufficient time to fly, and then 
 
 I'll satisfy the king by some means. 
 David 'Tis well, now let us to repose. 
 
 At dead of night we'll practice this good deed. 
 
 Oh God ! That man might be an arrant knave 
 
 And live in haunts of vile obscurity 
 
 Before he serves a king to his discredit 
 
 My only fault is that I love him well 
 
 And yet for that he seeks to take my life, 
 
 Yet in His preservation do I trust. 
 Michal And so thou mayst for he will still protect 
 (exit r, 3 e) . — tremelo- 
 
 Scene 3 
 
 
 ( A garden in 3. Moonlight. Set house 
 
 prac- 
 
 tical, r, draw. Enter Abner and Deo;;-. 
 
 Pluto 
 
 following ) 
 
 
 Abner Have you discovered aught amiss? 
 
 
OE Tl .. ;PHERD KING. 39 
 
 i >EOG I liiivc not. 
 Abxeu All is yet serene. 
 
 They'll trap him at the early dawn, 
 (exit Abner and Debg 1) 
 Pluto He has them on his track. Now how we have 
 This devilish worshipper of God destroyed. 
 If he by an}- means escapes device 
 And makes his quarters in the forests 
 I'll tempt the king to follow him. 
 Should he escape my contemplate design, 
 I'll find a way to have reward for trouble. 
 
 (window opens above) 
 But hold a window stirs, now what is this ? 
 By the great Mars it is a planned escape 
 Of this same David. Shall I suffer it? (drawing) 
 » Michal (at window) Thou goest, thou goest, whither 
 I may not follow. 
 How gladly would I give my life for thee. 
 
 (David passes hastily over stage, r to 1 or if exterior 
 thus. Pluto is near David as he alights — after 
 kissing Michal at window — in threatening atti- 
 tude. Cringes and pursuing in stealth as David 
 exits r. ) 
 Pluio Now, by the Mars ! Now where is Saul ? 
 I will arouse him and confederates 
 To cleave this scoundrel from the pave to chaps. 
 I'll have him take his Michal from him, too. 
 (exit Pluto 1) 
 
 Scene 4 
 (same as scene 2, closed. Enter Michal from 
 chamber) 
 Michal Within yon chamber, arranged with silken cover 
 
40 DAVID AND JONATHAN. 
 
 A form of straw, 
 
 To seem as one in deep sleep breathing, 
 
 Enclosed within the heart and entrails of a Jamb 
 
 Whose every throbbing of its lifeless pulse 
 
 Doth hold in balance 
 
 The quickening of my own true love's heart. 
 
 Time flies. Would I had the power 
 
 To stay too fleeting moments, 
 
 That as they go, echo back each footfall 
 
 Of my love on my poor aching heart. 
 
 As takes him farther from me, 
 
 Yet nearer safety. 
 
 Hark ! The king's attendants; 
 
 Like hungry wolves to pounce upon their prey. 
 
 Thy help, oh Heaven ! 
 
 (enter Abner and Deog o d) 
 Abner Hath David yet arisen? 
 Michal He is ill and cannot be disturbed, 
 
 The thought of the king's wrath 
 
 Hath made him most exceeding melancholy. 
 
 I'll discover to you that he still tarries in his bed. 
 
 See you not he breathes in heavy sleep ? 
 Abner 'Tis even so. We will so apprise the king. 
 
 (exit Abner and Deog c d) — soft strain— 
 
 Michal My life's in danger. 
 
 The king's wrath will run most high 
 
 When he discovers the secret of flight; 
 
 But then I am protecting my husband — 
 
 He being safe what care I though I perish. 
 
 (enter Saul, Abner and Deog c d) -quickens — 
 Saul Show me the place where David lies. 
 
 Fetch forth the bed and all ! 
 
 McnuJ 
 
OS THE SHEPHESD KING. 4 1 
 
 (attendants get bed, within man of straw) 
 Set it down. Remove the clothes. 
 
 (Saul and attendants start in amazement at re- 
 velation) — qu : eker — 
 What means this conduct and deception. Michal, 
 Dare you deceive your father and your king ? 
 Explain this deed, or by the God of Mars 
 Your life shall answer for the same, —gently again — 
 Michal It means, oh king, to save that Hfc 
 Of him who is my life, 
 
 I bade him flee thy jealous wrath. I have said. 
 Thou canst but kill me; 
 Hut when thou raiseth thy hand 
 Against me, 
 jf Thou killest thine own flesh 
 | And spillest thine own blood. 
 \ Saul Nay, I'll not kill thee; 
 J But for this vile affront 
 
 I'll take away from David your companionship 
 And give it to another. 
 '. L'chal Father, not king or sovereign, 
 But father, thy child 
 Doth plead, aye, beg for mercy. 
 Saul I have said- 
 Come ye to the castle and I'll there 
 Make my decree in this emergency. 
 
 (exit c d all but Michal) — msuic stops — 
 
 \ Michal Nay, no more — would they were 
 But tears to moisten on my grave. 
 Relentless! But thou canst not stop 
 The wind or tide, 
 Or the ebbing of that life 
 
42 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 
 
 _ _ I 
 
 Tliou seest pleased to bend thy will 
 
 Ah, breezes that touch my fevered lips 
 
 Where'ere ray love may b • 
 
 Waft this message as thou touch him, 
 
 Tell him that great love which was 
 
 Made by heaven, in heaven 'twill wait him. 
 
 Thy kisses yet warm upon iny lips 
 
 Pray God may turn to death's numb coldness 
 
 Ere another snatch them back to life. 
 
 My heart is breaking till we meet p.gai 
 
 (exit Michal r 1 e. Enter Pluto . a e) 
 Pluto (c) There's comedy in this. A man of straw. 
 
 By hockey thou then, straw has came to 
 
 In other ways than making rugged pillows. 
 
 A man of straw has made a prompt divorce, 
 
 This is a new departure in the lav 
 
 Laid down by Moses after leaving Sinai, 
 
 I wonder if this wrath will break the tables 
 
 As Moses did when he returned from Sinai ? 
 
 If a man would put away his wife, let him give 
 
 Her a writing of divorcement; ha, ha! 
 
 Here we have a case that's based on straw 
 
 And yet it's strong as great Mosaic law. 
 
 Ha, ha, ha! (exit 1) —Home Sweet Home, softly — 
 Scene 5 
 (a roadway in 1 in woods, closed. Lntor David 1) 5 
 David Wh} 7 am I thus sought out and hunted down 
 
 Like one who's guilty of a gross affront 
 
 Or one that has committed an offence 
 
 Against the laws of state and sovereignty? 
 
 My greatest fault is that I love tins king 
 
 And yet I'm hunted like a stricken de< r 
 
OK THE SHEPHERD KING. 
 
 From place to place, and in the wilderness 
 
 I've found my bed for nights. 
 
 No sandals on my feet, no place to lay 
 
 My weary head, and all because I had 
 
 The courage and conviction of my faith 
 
 In my Creator to deliver me 
 
 From the Philistines' power in the field; 
 
 I slew them in the battle field, and yet 
 
 With him that prospered by it, it is seen 
 
 To be my greatest fault, (pauses) 
 
 My Michal, now, I wonder how fares she. 
 
 I will to Samuel, he'll give me protection 
 
 And give me succour from an angry king. 
 
 Then I will return to Jonathan, and he 
 
 Will aid me to appease the enraged Saul , 
 
 And my fair Michal, I may see her too. (looking 1) 
 
 Now here comes Jonathan, 
 (enter Jonathan 1) 
 
 Jonathan, my brother Jonathan. 
 Jonathan My brother and my friend. 
 
 (embracing) — music cease — 
 
 Thou hast thus far escaped the king ? 
 David The Almighty forefend that I should i\\-A 
 
 A victim to his churlish disposition. 
 Jonathan I think he has abandoned his intents. 
 David Indeed he has not — But Michal, tell me of her. 
 3 Jonathan She has been given to another. 
 ' David Can the gods permit it. 
 
