. n823 J6 mum^m^^'^wmmm^ FRAGEDY-DRAMA ENTITLED Jonathan and David IN FOUR ACTS. ^mmmmf^mmmmmmmm A TRAGEDY-DRAMA ENTITLED Jonathan and David IN FOUR ACTS. U„..., CONGRESS, Two Copifis Received IVIH. 5 '1902 OnPVRlQHT ENTRY CAST OF CHARACTERS. MUEL, the prophet. Very old, long gray hair -:o«>Y B^ j[ and beara. '"■2. KING SAUL. Middle age, rather tall. 3. DAVID. A young man, a shepherd boy. 4. JONATHAN. A young man, the son of Saui. 5. THE LAD. A small boy, Jonathan's aid. 6. DOEG. Middle age, the chief of Saul's guards. 7. JESSE. An old man, the father of David. 8. THE WIFE OF JESSE. David's mother, old. 9. MIGHAL. A young lady, the daughter of Saul and wife of David. 10. ELIAB. The brother of David, a tall young man. 11. AHIMELECH. The priest, middle age. 12. ABIATHER. A son of Ahimelech, the priest. 13. ACHISH. The king of Gatn, old and gray. „ ,. 14. JsO^^Q^ King.©! .the* :Amelekites, very old. : >?. iix >^>jfc|l. iThe^^li'offNer. 16.' 'GbLfAT'H. The giant, a very large man. ,. ^„^ a7...AyJTAH.€lF--ENDO|l^.*.A very old woman. '•."[ '':AlW^«fo5/i\ ]pj^erS who* tpJhie to Samuel asking for *a'king. Also two Elders, who oppose a king, and threaten the life of Saul. King Saul, David, King Achish each have 6 guards Also six lady characters appear at different times, names not mentioned. The dress of each character to correspond with the character they represent. Scenery to suit. — 3— ACT I— SCENE 1. Music by Orchestra (Curtain arises. Samuel seated with long gray hair and beard, in a stooped position. Very old. Meditat- ing and arises with hands uplifted, and exclaims, im- ploringly. - SAM. — Return, O, Israel! Return unto the Lord, and he will restore you out of the hands of the Phil- listines. You were smitten and fled for refuge, you knew not where. You shamefully submitted the ark of the covanant into the hands of the Phillistines, and for twenty long years, you lamented in tears. Lost to yourselves, and lost to your God; only to be rescued by the mighty thunders of a kind providence, and restored again to a home in safety. (Samuel sits meditating. Four elders enter west wing and pretend to be talking, and advance toward Samuel, unnoticed by Samuel. Spokesman or first elder speaks to Samuel.) ELD. — Samuel? (Samuel arises surprised, leaning on staff.) SAM.— Behold! I am here. ELD. — We come to speak naught of thee, Samuel. Thou art growing old; thou hast lived a life of right- eousness and good judgment. Your sons are sons of a kind father. Yet they have not walked in the foot- steps of a righteous Samuel. Truly, for gain they are bribed, and lack for better judgment. Therefore O, Samuel, we ask a king. (Samuel very much sur- prised.) SAM.— What? A king? ELD. — Yea, Samuel, a kmg. SAM. — A king, to reign over you? ELD. — A king, that we may receive favorable judg- ment. SAM. — (More surprised.) You, servants of a king? Your sons and your daughters servants of a king? Yea, more; the one-tenth of all your gain will he take to himself. The Lord is your king! Hear ye him? ELD. — Nay, Samuel. A king that we shall be like other nations. (Samuel raises his hand.) SAM. — For two hundred years we have heard the sound, a king! a king! What! a lawless despot to reign over you? (Samuel sits almost pros- trate.) ELD. — But, O, Samuel, a king to judge and fight our battles for us. (Samuel determined.) SAM. — The valiant in battle only belongeth to the Lord. ALTOGETHER— (Exclaimj A king! a king! (Samuel arises and oeckons silence.) SAM. — So be it. Go ye, every man, into his own city. (Elders exit east wing. Samuel sits meditat- ing to himself. Speaks.- They ask for a king to rule over them. But nay! He shall not be as other kings. He shall not rule as other kings. The Lord will di- rect. He must be humble and obedient. He must be righteous in all things, governing only as the Lord directs. For the Lord said unto me: Samuel, tomor- row about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin; and i.nou shall anoint him to be captain over my people of Israel, that he may save my people, because their cry has come unto me. (Saul and servant enter east wing and approach Samuel.) SAUL — Tell me, I pray thee, where the Seer's house is? SAM. — (Looking up at Sauly 1 am the Seer. (Samuel arises.) I pray thee, go up before me unto the high place, for thou shalt eat with me today, and tomorrow I will let thee go, and will tell thee all about what is in thine heart. And as for the lost you seek for, they are found. (Samuel puts his hand on Saul's shoulders.) And all the desire of Israel is on thee and on thy father's nouse. (Saul steps back in surprise and exclaims.) SAUL — Art thou not Samuel, the prophet. (Sur- prised. ) SAM. — (Arises.) Behoid; I am Samuel! (Saul nervously.) SAUL — Let me go, I pray thee, that my father may know concerning me. SAM. — Nay! for the Lord has chosen thee to be king over Israel. SAUL — (Steps back surprised.) Am I not a Ben- jamite; of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? And my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Wherefore, then, speakest thou so to me? (A lady servant enters with refreshments and puts on table, and exit back door. (Samuel speaks to Saul.) SAM.