 I was a coward thus, to leave my post 
 
 And cause her this disgrace, | 
 
 But how comes it. tell the manner of it. 
 1 Jonathan To save her life she said she gi 
 
44 DAVID AND JONATHAN. 
 
 To your departure and the groat deception 
 
 That followed it. The king believed her. 
 
 And as his revenge he took her from you. 
 
 But now, my David, are you sure 
 
 Of right in your opinion that the king 
 
 Intends to kill you ? 
 David I am; and what is more,** I think 
 
 He keeps you in the dark because he has 
 
 Discovered our love for one another; 
 
 But let Divinity have its full share. 
 Jonathan Aye, with all my heart, and now, my David, | 
 
 Thou'lt be Saul's successor to the crown of Israel. 
 
 Nay, do not think I flatter thee, 
 
 I know within my being this is so. 
 
 And my true friend and brother 
 
 I have a simple boon to ask of thee: 
 
 That if I live when you are made our king 
 
 That you'll be merciful to me and mine, 
 
 And if I'm not, thou wilt the same 
 
 Be merciful to mine for my own sake. 
 David Can I deny my Jonathan, 
 
 If anything he asks can be performed 
 
 By David in his office, if king. 
 
 As Jonathan will seem to have it so, 
 
 Or even as a monk within a dungeon, 
 
 Nay, David will discharge it to the letter. 
 Jonathan In this our love be ever firm and true, 
 
 And may the blessing of this good resolve 
 
 Be on our seed, forever. (clasping bawls ) j 
 
 David I say 'amen" to that with all my heart; 
 
 Now Jonathan, commend me to my MiVImi: 
 
 The king, no doubt, expects me at tiu- ('• ast 
 
OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 45 
 
 But I'm aware of the great risk of being 
 
 And will forbear the pleasure for this time 
 
 Let the offence be what it may. 
 Jonathan I think it wise to thus decide 
 
 If your opinion of his purpose's true. 
 David I'm convinced of that, my Jonathan. 
 
 (exit David r. enter Pluto 1) 
 Pluto Now Jonathan, you seem to take an interest 
 
 In this David, the great son of Jesse. 
 
 What is your reason for the same ? 
 
 I'm sure you blight your own prospects 
 
 In seeking as you do to elevate him. 
 
 Were it not well, now think you, to be kind 
 
 To Saul, your father, and to aid him, too 
 
 To rid yourself of such an adversary ? 
 
 Thou canst not be king while David lives. 
 Jonathan That is true, but get the hence. 
 
 Thou mayst tempt my father, Saul 
 
 Because he sees his own superior, 
 
 But I am satisfied that David should 
 
 Be seated by the fates that made him king. 
 
 I will not heed thee, thou art losing time 
 
 To trifle with me or to palter thus 
 
 Begone, I say! (exit Jonathan r) 
 
 Pluto Now I'll have Saul kill this Jonathan 
 
 For while he lives its clearly evident 
 
 That I can never have his David slain. 
 
 The arrant knave. The peevish fool. 
 
 He loves his David so; ha, ha, ha. 
 
 He loves his David so — 
 
 The.javcMlin for Jonathan, aye, for Jonathan. 
 
 (exit Pluto) — gentle strain 
 
46 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 
 
 Scene 6 
 
 (the court, a feast in 4, several seated feasting! 
 and drinking. Enter Saul r, enter Jonathan 1) 
 Saul Now Jonathan, this is the second clay 
 
 Of our great feast, and David has not come. 
 
 What means this stubborn disobedience 
 
 Of our imperial orders ? 
 Jonathan I'm sure I cannot blame him 
 
 In view of many things that's past. 
 
 He thinks it mete, no doubt, that he 
 
 Should keep his presence from the feast. 
 Saul Does he forget the great offence 
 
 It is to keep his presence from me ? 
 Jonathan He does, I think; and I doubt not 
 
 He believes he's acting wisely. 
 
 (enter Pluto, 1, with javelin; going near Saul) 
 Pluto He is deceiving thee. Do not heed him. 
 Saul Tut, tut, my son, do not deceive thyself; 
 
 There is some other reason in it. 
 Jonathan There is, oh king, and if it please 
 
 Your majesty to hear it, I will tell 
 
 The reason of his absence. 
 Saul Should I not hear it; is he not a subject 
 
 To me ? Can he stay without my full consent ? 
 Jonathan Then know, oh king, that I did give 
 
 My humble plain consent, that he 
 
 Should absence keep from our feast 
 
 In view of many reasons that have passed 
 
 And others that may follow. 
 Saul (If) Who gave thee right to thus agree 
 
 That he should not obedience show 
 
 To me and my position ? 
 
 J 
 
OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 47 
 
 Thou art more simple than I thought 
 
 Aud seem to have forgotten all the claims 
 
 To the crown head as my successor. 
 
 Know you not that every right you have 
 
 Is countermanded in the life of David? 
 
 And would you have the seed of Jesse 
 
 Claim the crown and take it from you? 
 
 Wherefore, go you now aud fetch him 
 
 Or send for hira that he come here 
 
 For he shall surely < e. 
 
 My scheme has thus i;\r failed, [aside) 
 Jonathan (r f) But, my father, wherefore shall he die? 
 
 Now then, what hath he done? I claim 
 
 It is injustice to a subject such as he 
 
 To even speak his name in such a way; 
 
 I feel I cannot, will not send for him. 
 Pluto (offering iavelin to Saul) Kill him with thy javelin 
 
 He is to blame for these affairs. — quickens — 
 
 Sail (1 f ) What ! Wilt thou thus affront me ? 
 
 Thy friendship hath availed thee much. 
 
 But now I will cut off thy every chance 
 
 To see or aid him farther. — quicker — 
 
 (Saul throws javelin, Jonathan catches it on his 
 shield. Jonathan looks at Saul in disgust. Pluto 
 rushes to him, bends over him in fiendish attitude) 
 Pluto By the great Mars, this shot has failed. 
 
 (struts to c, looks at Saul and Jonathan alter- 
 nately.) 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
 (music stops as curtain falls) 
 —End of Act II— 
 
1 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 —OVERTURE— 
 Scene 1 Country place. An open place before a 
 cave in 1. Enter Jonathan r, with bow and ar- 
 row, attended by a lad. Shoots arrow r, lad runs 
 out after it.) 
 
 Jonathan (to lad as he goes) 
 
 Do not come back, I'll meet you in the city; 
 
 Or, wait for me at the other end of field. 
 (exit lad r 1 e. Enter David r 2 e) 
 David How goes it with the king, my friend and brother? 
 
 (they clasp one another) 
 Jonathan Now, David, I'm surprised, indeed I am. 
 
 While at the feast, Saul, in a tit of frenzy, 
 
 Because I asked him how you have offended, 
 
 Made a bold attempt to take niy life 
 
 As he did yours, by throwing a javelin. 
 
 I scarce escaped, and, withal 
 
 I no convinced he means to kill you. 
 I Now Jonathan, I do declare to heaven 
 
 1 knew not cause that Saul can have 
 
 Why he should spurn me, unless it be 
 
 In that I am the son of Jesse. 
 
 Have I offended in my services in aught? 
 
 [t cannot be, I'm sure it cannot. 
 
 (enter Pluto 1, approaching David) 
 Pi i 'to You have offended him, and justly too, 
 
 In that you win the people's hearts from him, 
 
 ( David frowns at Pluto, who cringes and skulks 
 away) 
 
OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 49 
 
 Jonathan The king, my father Saul, and Satin too, 
 
 Cannot dissuade us from our purposes. 
 
 Begone, you worker of devil's harm. 
 (exit Pluto, r 3 e) 
 
 With him, I mean with Saul the king, 
 
 It matters not, he means to have 
 
 The life of David anyaway; 
 
 He will not listen to a reason given. 
 David I will away and leave the comrtry; 
 
 I'll go up nigh to Gath and it ni;ry !>e 
 
 I'll find a means to 'scape the king's ill will. 
 