— Behold! That which is left eat; for I have kept it for thee. (Two lady servants enter west wing and stop. Samuel speaks to Saul.) Bid the servants pass on before us. (Saul arises until ladies exit east — 6— wing. Saul eating./ Tlie Lord said luito me, I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin that he may save my people. (Saul quits eating and lis- tens to Samuel.) Therefore arise, taat ye may know concerning that which I speak. (Saul arises. Sam- uel anoints Saul and speaks.) I have in the name of the Lord, this day anointed thee, because the Lord has chosen thee to be captain over his inheritance. Therefore, whe^n thou hast departed from me this day thou Shalt find two men. They shall say to thee: Thy father sorroweth for thee. And ttou shalt meet three other men, and they will salute thee. And thou shalt come to a hill, and there ye shall behold the garrison of the Phillistines. and thou shalt meet. a company descending the hill with a pipe and a harp. And they shall prophesy. And the spirit of tne Lord will come upon thee. Go ye, therefore, that your father may know concerning that which you have seen and heard. (Samuel exits back door. Saul stands meditating. Speaks.) SAUL— What? Am I not Saul the son of Kish, the Benjamite? (Straightens up.) Yea, but my very soul within me has been lifted from darkne&s to light. The hand or a kind providence hath revealed unto me a new life. (Thinking.) Can it be possible! O, for a secret retreat for a time that I may return thanks unto Him, the ever present and all-wise Crea- tor. (Saul hastens to exit west wing. The four elders and six servants enter east wing and see Saul exit west wing, and exclaim. First elder speaks. All look surprised.) ELD. — What? Is Saul among the propuets? (Sam- — 7— iiel enters east wing. All turn to Samuel. Samuel speaks.) SAM.— Thus sayeth the Lord God of Israel, I brought you out of Egypt. I delivered you out of the hands of the Egyptians, and out of the hands of all kingdoms that oppressed you. You are here this day rejected by your God, who saved you from your adversaries, and you have said unto him, Nay! But set a king over us. Therefore present yourselves. (Looks all around. Saul is gone.) Behold! he hath hidden! (Saul enters west wing. All turn to Saul surprised. Samuel points to Saul and exclaims in a loud voice.) See ye him whom the Lord hath chosen! (All shout in one voice.) ELDERS — God save the king! (Four men enter east wing in haste with spears, threatening, and ex- claim — first man.) FIRST GUARD— Who is he that said Saul shou.^ reign over us? Bring the men that we may put them to death! (Saul steps forward and exclaims, vexed.) SAUL — There shall not be a man put to deaiii this day. for the Lord hath wrought salvation to Is- rael. (All shout aloud in one voice- God save the king! God save the king! (Saul walks to east wing before them. Samuel exclaims.) SAM. — Behold! the king walketh before you! (Saul exits. Samuel sits down and beckons silence, and speaks to the four elders that asked for a king.) I am old and gray, and behold, my sons are with you; and I have walked before you. from my child- hood until this day. (Arises.) Behold! I am here! Witness against me before the Lord, whom have I de- frauded, whom have I oppressed? Or of whose hand have I received any bribe. Blind mine eyes and I will restore it thee. (Samuel sits. Elders all speak together.) ELDERS — Samuel! Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us; neither hast thou taken aught of any man's hand. SAM. — The Lord is witness against you. ALL — He is witness. SAM. — In time of battle and affliction you said to me, Nay! But a king shall reign over us. Then the Lord, your God, was your king. Therefore, I say unto you, fear the Lord, and serve ye him, that ye may continue in His footsteps. Stand ye therefore, and see this great thing which the Lord will do be- fore your eyes. (Samuel turns facing east. Light- ning, thunder and. rain, and a rumbling noise loud. All huddle together afraid. All fall upon their knees before Samuel, hands raised, and exclaim in a loud voice.) ALL — O! Samuel! Pray for thy servants, that we die not; for we have added unto our sins, this evil to ask us a king. SAM. — Fear not, but serve the Lord with all thine heart. For it pleaseth the Lord to make you his people. (A loud shout is heard back of the east wing, a-far off. A servant enters and exclaims while run- ning.) SER.— (Points back.) Behold! the army of Nahash! (Another loud shout east. All but Samuel exit east wing. Saul, guards and soldiers enter west wing in haste.) — 9— SAUL — (Looking, exclaims) As I live, the Phil- listines are nearing the city. SAM. — How goes the battle? What hast thou done? SAUL — (Excited) The army of the Phillistines are already upon us. Nahash has concentrated his forces at Michmash. Thou comest not at the ap- pointed time, and my men were scattered from me. SAM.— (Excited) What hast thou done? What hast thou done? SAUL — As thou didst not come, I forced myself, therefore, to offer a burnt offering. (Nervously.) SAM. — Thou hast done foolish! Thou hast not kept the commandments of the Lord, thy God. There- fore, thy kingdom shall not continue. Behoid! the Lord hath sought him a new man after his own heart. And the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord hath commanded thee. SAUL — But, O, Samuel! thou didst not come, and my people were returning to their homes. I could not stay them in their flight. We were lost without thee — lost to our God; and almost helpless before the mighty hosts of the Phillistines. Therefore, O, Samuel, spare me this one time, that I may repent a hasty transgression, and be honorable in thy sight. SAivi. — God hath chosen thee, and thou hast for- saken him! (Samuel exits back door in haste, and Saul exclaims excited:) SAUL— O! God! why hath thou forsaken me? (Jon- athan and guards enter east wing in haste and points back east.) —10— JON. — ThePhiilistines are upon us! (Saul looks east and speaks.) SAUL — See the chariots and horsemen! (Speaks quickly.) They have crowded the pass of Benjamin! We fly to Jordan. (Looking closely.) See them ascend the slope beyond! (Motioning with hand.) Higher! and higher! (A loud cheer from back east. Look again.) Hark! they are coming this way! (Saul turns to Jonathan. Speaks quickly.) We must fight our way to Gibea. (Saul, Jonathan and guards exit east wing in haste. Another loud cheer from the east.) (Curtain.) ACT I— SCENE 2. Curtain arises. Jonathan and servant enter west wing. Jonathan speaks to servant cautiously.) JON. — Come, let us go over to the Phillistines' gar- rison. (Stop looking.) Do you see the sharp rock over yonder? (Pointing.) SER. — I do. But where are the Phillistines? JON. — Beyond the rock, Boez, by Michmash. Come, let us go. SER. — Do as thou desireth: I am with thee. JON. — We will pass over near the garrison, and they will see us; and if they say. Tarry, until we come to you! then we will stand still where we are. But if they say, Come up to us, then we will go up! for the Lord hath delivered them into our hands. (Lie down.) This shall be a sign to us. (Pointing.) See! they have discovered us! (Jonathan and ser- vant rise quickly. A loud call east.) —11— PHILL. — Come up to us. We will chow you of a truth. (Jonathan and servant arises. Jonatnan speaks to servant.) JON. — Come! follow me; for the Lord hath deliv- ered them into the hands of Israel. (Both exit east wing. Saul and six guards enter west wing and stop quickly. A loud shout east. Saul's trumpeter blows "fall in" and Saul's soldiers enter west wing.) SAUL — Behold! Jonathan is not here! for he spy- eth in the camp of the enemy. (A priest and two servants enter west wing running. Saul catches the priest and exclaims:) Stay thy speed. (Saul beck- ons silence to soldier, and speaks, looking east.) Be- hold! the Phillistines! (Another loud shout far east. Saul explains, loud.) In the hope of Israel! On! quickly on! and not a man shall be left among them! (t?aul rushes out east wing, soldiers following shout- ing . ) SOLD. — God save the king, and Israel! (All exit running. A loud rumbling noise east, louder and louder. Samuel enters back door slowly, stops med- itating and exclaims, while looking east.) SAM. — The victory this day hath brougat a re- joicing in Israel. The Phillistines are beaten. The victory of Saul and Jonathan, may yet prove an ever- lasting triumph over the Phillistines. But there is yet a mighty war, which is inevitable. (Saul and guards enter east wing and approach Samuel. Guards line up. Samuel speaks to Saul excited.) How goes the battle? SAUL — The victory is ours, and the Phillistines are numbered with the dead! —12— SAM.— Yet! behold! the Amalekites! Therefore, go with thine army and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all; and spare them not! SAUL — As thou sayest. It shall be done. SAM. — Go ye, therefore, and destroy both man and beast. Even Agog their king! that he shall not live! Go! (Saul and his guards exit east wing. Samuel lifts his eyes and speaks slowly.) And me Lord said unto Samuel, I remember that which Amalek did unto Israel; how he lay in secret ambush to de- stroy my people. Therefore didst I send baul, that he might make waste their habitations and subdue their wickedness. Perchance there may be yet a hope in this one more opportunity to reveal, if pos- sible, in Saul a true spirit of righteousness. (Ser- vant enters east wing, running and exclaims.) SER. — Saul has smitten the Amalekites and Agog a prisoner! (Servant exits west wing, running.) SAM. — (Excited.) A victory! But what do 1 hear? Can it be possible that he hath spared Agag? (Sam- uel steps to front. Cut off curtain hiding oack part of stage.) In my dreams there is a mighty host, and a cry of victory. Yet above all this there is some- thing which fills my very soul with grief. (Cut off curtain back, showing a large poster. The inscrip- tion on poster reads as follows: "Glory be to Saul, the king of Israel! He hath smitten the Amalekites! and behold! Agag a prisoner! God save the king!" Samuel turns and sees poster, and kneels before it, looking up, and exclaims in a loud voice, with hands uplifted.) SAM.— Oh! Lord God of hosts! Thou hast revealed —13— unto nie the expression of my fears. Thy ser- vant, the king, even in victory, hath this day dis- obeyed thy commandment, insomuch that he hath given uhto himself the glory. Thereby lost to Israel, lost to himself and lost to his God! (Samuel arises.) Therefore in sorrow I shall return. (Servant enters east wing. Samuel speaks to servant.) Where is Saul, the king? SER.— (Pointing west.) Behold! he goeth to Gil- gal! And servant exits west wing. Samuel follows slowly and very much stooped with staff. As Samuel is walking curtain drops slowly, but rises quickly.) (Return Curtain.) ACT 2— SCENE 3. (Curtain arises. Saul, his guards and soldiers enter back door and soldiers form a line. Samuel enters east wing slowly. Saul hastens to meet Sam- uel, and speaks to Samuel boldly.) SAUL — Blessed be thou of the Lord! I have per- formed thy commandment. (Samuel listening west.) SAM. — What meaneth then this bleating of sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of oxen which I hear? SAUL — This we have brought, to sacrifice unto the Lord! and the rest we have utterly destroyed. SAM. — O, king! when thou was small, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel? And the Lord sent thee on a journey and said, Go, and ut- terly destroy the sinners of the Amalekites? Where- fore then, didst thou not obey the voice of the Lord, but didst fly upon the spoil, and didst evil in the sight of the Lord. —14— SAUL — Yea, Samuel! I have obeyed the voice of the Lord, and have gone the way which the Lord hath sent me. And have brought Agag, the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. SAM. — Yea, but to obey is better than sacrifice. SAUL — (Quick to speak.) But the people took of the spoil which should have been utterly destroyed. SAM. — (Sternly.) Hast thou obeyed that which was commanded thee? (Saul hangs his head.) Be- cause thou hast rejected the word of the Lord I He hath also rejected thee from being king. (Saul speaks to Samuel imploringly.) SAUL — I have sinned in the sigi^t of the Lord! Therefore, I come to thee, O, Samuel, asking of thee, this one time more to have mercy. I acknowleage to thee this wrong. Yea! I barkened unto the voice of the people. But let, O, let me return! I pray thee pardon my transgression, that I may worship the Lord. (Samuel turns to go away. Saul takes hold of the mantle of Samuel and it rends. Samuel stops. Saul steps back in surprise. Samuel speaks.) SAM. — As thou hath rent the mantie of Samuel, even so the