 My Jonathan, my brother Jonathan; 
 
 Not in the flesh but in a nearer tie — 
 
 A tie that brings the aaanhood to the surface 
 
 And lets the world look on the better part 
 
 Of man in relation to hie fellows; 
 
 Brothers, in that sense which our God 
 
 Intended man to be his fellows brother; 
 
 Brother in a sense which brings 
 
 Hie inner man to more exalted view 
 
 And lets the grosser qualities in met 
 
 Behold itself in Nature's mirror. 
 
 Brother in the action as the word, 
 
 '• Compared with this crowns are nothingness. 
 
 Glory is sound, aiid grandeur poverty." 
 
 Adieu, ray brother, and may Jacob's God protect us. 
 Jonathan He will do that, I'm satisfied he will, 
 
 And I will do the best I can in all 
 
 To stay the anger of my father Saul. 
 David I feel we cannot fail, though this is bitter; 
 
 It is a scourge to hard for mortal man, 
 
 To be thus separated from our kindred. 
 
tiirjKE/*aim*»-wcn. BiKJi .- t, \ tTTH'tomftcXJBlBaumzxr*' 
 
 50 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 
 
 But Miehal, how is she ? Remember mo to her 
 
 When you do meet her, do this my brother. 
 
 I'm dangerous to myself ns well as thee 
 
 While I am here. Again, adieu. (exit David r) 
 
 Jonathan Poor fellow, to be thus hunted and 
 Because he claims a virtue of the Maker 
 That gave him being. He hath no more offence 
 Thai! the mere babe that is unborn. 
 I marvel that my lather treats him so. 
 I will to the palace and aid him farther. 
 (exit Jonathan 1. Enter Pluto r 2 e) 
 
 Pluto He meddles oft and fondly for his David. 
 He reasons with the king, calls me a devil, 
 Ha, ha, ha! Me a devil ? I grant ye, ha, ha. 
 But Eblis is my king, his captain I. 
 And Jonathan is David's fondest friend; 
 He loves him as he loves his own dear soul — 
 He carries tales, he notes Said's acts 
 And bears the news to Jesse's son, 
 And thus he'd battle Saul in his attempts 
 To render David useless in the realm; 
 And thus, I'm hindered, by him oftentimes, 
 He hides his friend then visits Saul, 
 And traitor-like he gives him information 
 Of what the king determines to have done. 
 While with las bow and arrow plays the fool 
 A lad, his suppliant tool in it appearing, 
 But I shall watch him, mark me sirs, I shall 
 And I'll enthrall him if its possible. 
 Then having him it follows true enough 
 That I'm in letter tune to fasten David 
 Ha, ha, ha; yes, in better tune 
 
OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 51 
 
 To get my grip on David, ha, ha, ha. — march — 
 (exit Piuto 1. Enter Saul, attended, and Jon- 
 athan r) 
 i Saul Have you seen him ? Where is he? 
 | Jonathan He's gone away; lie's left the realm, 
 
 And took abode, I think, nigh unto Gath. 
 Saul He's with the Philistines. There let him stay. 
 
 He conquered them, now, with them he finds refuge. 
 
 But if he leaves them, I will follow him 
 
 To any part he may elect to go. 
 
 Come, go we in and make our preparations 
 
 To follow him. Come Jonathan. 
 Jonathan I cannot countenance the act, my lord. 
 
 I see no reason why he should be thus 
 
 Tormented and pursued. I will not aid it. 
 Saul You will not. Then stay behind; but I 
 
 Will follow him in every place. 
 
 (enter Pluto 1. Exit Jonathan r) 
 Pluto Now great king Saul. David is with Samuel. 
 
 He's there in disobedience to your will 
 
 And it behooves you well to follow him. 
 Saul (aside - , Ah, with the prophet priest 
 
 I have said and follow him 1 will, (exit all but Pluto 
 Pltjio The tune is ripe I have sought in vain 
 
 To have this David reprimanded 
 
 To have him killed or to have anything 
 
 I could befall him to his own distraction, 
 
 But l have failed: and must I fail in all? 
 
 And hence b 'cause of failure he chastised; 
 
 Having five devil call me negligent; 
 
 Admon'sh me as .slothful for his failing 
 
 To reach the ] o'i:i ; ;•( j ostd thrutij.h me? 
 
52 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 
 
 Nay, nay; I will have Saul 
 
 If I can have no other. 
 
 If he follows David, as I think he will, 
 
 He, perchance in stupor '11 fall asleep 
 
 And then, if David find him he may kill him; 
 
 In this event I will have captured David 
 
 And he'll deliver me the jealous Saul, 
 
 Now this will be a double game, ha, ha. 
 
 At all events I will have some of them. 
 
 Now I'll go to Gath and see the king, 
 
 Perchance he will my ready aider be — 
 
 I've left my charge and journeyed forth 
 
 To have some sport; and have it I shall, too, 
 
 Ere I return again. (pointing downward. Exit r) 
 Scene 2 
 — gentle strain — Palace at Gath. Achish, king 
 of Gath, seated, attended Enter David as a 
 captive r 
 Abner (chamberlain) king, behold that David even him 
 
 Of whom the maidens of all Israel sing 
 
 As he who slew his thousands in the field 
 
 The destroyer of our people, and also he 
 
 That doth in all oppress us. Thy pleasure. 
 (enter Pluto, to near king) 
 Pluto That is that David that bold son of Jes:-*e 
 
 Who slew Goliah in the battle field. 
 
 Now do not let him 'scape thee. 
 Achish I will investigate it. 
 David (aside) I am discovered ! What shall I do? 
 
 Now, I see, I'll play the madman. 
 Abner To Saul they have ascribed his thousands 
 
 But David they exalt with tens of thousands slain 
 
OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 
 
 J David (acting mad) — quickens — 
 
 What! Am I he they sing of? I thought I was a cat 
 
 Or long- tailed rat, see! There he goes. Ha, pardon me 
 
 I came to honor thee, but I find thou art surrounded 
 
 With pirates, and the venom of the sea. 
 
 Thou art in danger, now, believe me. 
 
 Shall I slay them all ? This man here 
 
 Hath sown seeds of discord in thy real — 
 
 No, slay them thyself, oh king, 
 
 And sprinkle their blood on David's grave. 
 
 Poor David, poor David. 
 
 If he were here he would weep seas of tears. 
 
 Ha, ha; am I that David ? 
 
 Then my father was a monk, 
 
 Lived in a cave, fed on frogs and things most common. 
 
 Thou hast a queen there, winsome and most fair. 
 
 Shall she be lost and I be saved 
 
 Or shall it be the other? 
 
 JN o, no! Up ye men of Gath and save your queen. 
 
 What, will ye not! Then by the gods I'll strangle thee. 
 
 Ha, ha, ha. — quicker— 
 
 (continuing to act mad. Rushes at guards. The 
 others lay hands on him and bring him to r f c) 
 Achish Lo, ye see the man is bereft of mind an 1 reason 
 
 Then why have ye brought him to me ? 
 
 Have I need of it that you have brought 
 
 This one to play the madman in my presence? 
 
 Shall such a one come in my house? 
 
 Let him free Let him go where he pleases. 
 ( guards let him free) 
 
 Ant- tL£nceforth, when abroad, be careful 
 
 How you bring another one li'ce this before me. 
 