Lord hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to thy neigh- bor, that is better than thou. (Saul falls on his knees before Samuel and exclaims.) SAUL — Oh, Samuel! I pray thee turn again with me, before the elders of my people, and before Israel! That I may worship the Lord, thy God. (Saul arises. Samuel turns to go. Stops and exclaims, vexed.) SAM. — Bring ye hither to me, Agag, the king of the Amalekites! (Soldiers all line up back part of —IB- Stage. Two soldiers exit west wing and bring Agag, in chains. Agag exclaims, while Samuel stands fac- ing Agag with large cutlass.) AGAG — (Almost frantic.) Surely this is the bit- terness of death! (Stops before Samuel. Samuel speaks to Agag.) SAM. — Agag! Thou king af the Amalekites! Thine wickedness be upon thee! As thou livest, thou shall surely die! (Stage darkened. Samuel turtis to exit east wing, and the two soldiers following, leading Agag. Other soldiers march after Agag by twos. Saul and his guards bringing up the rear. All march slowly, and exit east wing. Curtain drops very slow as they go off stage.) (Curtain and Music by Orchestra.) ACT II— SCENE 4. (Curtain arises. Saul enters east wing slowly and stops, head drooped, meditating. But like a flash lifts his head and exclaims, dramatically) SAUL — Can it be possible I am lost and my God hath forsaken me? (Vexed, and speaks very loud.) But who is he that is better than I? vVhat rival dare step his foot upon the throne? O! could I! But no! It would be impossible. For the prophet Samuel is the cnosen of God. I do not dare touch him. For, if so, God would punish the avenger. (Dignified.) But nevertheless I am Saul, the king! (Pointing to turban.) A royal turban and a harem! My former associates, less in honor, shall bow at my bidding. (Walks back and forth unconcerned.) I shall be like other kings. Jse my own pleasure — right or —16— wrong. Without Samuel, and without God, I shall fight my own battles! (Boastingly.> I am a king, and a soldier! By my hand prosperity prevaileth in Israel. (Jonathan enter east wing in haste and speaks to Saul.) JON. — Father, why comest thou to thine house in Gibea? Thou hast, found favor in Israel? SAUL — Nay, my son. Hast it not been revealed to thee that victory perisheth by transgression? That as Agag liveth. the Lord hath chosen another to reign over Israel ! JON. — (Speaks quickly.) Is Samuel the prophet, hidden — that there is no hope? SAUL- — So be it. As Amelek was hidden to de- stroy Israel, so shall I lie in wait to destroy he that seeketh for another to reign over Israel! (Jonathan excited.) JON. — Nay, father! Let not thine hand come up- on Samuel! Stay thine hand, that the anger of the Lord shall not smite thee. Thy transgression bring- eth sorrow to Samuel, even unto this day, (Both start to exit east wing, talking as they go.) SAUL — Jonathan! As I live, the battle goeth on until every tribe of heathendom shall be swept from among us! (Both exit east wing. Samuel enters slowly west wing walking with staff, stops and speaks.- SAM. — For twenty years without a revelation from God did my people clamor for a king. I am growing old and my days are almost numbered. Yet, it hath been revealed unto me amidst the gloom and dark- ness—a star in Bethlehem! The Lord hath said unto —17— me: Samuel, go to Jesse in Bethlehem, for I have provided a king among his sons. (Stops thinking to himself and speaks.) But how can I go? If Saul hear it he will lie in wait to kill me. But the Lord hath spoken and I shall obey. (Exits east wing very slowly, with staff to support his tottering steps. Four elders, Jesse and his sons, all except David, enter back door and all sit. Jesse sits benind table, and opens a scroll of paper, pretends to be reading. The first elder of spokesman looks west wing and arises All look west. Samuel enters west wing and stops. Elder speaks to Jesse.) ELD. — Is not this Samuel? (Looking surprised. Jesse exclaims.) JESSE— 'Tis Samuel, the phophet! But comest thou peaceably.? SAM. — Yea, I have come to sacrifice unto the Lord. (All look surprised. Jesse speaks to Samuel.) JESSE — Behold! a prophet of God cometh to Jesse to sacrifice! SAM. — Yea! That thou mayest be comforted con- cerning that which the Lord willeth to do in thy sight. JESSE — As the Lord willeth, be ,it even so! SAM. — Let thy sons come before me that I may know which of these the Lord desireth. (Jesse go to Eliab, and Eliab walks before Samuel.) The Lord's chosen hath not appeared. (Another son walks be- fore Samuel.) Neither hath the Lord chosen this one. Seven sons walk berore Samuel and exit east wing.) The Lord hath not chosen any of these. Are these all thv children? —18— JESSE — There is one that remaineth yet — the youngest. But behold! he keepeth the sheep. SAM. — Send and bring him! We will not sit down until he cometh. (Jesse speaks to servant.) JESSE— Go quickly to David! Bid him come to the sacrifice, that Samuel awaiteth his coming. (Ser- vant exits west wing in haste.) SAM. — This day, O, Jesse, thou hast been blessed, thee and thine house. For the Lord nath said, in the house of Jesse he hath chosen a king to reign over Israel. (Servant and David enter west wing. David dressed in a sepherd's suit, holding a shep- herd's crook.) JESSE— (Speaks to David.) Behold! Samuel the prophet! SAM.— (To Jesse.) 'Tis he whom the Lord hath chosen! Therefore, thou David, the son oi Jesse, come before me, that I shall do the Lord's bidding. (David goes to Samuel and kneels. Samuel pours oil on Lhe head of David saying.) This day the Lord hath chosen the reign over my people Israel. (Sam- uel takes David by the arm and leads him to exit east wing. Pretend to be talking to him. Both exit. Jesse exclaims as they go out pointing.) JESSE— Truly, my son! The chosen of God! Jon- athan enters west wing in haste and speaks to Jesse) JON.— Is not Samuel, the prophet, here? Jesse pointing.) JESSE— Behold! he goeth with David before thee! (Jonathan starts to exit, but stops short and speaks to others.) —19— JON.— Come, that I may fjnd him! ((All exit but Jesse. Jesse speaks to himself.) JESSE — Blessed are they whom the Lord hath chosen! (Jesse exits back door slowly. Saul, his guards and soldiers enter west wing. A loud shout is heard east wing a-far off. All lookiT}g east. Saul looking closely with his hand over his eyes to shade them, and exclaims.) SAUL— Behold! tne Phillistmes: See! there Cometh one a giart, with a coat of mail and a helmet upon his head! See the armor bearer wich a shield before him! (Another loud shout is heard a-far off, to the east. The giant, Goliath appeareth east wing, and exclaims with a loud, coarse voice.) GOLIATH— Why come ye to battle? Am I not a Phillistine? and ye servants of Saul? (Loud) Choose you a man and let him come down unto me: If he be able to fight me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But, if I kill him, then ye shall be our servants, and serve us. Therefore, I defy the army of Israel this day! Louder — mad.) Give me a man! Your soldiers are cowards, and dare not come to bat- tle with a Phillistine! (Exits back east wing. David enters in haste west wing, in a shepherd's suit with a crook and a sling. Saul offers a reward to any man who will slay Goliath.) SAUL — (Excited, exclaims in a loud voice.) He -who slayeth yonder giant will be loaded with riches, and have a princess for a wife! (David steps in front of Saul and speaks to Saul.) DAVID— Thy servant will fight the Phillistine! (Eliab, David's brother, angry, speaks to David.) —20— ELI AB— David! Why comest thou here? With whom did you leave the sheep in the wilderness? (Eliab mad.) I Know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart! Thou comest down to see the battle! (Eliab tells Saul about David thus.) O, king! David my brother, boasteth, concerning thy business. (Saul, looks around for David.) SAUL — Where is the lad, that I may see him? (David steps quickly to Saul.) DAVID — Behold! I am before you! (Saul looks at David in surprise and speaks.) SAUL— Thou art not able to fight the Phillistines. Thou art but a youth, and he is a man of experience in warfare. DAVID — The Lord hath delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, and he will deliver me out of the hand of this Phillis- tine. (Saul speaks to David.) SAUL— Go! and the Lord be with thee! (Saul puts his armor on David. But David prefers to go wiiiiout. David looks at himself and speaks.) DAVID — I can not go with these, for I have not proved them. { (Looks up at Saul.) The Lord will be my shield and my protection. (Another very loud shout is heard east. Goliath appears again and ex- claims in a loud voice, waving his sword, threaten- ing.) GOLIATH— Am I a dog? That thou comest to me? (Loud.) Come, and I will give thy flesa to the fowls of the air, and the beasts of the field i (David steips front and calls to Goliath.) DAVID — Thou comest to me with a sword, a spear —21— and a shield. But I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel whom thou hast defieu. This day the Lord will deliver thee into mine hand! I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee, and will give the car- cases to the hosts of the Phillistines this day, unto the fowls of the air and the wild beasts of the earth! That all the earth may know that there is a God in Israeli (A shout east. David steps to one side and picks up some pebbles, puts them in pouch, pretends to put a stone in his sling and advances quickly and throws hard. Goliath staggers and falls dropping his sword. David advances and places one foot on Goliath, and takes Goliath's sword to cut off his head. Saul exclaims, waving his sword and exclaims to soldiers.) SAUL — Behold! the victory! (Motions soldiers to follow the Phillistines. All rush out east wing just as curtain drops.) ACT II— SCENE 5. (Curtain arises. Saul. Jonathan and Abner enter east wing. Saul speaks to Abner in an excited man- ner) SAUL — Abner, whose son is this youth who slayest the Phillistine? ABNER— As the Lord liveth, O king. I cannot tell! SALi^ — Inquire thou, whose son the strippling is. ABNER — Tarry thou until I return. (Abner exits east wing in haste.' Speaks to Jonathan.) SAUL — Surely, the Lord be with h.m! Abner and David enter east wing, David carrying the head of —22— Goliath. Saul looking surpi'ised, speaks to David.) Young man. whose son art thou? DAVID — I am the son of Jesse, .ne Bethlemite. JON. — Surely, thy victory cometh from God! DAVID — The valiani in battle belongeth to the Lord. SAUL — Come with us, unto my house, for we have found favor in thee. Thou art brave in battle, there- fore, I will make thee captain over my men of war, and thou shalt dwell with us. Come! (All exit east wing. Jesse enters back door, looks east and west and exclaims.) JESSE — David reiurneth noi to his home in Beth- lehem. He comeih to the king, and behold, the sheep needeth his care. Yei he returneth not. (Four lad- ies and six servants enter east wing with cymbals and tambourines, and look back, and one of them points and exclaims to others.) FIRST LADY— 'Tis David! Behold! He cometh jUi victory! (A loud shout is heard a-far off east. Ladies wave their instruments of music. Jesse speaks to the lady.) JESSE— What meaneth this rejoicing? (Lady pointing back.) LADY — (To Jesse.) See the mighty hosts! They are coming this way! (Raises her hands and ex- claims to others.) The victory is ours! Another loud shout east. David, Jonathan and soldiers enter east wing by twos, and exit west wing. Ladies singing while they are passing across the stage, ladies sing- ing thus: ) LADIES — Saul has slain his thousands, but David —23— his tens of thousands. Until all exit west wing. Ser- vants and ladies follow and exit last. Saul enters east wing in haste, vexed, and exclaims. - SAUL— What do I hear? They ascribe to David, tens of thousands, and to me, they have ascribed but thousands! (Mad). What can he have more than the kingdom? What hath he done that