54 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 
 
 (the guards separate. Exit David hastily r) 
 David Ha, ha, Pluto, this shot has failed, ha, ha! 
 Achish Disperse the company and go \ 
 
 Ye every one to his several charge. — music ceases— 
 (exit all but Pluto, severally ) j 
 
 Pluto Now by the faith, this man is wondrous strange, j 
 And yet, if crazy is that crazy does 
 Man is insane he always was; 
 For he sees things with his olosed eyes, 
 Devoid of wings this hero flies 
 To a celestial atmosphere. 
 His head is gone; his body's here, 
 We find him painting the unseen, 
 Upon a straw he's apt to lean, 
 He is a slave yet free as air 
 
 Behold this genius privileged rare. (exit Pluto 1) 
 Scene 3 
 (before a cave in 2. Enter David and Abashai r, 
 and several followers armed with staves) 
 David Now my fellows in misfortune, 
 I do intreat you here to rest awhile 
 Till we have mustered up sufficient strength 
 To face our common foes in battle-field. 
 We'll enter in this cave from the sun's heat 
 And rest our weary bones. 
 
 (exit David and Abishai in the cave preceded by 
 the soldiers. Enter Saul r, attended and followed 
 by similiar soldiers) 
 Saul My fellow servants and true country-men 
 We'll rest us here awhile. The day is hot 
 This cave will give us shelter from the sun; 
 Then, after we have rested our persona 
 
01! THE SHEPHERD KING. 
 
 65 
 
 We'll follow further, after this same David 
 And bring him to the much desired chastisement 
 That he has merited. 
 Abser Go you in my lord; we'll find a place' 
 In 3 r on field beneath the shade of trees 
 The place is small for all of us. 
 
 (looking. Exit Saul into the cave; exit others 1* 
 •. Enter Pluto r, saunters about) 
 Pluto David is in there; Saul's there too, 
 Now I will have this David kill him — 
 That is I'll have him do it if I can — 
 My fondest thought is that I have them there, 
 And I may pierce Saul with David's spear 
 At least cause him or his apt companion 
 To kill him in his sleep, his soul extracting 
 Thus by the use of steel give it its flight 
 And I may catch saint David in the plight 
 Ha, ha, ha. (exit Pluto in the cave) 
 
 Scene 4 
 (Pluto is generally observant and linger near 
 Saul. As he approaches David he is threatening, 
 but sneaks away before him in dread. Saul sleeps 
 1 f. David and men in background. Saul stretches 
 and groans. Abishai looks up, sees him, nudges 
 David pointing to Saul) 
 Abishia Now he is in thy power, kill him; 
 And rid thyself of this great enemy, 
 He'll follow thee no further. 
 Pluto (to Abishai) Kill him thou; and save thy master 
 (sneaking away observing. -Abishai starts amazed 
 offers) 
 Pluto Strike thou coward, strike him. 
 
 i,— 
 
56 DAVID AND JONATHAN, I 
 
 — I 
 
 I 
 
 Abishm (starts) Coward? (offering) 
 David [staying Abishai] 
 
 Jehovah forbid that I should do this thing, 
 To my annointed muster, king oi Israel. 
 He's divinely annointed of Jehovah 
 And to lay violent hands on him 
 Would be to open the way unto the crown 
 By regicide; and this, I cannot do. 
 I will not stretch my hand against him 
 But I will give evidence of fealty. 
 
 [advances and cuts a piece from Saul's garment 
 This piece will fit the rent, and by it 
 I'll prove I am not what he seems to be. 
 
 [Saul rises and prepares to leave the place. As 
 
 he goes — 
 David , My lord, the king. 
 
 [Saul turns, David bows low 
 My sovereign, why is it that I 
 Am thus pursued and hunted down 
 From place to place, as one 
 That's guilty of a gross offence ? 
 Thy life, as thou canst see, was in my power, 
 But I, not like thyself, not full of blood, 
 And full of gross revenge and envious, 
 Didst spare thee; look thou here; 
 This piece I cut from out thy garment; 
 It will fit the rent exactly; and I 
 Would fain acknowledge thee as king. 
 Saul My son David 
 
 Thou worthier man of all thy people; 
 Come hither to me. And now I know 
 That thou shalt surely be the king, 
 
OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 57 
 
 And that the kingdom of all Israel 
 Shall be established in thy hand. 
 Now therefore, promise this to me withal, 
 And swear before the great Jehovah 
 Tbat thou wilt not cut off my seed 
 And that thou never wilt destroy 
 My name from out my father's house. 
 David If it be the will of Him who rule*, 
 That I should be the king of Israel, 
 And I, ascending to that mighty station, 
 I promise thee, oh Saul, my king, 
 That I will not cut off thy seed 
 Or destroy thy name from out thy father's house. 
 
 (they clasp hands. Pluto drawing, threatening 
 and gnashing) 
 Pluto The # vascillating knaye ! He has him now, 
 But, like a fool, relents and lets him go. 
 CURTAIN. 
 End of Act III 
 
 . v ~ 
 
ACT IV. 
 
 Scene 1 The palace court in 4. Enter Pluto, 1 
 Pluto He let Saul go, and thus I find 
 
 That he is apt to e'en relent 
 
 And let his victims 'scape him. 
 
 Yet, am I bent on their destruction both; 
 
 And I shall not forsake the battle here. 
 
 This Saul was once inclined to the belief 
 
 That God did visit him at divers times 
 
 And sit in judgment on his victories. 
 
 Now he has lost that faith, and is, withal 
 
 Inclined to seek a conference with the oracles 
 
 Or even with the Witch that is at Endor 
 
 I'll visit her and she shall teach him 
 
 What it is to claim a conference with her; 
 
 She shall pinch him, by the Mars, she shall, 
 
 And ii 1 fail to capture David 
 
 I'll not rest until I catch king Saul. 
 
 He is sceptical, I'll teach him to believe 
 
 That Ahimelech and comrades are against him 
 
 And cause him to destroy the prophet's followers, 
 
 Then Saul shall be the farther in his blood; 
 
 But now, to give him note in person — 
 
 This Deog is a subtle apt good fellow 
 
 He shall urge my accusation 'gainst Ahimelech. 
 
 — march — Pluto retires to throne. Enter Saul 
 attended, followed by Deog, Ahimelech and the 
 priests, r. Pluto gives way, saunters near Deog 
 and Ahimelech, threatens Ahimelech and coun- 
 
OR THE SHEPHERD KE\ T G 59 
 
 sels Deog. 
 Deog Oh king, these are the several captives 
 
 That, gave shew bread to David in the temple 
 
 And entertained unlawfully thy subject; 
 
 Is it not mete that they should answer 
 
 The great offences thus committed ? 
 Saul And answer it they shall Now Ahimelech 
 
 Didst thou not protect this covert David 
 
 And give him shelter in thy sanctuary 
 
 When he was fleeing from my just advance? 
 
 And canst thou now excuse thyself? 
 Ahimelech Oh king, he came to me as one / 
 
 On errand from your majesty 
 
 And, I aided him as I then supposed 
 
 As one in service of his sovereign, 
 
 JNot as a covert or a renegade. 
 Deog This is not so; I was there present 
 
 He gave to David that same shew bread 
 
 Which it is not lawful for others to eat 
 
 t 
 
 Save those that are of the priesthood. \ 
 
 And would he now excuse himself 
 
 By claims like these ? 
 
 (Pluto threatens Ahimelech; saunters to 1 f ) 
 Saul He cannot thus excuse himself 
 
 Nor can he give excuse to clear him. 
 
 He gave him succour, that's enough 
 
 And his own life shall answer it. 
 
 Conduct him hence and kill him; (rising) 
 
 Kill all his followers, and then 
 
 Go thou to that city, and kill all 
 
 That trace his lien — away. 
 Pluto (aside 1 f ) 
 
60 DAVID AND JONATHAN. 
 
 If David were here now, how Saul could kill him 
 
 I wish he were, that he might join with them. 
 
 How gratifying to me this distraction. 
 
 (strutting about in great glee. Exit all but Saul's 
 guards, Saul and Pluto, r) 
 Saul The priesthood and their craftiness 
 
 Have joined conclave against me. 
 
 I'll rid the nation of their evil kind, 
 
 I'll have revenge on all who succour him, 
 
 And, in precution, finish up the work. 
 