he is better than I? (Imploringly). Oh, Samuel! Call back thy memory to the victories of Jabesh, Gilead, and Michmash. Yea, more! Behold! My victory over the Amalekites. And after all, thou hast said, rejected of God! (Jonathan and servant enter east wing in haste. Jonathan approaches Saul quickly.) JON. — Father! What hath happened unto thee thai thou art offended, seeing David hath the victory? SAUL — (Mad.) Who hath gained a greater victory than I! (Loud). Bring him before me that I may know for myself! (Servant runs for David west wing) . JON. — Do him no harm! Israel hath seen thy vic- tories! (David enters west wing. Stops and plays the harp. Saul, vexed, exclaims to Jonathan, de- termined, in rage) . SAUL — Behold! He that cometh before me shall die! (Saul turns quickly and throws spear at David. All step to rear frightened, Jonathan catches his father by tiie arm. All confusion. Jonathan speaks to Saul, excited). Jon.— (To Saul). Stay thy hand! David hath not harmed thee! Thy servant hath found favor in thine house! Therefore, do him no harm, I pray thee! —24— (David, frightened, exits west wing in haste. Saul turns to Jonathan and softens his tones). SAUL — Jonathan! Thou art my son. To ser- vants) . These are my servants. If thou hast found favor in me, do whatsoever I ask of thee. (Confiden- tially.) Talk with David secretly and say to him, the king hath delight in thee. And the king's servants have aelight in thee also. Therefore David! be ye the king's son-inlaw! Do ye whatsoever i have com- manded you. (Servants exclaim in one voice). SERVANTS — We are thy servants, and will do what- soever thou sayest. (Jonathan with sympathy speaks to Saul) . JON. — Father! What evil hast thou to come upun David? SAUL — My son! that which I do, shall be knovn unto thee. Thou art my son! And ye, are my ser- vants. Therfore I say unto thee, David shall not live. (All step back surprised. Jonathan falls on his khees before Saul imploringly.) JON. — O, father: Thy servant David hath been obedient unto thee. Therefore, let not thy wrath come upon innocent blood. SAUL — Let not my hand be upon him, but let the hands of the Phillistines be upon him. For he that is better than I cannot dwell in the land of Israel! (Jonathan arises, puts his arms around Saul's neck.) JON. — Father, I am of thy house and thy son. My faith abideth in thee. And thou hast never forsaken me in my afflictions, nor hath turned aside at my councils. Therefore, I beg of thee. O, father, to spare —25— David, thy servant, for the sake of Jonathan, thy son! (Saul, with sympathy for his son, speaks.) SAUL — Jonathan, thou hast been obedient at all times, and as David hath found favor in thee, and inasmuch as thou hast found favor in David, for thy sake I will spare him, that he may return to thy father's house. Therefore, go, and my servants be with thee. (Jonathan and servants exit east wing Saul, meditating, speaks.) Behold! David shall marry my daughter. But first he shall promise to fight my battles for me. I will make him captain over my warriors, and demand of him as a dowry the foreskins of one hundred Phillistines. By so do- ing he will be forced into battle, and lose his life. My daughter shall be a snare to him. I therefore shall see David myself. (Speaks confidently.) And behold! my trap is set! (Speaks boastingly.) Sam- uel is not here and what care I? (Loud.) Who is my rival that I should fear him? (Exits east wing in haste. David enters west wing cautiously, watch- ing Saul exit. Looks all around and exclaims to him- self.) DAVID — Jonathan is not here! (Servants enter west wing. David turns to servants. Servant speaks to David.) FIRST bER.— King Saui hath a message for thee. He commanded his servants to tell thee that the king hath delight in David. And the king's servants also delight in thee. Therefore as thou hast found favor in the king's house, he refuseth not his daughter, Michal. that you shall be his son-in-law. (David won- derfully surprised, steps back and exclaims.) —26— DAVID— Wliat? That I should marry the king's daughter! FIRST SER.— (On guard.) Yea, the king hath said. DAVID — (Surprised.) That I should be the king's son-in-law! I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed. SER. — The king desireth not any dowry but a hun- dred foreskins of the Phillistines. to be avenged of the king's enemies. (David delighted.) DAVID — Make haste and return ye unto the king's house. What thou hast spoken is well. Therefore, tarry not by the wayside until thou hast spoken to the king concerning me. (Servant exits west wing in haste. David, excited, speaks quickly.) What hath brought about this revelation I hear? (Stops thinking and speaks.) The king's daughter! And I to be the king's son-in-law! What is there in me, that a kind providence hath so graciously extended this wonderful blessing? (Jonathan enters east wing puts his hand on David's shoulder and speaks.) JON.— Why tarryest thou? My father asketh to see thee. DAVID — I shall go at thy father's bidding. For the king's servants hath said that Saul, the king, hath delight in me, insomuch that he will give unto David his daughter, that I may become his son-in-law. JON — Go! that my father may find favor in thee! DAVID — Behold! the king's servants go before me, that the king may know that I come. JON. — So be it. And I shall return with thee also, that my father be not angry. (Both exit east wing. —27— Michal. the king's daughter, enters west wing and spealvs.) MICH. — My brother cometh to David. But I see them not. My fatner is anxious that they should return with me to the king's palace, for he shall await our coming. (Thinking.) To be the wife of David would be the joy of my life — the hope of my future happiness. To be the daughter of a king, and the wife of a hero would indeed be a gift which could only be given by an all-wise Creator. (Servant enters east wing, bows to Michal and speaks hastily.) SER. — Behold! they whom thou seeketh goeth be- fore me, that thou mayest come with me to the king's house. (Michal speaks quickly.) MICH. — Come, that we may meet them! (Both exit east wing, servants or guards enter west wing talking and stop.) FIRST SER.