 He did release me in the cave when I 
 
 Was in his power absolute, but I 
 
 Will have his life for being such a fool. 
 
 To be a king is nothing, but to be safe 
 
 And soundly seated in a royal throne 
 
 Is what I claim. This David troubles ra* 
 
 And rest I shall not till I'm of him free, 
 (enter Abner r, kneels r c 
 Abner Oh king, I've news o, 'avid. 
 Saul Of David ? Well, give it. 
 Abner He's in the wilderness of Ziph. 
 Saul There let the devil thrash him. 
 
 (Pluto starts, scowling and gnashing) 
 
 The vile mean renegada I'll have 
 
 His life or loose my own attempting it. 
 
 Go, tell my generals I would meet them, (exit Abner r 
 
 I'll take a thousand men and after him, 
 
 This time he cannot well, I'm sure, escape me. 
 
 The house of Saul shall reign supreme in Israel. 
 
 I must away, (coming down throne) 
 
 My purpose slackens in this cold delay. 
 — march — exit Saul, attended r) 
 
OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 61 
 
 Pluto Now let the devil as they call me so 
 
 Give hell its pains for this great vow, 
 
 And let the curse of Adam fall en me 
 
 If I am not well pleased with this decree; 
 
 For he, in rage, will follow David fast 
 
 And I may claim him in his madness dashed to pieces. 
 
 Then broken hearted, he'll recline on me 
 
 And my associates in mystery, ha, ha. 
 
 Complaining of the past and failure oft 
 
 To claim consideration of the oracles. 
 
 His dreams are blank, I've heard him say it, 
 
 And he has failed to gain satisfaction, 
 
 In aught that claims a charm, as was of yore 
 
 His custom to obtain a pleasant hearing 
 
 From a providence— this meddling chastity 
 
 Has made my lot a hard one man y times 
 
 And I am bent on satisfaction fully. 
 
 On this my every artifice attend, 
 
 I'll falter not until I reach the end. (exit Pluto 1) 
 Scene 2 
 (a woods roadway in 1. Enter David and Abishai 1 
 David Go you to JNabal, and tell him I would have 
 
 Some bounties at his hands; inform him also, 
 
 That I've protected his domain, and claim 
 
 Consideration from him. Haste you; 
 
 For we are much in need of sustenance. ( exit Abishai 1 
 
 My lot grows harder, but that I've met 
 
 A discontented band of followers, 
 
 And by that means I can defend myself, 
 
 I would have perished long ere this of famine, 
 
 But I have here as good a number 
 
 As ere took arms with anvcantain. 
 
62 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 
 
 And should the testy Saul accost me now 
 
 I'll tent him to the quick, — 
 
 But hold, a little patience more. 
 
 The Lord forfend that I should harm him. 
 
 I must go to my men; they are impatient 
 
 If I am absent fromjthem 
 
 (exit David lie. Enter Nabal and Abishai r 2 e 
 Pluto (as Nabol , inebriated) 
 
 Who is David, and whence the son of Jesse ? 
 There be many servants now-a-days 
 That break away from their true masters. 
 Shall I then take my bread and wine — my wine. 
 My fish which I have killed for shearers 
 And give it to men whom I know not? 
 Go bacK to David, tell him I have none 
 Of meat to give to idlers of his kind. ( Abishai r 
 King Nabal' s asleep in stupor from much wine, 
 I took his place. Ha, ha, ha. (exit Nable 1, 
 Scene 3 
 
 (the woods in 3. Enter David and men with 
 
 arms, 1 2 e ) 
 David Ere this the messenger should have returned, 
 If he fails us, my good followers 
 I think it stands us well in hand 
 To find a plunder, somewhere. 
 I am well determined however, to have 
 Some share in Nabol's store-house, 
 As I am told 'tis very bounteous. 
 
 (the men sit. Enter Abishai r) 
 Well, what says the ruler, Nabol? 
 Abishai He doth deny his aid to thee, and says 
 He hath no need of thee or thine 
 
OE THE SHEPHERD KING. 03 
 
 With mine own hands. 
 
 Depart in peace, fair madam, 
 
 My men, we will in yonder place 
 
 Enjoy the good things brought to us — 
 
 I see, fair dame, you have safe conduct 
 
 So it boots not that I should offer it; 
 
 Hence, my kindest wishes now attend thee, 
 (exit Abigail r. Exit David's followers 1) 
 
 Come Abishai, let us to camp. I feel 
 
 As though mine eyes would close despite me — 
 
 He who ordained will aid me and deliver me, 
 
 I claim obedience to that Providence 
 
 Which makes men what they are, not what they geem. 
 
 I understand that the Philistines 
 
 Are making preparations for attack 
 
 On Saul and his dominions. 
 Abishai "Tis noised abroad to that effect 
 
 It seems most strange that they are thus presistent. 
 David Well, let them have their way 
 
 Exegiences will make and unmake men at will 
 
 The King of Kings forfend that he should fall 
 
 A victim to their disposition. 
 
 Their army assembles in the field — 
 
 Look their leader coming toward us — 
 
 Come, let us to our quarters. (enter Jonathan 1 
 
 Jonathan David, my brother, has thou subdued 
 
 The wrathful purpose of the king ? 
 
 Thy God hath not forsaken thee. 
 David Nay, brother Jonathan, he hath not 
 
 Delivered me; and may I serve 
 
 The purpose of his will in all, 
 
 But thou my benefactor, my preserver, 
 
 \ 
 
64 
 
 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 
 
 And would enquire, who is this David, 
 Or the son of Jesse. Bluntly saying 
 That there be divers servants who 
 Do break away from their true masters. 
 
 David And he spake thus of me? 
 
 Abishia He did my lord. 
 
 David Then by the valiant Mars — quick tremelo 
 
 I will convince him that I am no servant 
 And will have some share in his own goods 
 I'll have some part in these, his many treasures. 
 Equip your arms, my good men (arms are taken up) 
 And we will go to mete out chastisement 
 To such a slothful wretch as he, 
 That seems to have no fair appreciation 
 Of our protection of his vast possessions 
 Come one and all. (advancing to c. Enter Abigail r f 
 What message madam ? — music oeases — 
 
 Abigail Now David, stay thy wrath. I have 
 Much bounteous gifts for thee without 
 And will submit that Nabol was 
 A foolish king to thus deny thee — 
 It was a blockhead's insult — 
 But he had been much at wine and did not see 
 The importance of your message, 
 And well I know great David, Jesse's son, 
 Fate never wounds more deep the generous heart 
 Then when a blockhead's insult points the dart. 
 
 David I thank the Great Provider 
 That thou hast come between 
 The wrath that did infest my very being 
 For thou has come in the good nick of time 
 To keep me from shedding king Nabol's blood 
 
OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 
 
 Let me enfold thee and hold thee 
 
 In my heart of hearts. Thou art 
 
 A man taken for all in all who is 
 
 The equal of the best that ere was born. 
 Jonathan I have done my duty and the rest 
 
 Leave that to heaven — so that I am honest 
 
 And so I serve the office of a man 
 
 I am content — but, look you. 
 
 The Philistines are arranged in yonder field 
 
 And I am sure they mean hostilities, 
 
 My father Saul is much distressed 
 
 At their assemblage for the battle. 
 
 His sins come fast and thick upon him. 
 Abishai It is time, He hath in much offended. 
 Jonathan He hath, and Providence must deal with him 
 David I trust He'll still forgive him, 
 
 And let him live the lease of life. 
 
 Come Jonathan, let us to our quarters, 
 
 And then thou wilt tell me all the news, 
 (exeunt 1. Enter Saul and Abner r) 
 Saul David hath escaped me often times 
 
 But I'll transfix him ere I leave 
 
 These sections for the palace. 
 Abner I am dismayed that it should take so long 
 
 To hunt this fellow to his lair 
 
 I'm sure he has no claim on you 
 
 And how he gaines his arms and aid 
 
 Is a mystery to the best of us. 
 Saul The Philistines, those rugged adversaries, 
 
 They're the ones that aid him. 
 
 They think to make him their companion. 
 
 I'll have none of it — I'll put an end to him. 
 
66 DAVID AND JONATHAN. 
 
 . \ 
 
 Give your order that the men retire 
 
 i 
 And look you, pray for me to night, 
 
 I think I will much need thy supplication, 
 
 And find me out some sorceress, 
 
 Find one that claims to have communication 
 
 With supernatural powers, if they exist, 
 
 I have banished all their kind but find one. 
 
 Thou mayest agree also that I'll not kill them 
 
 As I in temper did before decree. 
 Abner My lord I'll serve your majesty 
 
 In all that's possible. (exit Abner 1) 
 
 Saul That I have persecuted David, it is true 
 
 But that this is the worst, is not so true 
 
 I have defamed my sacred sceptered charge 
 
 And made a wanton of my kingly office — 
 
 I will unto the sorceress, betimes, 
 
 And by the worst I'll know the worst that is 
 
 To fall on me and my household. 
 
 My dreams are blank. I have no way 
 
 By urim or by prophecies 
 
 To trace my destiny. My own device 
 
 Must settle this affair for me. (enter Pluto 1) 
 
 Pluto King Saul I do entreat a word with thee. 
 (Saul stands to listen) 
 
 Go to the Witch of Endor. She will advise 
 
 And aid thee in thy needs. 
 
 She is an oracle and witch combined 
 
 And will in all, suit thy needs the best. 
 
 Then, to her. I am pleased to see that thou 
 
 Wilt listen to me thus. For I am much 
 
 Inclined to aid thee in thy trouble 
 
 Make haste and strike the heated iron. (exit Saul r) 
 
OK THE SHEPHERD KING. 67 
 
 Now, I will to see the Witch of Endor 
 
 I'll have her counsel him to his destruction. 
 
 We have him on the rack; we'll hold him, 
 
 We'll make him feel the dreaded stroke 
 
 Of his remorse and make him see 
 
 That he who prospers in his sin 
 
 Will fall, ere he doth reach the goal, 
 
 Though he may revel in prosperity. 
 
 Obliging am I not 
 
 To thus instruct the clergy. 
 
 He's been a potent instrument for in, 
 
 We do appreciate the efforts made — 
 
 But loosing all our aims at Jesse's son 
 
 It now remains for us to fasten Saul 
 
 And make him pay the dreaded penalty. 
 
 But I scent the evening's dampness, 
 
 I must away to counsel her 
 
 Ere Saul doth meet and seek her aid. (exit Pluto r) 
 Scene 4 
 (a dark cave in 4. Witch of Endor seated near 
 a caldron. ) — soft strains — 
 
 Witch He must be here anon. This Saul 
 
 Seeks me because the God he served 
 
 Hath utterly forsaken him — Well let him! 
 
 We'll serve him to his taste, should he 
 
 As I have no doubt he will, confide in me. 
 (enter Pluto 1) 
 Pluto Now gaze on me; admiring wonder view 
 
 For Pluto really hath a matchless clue — 
 
 Hath Saul come hither yet ? 
 Witch He still tarries, but I'm prepared for him. 
 
 Ha, ha, ha! I wait my chance to pinch him, 
 
(58 
 
 DAVID AND JONATHAN. 
 
 As 1- uu didst say, as thou didst say. 
 Ah, ha. I'll pinch the gizzard out of hiin, 
 The scurry trifling king, to think 
 That he hath dealt with God so long 
 And thus neglect us. Let him come 
 Yes, let him come, I'm ready. 
 
 Pluto Is it not marvelous how the dastard David 
 Doth escape us and our great divices — 
 I would like to pinch him, how I would — 
 The milk and water knave, to think 
 That he should have our object 
 In his power and let him live 
 Oh, horrors! but it makes my bristles 
 Stand toward my head like frightful quills 
 And, what is worse, his presence conquers me 
 While Eblis, doth reprimand me oft 
 Complaining of my courage and achievments. 
 Didst ever note his frown, there's angels in it, 
 The angel Gabriel left his mark upon him — 
 Between which smile and my dread master, I 
 Am like the corn in a miller's hopper. 
 And Jonathan, he is another of them — 
 If we could catch one victim of their kind 
 It were a jewel in our crown more bright 
 Than captivating a good thousand Sauls. 
 
 (knock at door) 
 But hold, what noise! Who comes? 
 
 "Witch I think it be king Saul, a king! 
 And yet be must my counsel seek— 
 Is not this victory- -I'll let him enter 
 And I'll iortell his doom ere he departs. 
 
 — quick tremelo — Witch opens doo.\ Enter 
 
 Saul 
 
OR THE SHEPHERD KING G9 
 
 disguised, attended by Abner and Deog r 3 e ) 
 King Saul, why comest thou to see the hag > 
 Hast thy oracles and thy prophets failed thee? 
 
 Saul Thou art skilled in the art of necromancy? 
 
 Witch That, am I; and, I can read thy mind as well. 
 Thou thinkest to deceive the Witch of Endor, 
 But know, King Saul, that I can read thy soni 
 And tell the future in the instant. TV>a &■* i 
 As near the brink of ruin as ever ma* 
 Was wont to be and still retain his life, 
 The spirit of chastisement follows thee! 
 
 Saul Upbraid me not. I come to counsel with thee, 
 Not to list to thy blasphemous tongue 
 I would some knowledge gain of the great spirits 
 That have forsaken me in dreams the urim and 
 The thummim of the priestly breast plate oracles 
 And all the other ways that they were wont 
 To visit me before time. Thy life is safe 
 I'll not command thy killing only serve me. 
 
 Witch Ah, thou comest in thy necessity to see 
 The hag at Endor. If she did serve thee rigb* 
 She would withhold her counsel from thee — 
 But unfold, what is thy need and thy reward ? 
 I will describe to thee as best I can thv fvtur* 
 Cross my palm with any mean amount 
 And I will witness thee thj' punishment— 
 Thou hast so long served the great (}>>& <*f IsresJ 
 Now serve thyself thou much deposed king 
 
 Pluto Yes, serve thyself that did l»t Da-Md go 
 Thou coward king, thou weakling I 
 I Saul (starting) I would both of thy aids enlist 
 That I may behold the spirit of great Samuel 
 
: -jUi«.*«M^r« , rt^-:.cis!a<Wrjr J v 
 
 70 DAVID AND JONATHAN. 
 
 Bid him come before me that I may know 
 The worst by every means, that I may learn 
 The future of my course from his true lips. 
 
 Witch Then be it so: Behold, there he stands! 
 Now counsel him and learn thy destiny. 
 
 (A curtain is drawn as the Witch speaks disclos- 
 ing the form of Samuel as one amidst the Hu.-Line 
 with rent garment. Pluto is amazed) 
 
 Saul Great Samuel, I have persecuted thee 
 But tell me, in despair, my destiny 
 I would by this invoking know the worst from thee. 
 (Kneeling agonizingly) 
 
 Witoh Speak to him by the power of the Witch of End or 
 
 Samuel Oh Saul, thou once annointed king of Israel 
 That has in divers ways defiled thy trust, 
 Especially in that thou hast still pursued 
 The life of one annointed of the Lord 
 And sought to kill the future of King David, 
 And, in so many other ways traduced 
 The sceptered power and made of it a wanton. 
 Know that the doom long promised to thy house 
 Is now to be fulfilled, and desolation 
 Will come to it ere many suns do set. 
 Tomorrow Israel shall be given up 
 To the Philistines, and tomorrow, too, 
 Saul and his sons shall number with the dead 
 For not that Jonathan hath done a wrong 
 But that he bears the company of a king 
 Who hath forfeited all claims to heaven's kindly smiles 
 He fcha" fall, too, though in it I dispair 
 Tor 1 < i hath been a friend to David — 
 Nol n ■• in name but in the practice — 
 
OR THE SHEPHERD KING 71 
 
 This is thy doom, and it shall come to thee 
 
 In the great battle field of Esdrealon. 
 