— (Excited, speaks quickly.) The king hath given unto David his daughter, that she shall be his wife! SECOND SER.— Insomuch that David hath been victorious in battle, it hath pleased the king to honor him to be his son-in-law. FIRST SER. — Therefore, we shall hasten that we be not chastised, and the king be not angry concern- ing us. (All exit east wing. Marriage bells are heard a-far east. Orchestra plays low, soft music. Saul and guards enter east wing by twos. March slowly, Saul and Jonathan following guards, and David and Michal following Saul and Jonathan, and six ladies come last, carrying each a large bunch of flowers. As the company march across the stage, the curtain begins to drop very slowly, and reach the floor just as the last exits west wing. Orchestra begins to play quick music.) (Return curtain.) (Curtain arises, Saul enters west wing in haste and stops short.) SAUL— (Speaks quickly.) Behold! he that findeth favor in my people shall perish by the sword of the Phillistines. Seeing he hath my daughter for a wife, she shall prove a snare to him. And whatsoever I shall ask of her, that will will she do. (Servant en- ters west wing, running, and speaks quickly to Saul.) SER. — The Phillistines are upon us, even to the city. (All of Saul's guards enter. Bugle sounds. Saul's soldiers enter west wing, looking east. A loud shout east, a-far off. Saul turns quickly and looks. David and his guard enter west wing, running. David speaks to Saul quickly. - DAVID— (Pointing.) Behold! the Phillistines! (A loud rumbling noise.) SAUL — Go ye, therefore, and smite them before they come upon us! (David, guards and soldiers shout and rush out east wing. Saul speaks to his guards.) Go ye and watch and tell me what thou seeest! (Saul, left all alone, exclaims to himself — mad.) My rival shall fight my battles, that he goeth down with the dead. (Saul exits back door quickly, Almost frantic, the six ladies enter west wing look- ing; one lady pointing and exclaims.) FIRST LADY— j^ee! they fly! Behold their refuge! —29— The hills! the rocks! See the hosts of David ad- vancing! Higher and higher! until they are lost from view. See! the army of the Phillistines are flying from their cover! Onward and upward! (Throws her hands up and exclaims,) The victory is ours! (Another loud shout, and ladies exit east wing, running, and waving a victory with their hand- kerchiefs. Jonathan and David enter back door. Jonathan speaks lo David confidentially.) JON, — baul, my father, seeketh to kill thee! There- fore, I pray thee x^ide thyself in a secret place until the morning, and the morning cometh, behold, I will go out in the field where thou art, and I will talk to my father concerning thee. Therefore, go quick- ly before my father returneth. (David exits quickly at back door, Saul enters east wing, Jonathan advances to Saul and speaks.- Father, let not the king sin aganst David! For he hath not sinned against thee. Because his works have been to the, ward very good. For he did put his life in his own hand and slew the Phillistines, and the Lord wrought a great salvation for all Israel. Thou sawest it, and did rejoice. Wherefore, wilt thou sin against inno- cent blood to slay David without a cause. SAUL — As the Lord liveth, David shall not be slain! (David enters east wing cautiously.) JON. — Behold! He is here, that thou may know! (Saul turns and speaks to David.) SAUL — David, thou shalt remain in the king's house. And Jonathan, my son, is here, that he may know that I have found favor in thee. Go, there- fore unto thy wife, my daughter, and tell her that, —30— as I live, no harm shall come of thee. (Michal, Saul's daughter, enters west wing. Saul goes lo meet her. Jonathan looks in surprise. Saul speaks.) Be, hold, my daughter cometh, that she may know also, tnat the king's nouse shall be unto her, and her's a royal house in the king's family! JON. — Father, provide ye therefore at the king's palace, a sitting at thy table that we may be as one in the king's house. SAUL — My son, thou hast said, and it shall be as thou sayest. Come! That we may sup together in the presence of witnesses. That my servants shall know also that I have found favor in thee. MICH. — Father, thou art good and kind, insomuch that David shall know for himself that he is accept- ed of thee. DAVID — O, king, if I have offended thee in thouglit or in deed, thou has been wrongly informed concern- ing my wishes, which have at all times been to thee- ward. Therefore, accept, I pray thee, my sincere thanks for the favor thou hast shown me, insomuch that thou hast given me a place in the king's paiace. SAUL — Come! That we may be a unit in the king's family. (All exit east wing. Servants enter and huddle together, looking east and stop quickly. First servant speaks.) FIRbT SER.— Behold, the signal! SECOND SEE.— "Tis the camp of the Phillistines! FIRST SER. — Is there not merriment in the king's house? We should hasten at once that the king may know concerning that which we have seen. (Two ladies enter east wing in haste and exclaim.) —SI- LADY — Didst thou not see yonder signal? (Point- ing east.) FIRST SER.— (Speaks quickly.) 