 Dismiss me; it is enough. Thy doom is sealed ! 
 
 (Samuel disappears. Saul again falls despairing. 
 The Witch and Pluto bend over him in threaten- 
 ing attitude) 
 Witch Thou king; yet art most weak and frail. 
 Pluto Most like a sapling, full of weakness. 
 Witch and Pluto Thou mighty king of Israel. Ha, ha ha 
 QURTAIN. 
 End of Act 4= 
 
ACT V. 
 
 ■ 
 
 Soeste 1 The battlefield of Esdraelon Enter 
 
 David, Achish and Abishai followed by soldiers 1- j 
 
 — march — end march when entered) \ 
 
 AohIsh Here is the field where Saul mast [all 
 
 i 
 
 A victim to the Philistines' wrath He hath 
 
 Been long a conquerer of our nation 
 
 But now we'll put him to the sword 
 
 Ere sun doth set, 
 
 And then thou, my David, hath promised us 
 
 That we shall have thy aid in this. 
 David The past hath well secured its faith in this, 
 
 And thou hast only left to lead thy men 
 
 Unto the battle. Then lead them on. 
 Achish Lead on your troups to yonder field ! 
 
 ( — march-exit Achish r,followed by all but David 
 and Abishai — end march — 
 David Now he expects that we'll co-operate in this 
 
 But I've determined to eyade him 
 
 That Saul will fall I am assured 
 
 But I shall aid in naught the enterprise 
 
 For I am still inclined to let the God 
 
 I serve dispose of him as he thinks best. 
 Abishia We should but aid in killing such a king. 
 David Withhold thy wrath and follow me, 
 
 We will conceal ourselves until the end 
 
 Of this conflict in arms. 
 
 (exeunt David and Abishai 1 up stage — march — 
 Enter Saul, Jonathan and Abner 1 t i olio wed by 
 an army — march ends — 
 

 OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 73 
 
 Saul (looking off r) Is that the Philistines 7 camp? 
 Jonathan It doth appear to be, my lord, 
 Saujl Now. Jonathan, I do repent that I 
 
 Did follow David as I have, and I 
 
 Would fain forgiveness gain of thee in it. 
 
 Thou wert his friend, and truly so. 
 Jonathan And still am I the same. 
 
 As I know now, that he was true — 
 
 But, let that pass; it hath its destiny, 
 
 We have a task this day, let us perform it. 
 Saul And thimkest thou they will vanquish us? 
 Jonathan I cannot tell so great a thing, my lord. 
 Ajbner Fie, ne upon tie thought, my lord, 
 
 We have at ail times vanquished them, 
 
 And shall they now, with all our numbers 
 
 Be victor over us! The chosen ones of Him 
 
 Who rules the nation? Nay, not so. 
 
 They shall be ours — I feel it in mysel£ 
 Saul I hope this may be so, my Abner, 
 
 But I despair -of it for all thy counsel, 
 
 Yet let the fates foretell or yet decide. 
 
 I ain in blood and wade it through 
 
 As best I can, is my determination. — 
 
 Xiead on your raenJ Lead on, I say3 
 
 (exeunt all but Saul and Jonathan r) 
 Jonathan If we land David, now, the victory were ours 
 Sausl True, but ke in with the enemy I am told 
 Jonathan I do not think ii; he is too true in nature, 
 
 Re may not aid thee, but his strength 
 
 "Will ne'er be bent against thee 
 Saul Thickest thou 'tis true? Then I am sure 
 
 Our chance of victory is augmented. 
 
 
74 DAVID AND JONATHAN, 
 
 Jonathan Believe it, my lord; for I am sure of him. 
 Let us to the field to cheer the soldiers, (exeunt r) 
 (enter David and Abishai 1) 
 David See how the battle waves as a great ocean 
 And Jonathan, my friend, is in the midst 
 Now may our God perserve him. 
 See, Saul is flying — He comes this way. 
 
 (clash of arms without) 
 He is pursued. By heavens, I will aid him! 
 Abishai Nay, 'tis against the prophecy. 
 David So be it! I must evade the purpose 
 Let us retire here and note the conflict. 
 
 (retire up stage 1. Enter r and 1 two armies 
 headed by Jonathan and Achish. Exeunt r fight- 
 ing. Israelites pursuing, equal fall. Jonathan 
 is killed. Charge ceases. Enter Saul 1) 
 Saul My Jonathan, my noble son 
 Now, could I weep a sea of tears — 
 The conflict goes against us. (looking r) 
 The Israelites retreat, my honored son 
 They need thy leadership. They come — 
 Great Samuel, now I see thy prophecy 
 Is being fulfilled in their fell of slaughter, 
 (enter Abner r) 
 Abner My lord, they have us conquered 
 The men are flying hither and thither 
 Like chaff before the wind. 
 Saul A peevish slave I am to live so long 
 To see my countrymen divided thus, 
 My son before mine eyes in his own gore. 
 Go out and cheer the soldiers, 
 Per. hance the battle yet may take a turn. 
 
OR THE SHEPHERD KING. 75 
 
 Abker I'll do the best I can. 
 
 (exit Abner r hastily. Saul draws sword, ex- 
 amines it, views Jonathan, looks r) 
 Saul My sonl is full. My sword hath utterance 
 
 In this the right's avenged; and, David, 
 
 Thou shalt be the king of Israel. ( stabs himself) 
 
 Israel, thou art free to choose thy destiny, 
 (falls and dies. Enter Pluto, advancing) 
 Pluto By my spurs that was a noble thrust, 
 
 Thy courage, sir, commands itself to me, 
 
 In that I gain a victim for my master. 
 
 Through thine historical establishment, 
 
 Of man's self slaughter in the battlefield. 
 
 And history shall in future ages furnish 
 
 Its victims for the sword self-willed 
 
 I've gained a Saul but lost a Jonathan, 
 
 Because he died defending honesty, 
 
 Embracing friendship, love and truth. 
 
 Ah, David comes, I must away, away 
 
 Before the master that he serves 
 
 I bow in mute dispair. 
 
 (retiring up stage 1. Enter David from up stage) 
 David My Jonathan, my brother and my friend, 
 
 My friend in deeds of worthy practice done. 
 
 I do deplore thy death above all men — 
 
 And, thou, my king, that was, 
 
 I see myself advanced in prophecy 
 
 By thy fell slaughter in the battle field, 
 
 And while its promised I'll be king of Israel 
 
 By thy departure, I would not have it so 
 
 My oath to thee and to my Jonathan I'll keep — 
 
 I will not cut off thy seed 
 
76 DAVID AND JONATHAN. 
 
 Nor destroy thy name from out thy 
 Father's house — for I have sworn it 
 
 (David pauses, looks at Jonathan reflectively 
 — march — enter Abishai u e followed by forces 
 halt — march ends — 
 David It rends my heart to see thee thus 
 For thou hast been a friend in all 
 That claims a kindred in the thought. 
 Yet I reflect that providence is kind — 
 What fate decrees, that man must needs abide 
 It boots not to resist both wind and tide." 
 Abishai Hail to thee, king David. 
 Company Hail, King of Israel ! 
 
 (Abishai offers to place crown on David's head' 
 David wards it off. Enter Michal r 2 e approach- 
 ing David.) 
 Michal Wouldst thou deny the prophecy? 
 
 [David submits to the placing. Michal places the 
 crown upon his head] 
 Abishai Hail our chiet and king in David. 
 Company Long live the king in victory. 
 1'luto [appearing 1 fj Oh, 1 am undone, undone, 
 And still my master chides. — Victory — 
 
 CURTAIN. 
 
 THE END 
 
EPILOGUE. 
 
 My dear sir, if you have only read the play, 
 
 To see it would have been the better way, 
 
 Because the actors rendering the parts, 
 
 Would have embellished much the poet's art, 
 
 And brought you to and understanding plainer 
 
 Of what the situations and demeanor — 
 
 The stress of attitude and the behavior 
 
 Of people brought to friendship's noble labor. 
 
 Much could be said to enlarge the noble feelings, 
 
 Of thoughts, and sentiments and manly gleanings. 
 
 Of emotions, passions and endearing phrases, 
 
 As touching David and his lovely maid. 
 
 The solitude of pleasure and content, 
 
 Of happy moments, with a loved one spent; 
 
 The liner pathos of a hnished hour, 
 
 In shades of home, and of a native bower; 
 
 In action that the words can never show 
 
 Nor can imagination over shadow, 
 
 The missing links between a word and act, 
 
 To bring the thing to finish as to fact; 
 
 In holding up to nature actions mirror; 
 
 Or suiting to the act, the word, the smile; 
 
 The words to acts, the moments to beguile; 
 
 And hold the auditors to their content 
 
 With flashes of true wit and merriment; 
 
 Yet as you cannot act and read it too, 
 
 We hope it pleased you as you read it through. 
 
 With David's courage you must have been well pleased! 
 
 His love lor Michal and his manly ease, 
 
 Content to fathom every envious trait, 
 
 That he might serve his master and the state; 
 
 And leave to future a lesson that's divine 
 
 In servitude and leadership sublime. 
 
 Did not his love for Jonathan amaze you? 
 
 Did not his great fidelity enchant you? 
 
 Did not his charity complete the rhyme, 
 
 Of love's true portion and great mercys chime? 
 
 And did it not astonish you to see 
 
 His mastership in traits of fealty? 
 
 In nature's realm none o'ershadows him 
 
 In all that man or manhood can take in. 
 
 His antics in the court of bold King Achish 
 
 Were neat and suited to exigencies, 
 
 Sufficient in deception and device, 
 
78 EPILOGUE. 
 
 To throw the selfish monarch from his choice, 
 
 And cause him to reflect on consequences, 
 
 And challenge his attendants irom entrances. 
 
 Effecting David's life and future course, 
 
 As much as his own weal or moral force. 
 
 And after he had vanquished every plot, 
 
 He bowed with manhood to his advanced lot, 
 
 Kneeling in due meekness for the crown, 
 
 To have seen it acted would have called us down. 
 
 Was it not grand to see Michal appear, 
 
 And fill the scene with loveliness and cheer. 
 
 Subduing his true will to still refuse 
 
 The scepter of all Israel and to choose 
 
 The less auspicious ways of station 
 
 Content to be a servant to his nation. 
 
 Now as for Jonathan, he is a marvi 
 
 His love for David in the royal squ :bble, 
 
 Shines forth in splendor as a noonday sun. 
 
 Determined that no duty he will shun, 
 
 He meets, encounters and in much subdues 
 
 The evil genius of King Saul; and shows 
 
 The better part of man's relation to 
 
 His fellow in adversity, and does 
 
 A thing uncomon in most men of fame, 
 
 Of meager walk or of illustrious name. 
 
 Did not his great determination please you? 
 
 And his striking sacrifices o'erwhelm you? 
 
 And was it not in him a trait more fine, 
 
 Than Mars, or Hercules, or Bandywine, 
 
 To cast his mantle at true David's feet. 
 
 Relinquishing his right to royai seat, 
 
 And benig content to serve a king he loved; 
 
 In David, rather than to rise above 
 
 The station that his judgment indicated. 
 
 Instructed that it was the divine will 
 
 That David should be king of Israel. 
 
 His sacrifice was greater far than David's, 
 
 Because his home, his crown, it well divided. 
 
 Besides this, too, he argued with the king 
 
 Against his own advancement and to fling 
 
 The thought of grandeur to the wind, 
 
 Despite the fact that Saul urged him to find 
 
 His avenue as the successor to 
 
 The royal seat, the power; and to view 
 
EPILOGUE. 79 
 
 His own emoluments; aciiievinents with 
 
 An eye of disapproval and to consummate 
 
 The aim of his creator and preserver, 
 
 In his declining to accept in aught, 
 
 The station of a king or to be taught 
 
 It air that he should seek to fill a seat, 
 
 That in his judgment was not clearly mete 
 
 Nor proper for him, in as much as he, 
 
 Was not the being sought by divinity. 
 
 For Saul, no doubt, you've but few words of oheer, 
 
 Because his conduct to you seems quite queer; 
 
 And indeed it was, because he'd no excuse 
 
 For his bad humors nor his vile abuse 
 
 Of daughter, son and servant at one time, 
 
 In act., and word, and musings of his mind. 
 
 Had he n ot sinned and knew the weaker part 
 
 Of man's attempt to master by fine art, 
 
 The will oi his Creator, in those higher things 
 
 He would not have been frantic in his dreams, 
 
 Nor sought to destroy David; nor his spleen 
 
 Would never have at Jonathan been aimed, 
 
 Nor would he, as he did, the priesthood blame. 
 
 But when ha prostrate fell before the prophet, 
 
 If envy you had for him that must stop it, 
 
 Because it leveled him to his true station, 
 
 Defeated as the ruler of a nation, 
 
 After his forgiveness, and the service 
 
 Both David and Jonathan, had given. 
 
 And when he died you could not have rejoiced, 
 
 Because he could not have in it a choice, 
 
 His spirit spent its force, subdued in grief, 
 
 Convinced of right in Jonathan's belief. 
 
 And he has voiced it you remember that, 
 
 His broken-hearted death will answer pat, 
 
 The allegation herein I've aimed at. 
 
 Let us leave him to his final peace — 
 
 Nor yet disturb his last solace, 
 
 Of slumber, under sin, as it at best 
 
 Is all sufficient in its rough behests, 
 
 Regretting, if we have regret at all, 
 
 That Jonathan went with him in the fall. 
 
 As for Pluto, well you knew his bent, 
 
 Was the distraction of them all, and went 
 
 Y show the depths a nature may descend, 
 
80 
 
 EPILOGUE 
 
 In seeking to achieve, when ill's the end — 
 And to excuse in much the evil art, 
 In Saul's demeanor and his peevish part. 
 This character was brought to requisition, 
 And caused to make in much the explanation 
 Of Saul's true inwardnes#, and his mind, 
 Concerning much that sense could never find. 
 His merriment must have pleased you much, 
 And his oft defeat your finer feelings touched, 
 Remembering his oft repeated plots, 
 His subtle manner and his apish lot, 
 His soaring eloquence, and, his irony, 
 Conceived in spleen, and voiced in enmity, 
 His averace, and his consuming desire, 
 To capture David, and the king acquire; 
 To consume all so he could have his way. 
 And bring to hia true level, in the clay 
 The sou! of David, from his purity. 
 Thai he has pleased I think we all can say, 
 And of ail the parts developed in this play, 
 I thmk in much the remainder must give way, 
 To the satisfaction gained in his defeat, 
 And Pluto's overthrow, and his retreat, 
 Fro-n the first curtain to the last complete 
 as lor the other characters, they've the part, 
 And in their station did a thing right smart, 
 To aid the consumation of our aim, 
 in seeking entertainment and the name, 
 Or having edified at least in part, 
 The student and the peruser of the play. 
 Much would be gained to see it played, 
 And in the acting matters clearly laid, 
 Before the auditor as well as word, 
 Unless you are one of the common herd 
 That applaud claptrap and oft extol the clown 
 While on the finer features, often frown. 
 Its with regret we must often admit, 
 That buffoonery will the human humor fit. 
 Before the art that elevates the mind, 
 But, of course you're not one of that kind, 
 And if you want a lesson that will suit you, 
 Just join the order that we have referred to, 
 It will not hurt you and may do you good — 
 At least I think so, don't you, if you should? 
 
 G. A. Lafayette. 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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