'Tis the enemy! (To ail.) Stay thou here until my return! If the Phillistines remain where they are, come not! But if they come, do not tarry, but return quickly to the king's house. (First servant exits west running. All are looking east and exclaim in one voice,) ALL — Behold! They are coming this way! SECOND LADY— (Quick to speak- We should not tarry, lest our people be in danger! (A loud shout east, all looking.) "Tis David and our soldiers! Come, that we may welcome their return. (All exit east wing in haste, but return quickly, looking back, waving their handkerchiefs and smiling. Jonathan, David, guards and soldiers enter east wing. Michal enters west wing, smiling, and strewing flowers on floor before them. Saul enters back door in haste with a spear and throws it at David. Jonathan catches Saul's arm, Michal catches hold of David and hastens him to exit west wing out of danger. All ladies exit following David. Saul tries to loose him- self from Jonathan, but soldiers lay hold of Saul to help Jonathan. Saul acts like a mad man, trying to tear himself loose from soldiers, and exclaims wild- ly.) SAUL— As I live— he shall aie! JON. — Father! Do not be angry with thy servants I They have naught against thee! (Saul mad.) SAUL — He whom Samuel hath anointed as my rival shall die! Even to his father's house! Ye are my servants. Therefore I command you to spare —32— him not! (Very loud.) As the Lord liveth, I shall be avenged: (Soldiers force off stage, east wing.) (Curtain ana music by me orchestra.) ACT III— SCENE 6. (Curtain arises, Michal seated. David enters east wing. Michal arises quickly, and goes to meet David and speaks.) MICH, — David! My father sendeth his servants to kill thee! Therefore make haste and save thy- self this night! Or tomorrow thou shalt be slain! (David excited.) DAVID— Whither shall I go, that I be saved? MICH. — Go unto thy father's house in Bethlehem quickly, least they come upon you! (David hastens to exit, he and Michal, but Michal returns. Michal hastens to prepare an image, and puts the image in David's bed, and returns to seat. Servants enter in haste. Michal arises quickly. First servant speaks to Michal.) FIRST SER.— Saul, the king, hath sent his ser- vants unto the house of David, that he be delivered unto the king. (Michal pointing to the bed.) MICH. — Behold, he whom thou seekest is sick! Therefore I beseech thee do not approach him for he sleepeth. (Servants look at each other and speak.) FIRST SER. — Yea, but the king commandeth that we shall bring him! (Servant starts toward bed, but Michal steps in front of them and exclaims, de- termined) MICH.— Behold! I am the king's daughter! There- —33— fore, retrace thy steps that my father's wrath come not upon thee. (All stop, step back and look at each other in surprise, and speak again to Michal.) FIRST SER.— Come with us, that thy father may know concerning what thou say est. (Michael point- ing to bed.) MICH.— Behold. I cannot go! Let not my father send his servants that I may be grievea: Thou art servants of my father, the king. This is the house of David. Therefore, hasten to my father that he may know for himself concerning what ^ have spok- en unto thee. (Servants exit east wing. Michal walking the floor excited and nervous, and exclaims to herself.) If my father be angry, what shall I do? Oh, that Jonathan will go to my father ere he come! (Saul and guards eijiter east wing in haste. Saul very angry and speaks to Michal roughly.) SAUL — Why hast my daughter deceived me? Thou sayest to my servants that David is sick! (Saul steps quickly toward his daughter, threatening, and speaks roughly.- Tell me, therefore, where my rival is hidden, that I may slay him! (Michal kneels be- fore her father with hands uplifted, speaks implor- ingly.) MICH. — O, father! Thou knowest not the grief of thy daughter! Do not! I pray do not! take the life of David! Thou hast been kind to me all my life, and here I am, thy child, pleading for mercy at thy hand! And as thy Heavenly Father knoweth His children, even so. O, father, remember thy daugh- ter tenderly! Do not, I pray thee, let thy wrath come upon innocent blood! Spare them, that they may love and honor thee as thv children! —34— SAUL— (Loud.) Speak not thy tale of woe! (Saul catches his daughter and throws her from him.) For deception lurketh in thy very soul! Michal stands to one side weeping. Jonathan enters east wing run- ning, and rushes between guards, throwing them to the floor right and left, and catches Saul, his father, and steps in front of him and exclaims dra- matically to Saul) JON. — For shame! (Points to Michal.) Behold! thy daughter weepeth! (Saul bows his head. Jona- than leads him by the arm to exit east wing, guards following. All exit east wing.) (Return Curtain.) (Curtain arises. Samuel, seated at table, head stooped, meditating. David enters sin haste and speaks to Samuel.) DAVID— Behold, I am before thee! (Samuel lifts his head and arises and exclaims) SAM. — As I live! 'Tis Davia! I am made to re- joice in thee, O, David! because my people findeth favor in thee. How fares the king, concerning thee and thine? DAVID — Because it hath pleased the Lord that thou hath anointed David, Saul, the king, hath sought to slay me, even unto my father's house. The Lord hath fought my battles and hath made me victorious over mine enemies. Therefore the king is angry concerning me, insomuch that he seeketh my life. (Samuel surprised.) SAM. — Art thou not the king's son-in-law? DAVID — Thou sayest. But he hath chosen me, —35— that I may fight his battles for him — that J may die before the hosts of mine enemies! SAM. — What of thy wife, concerning Saul, the king? DAVID — She wills not to do the king's bidding, concerning me. (Samuel with interest in David.) SAM.— Hast thou not heard of Saul— how he hath been rejected of the Lord? And that he defieth Samuel, that he hath returned unto his own city? Therefore I say unto thee. David, fear not. For the Lord be with thee. DAVID — The king sweareth to be avenged, and I fear his people, that they come upon me. (Samuel speaks quickly.) SAM. — Come with me, therefore, unto Naioth, in Ramah, that the king may not find thee. (Both exit west wing. Two ladies enter back door, just as Saul enters east wing with guards. Saul speaks to ladies.) SAUL — Who art thou? ±^nd where is thine house? FIRST LADY— We are of Ramah. SAUL — Where may we find the prophet, Samuel, and David? FIRST LADY — (Pointing west.) Behold, they be at Naioth, in Ramah. SAUL — (To guards.) Come then, that we may find them. ( Saul and servants exit west wing. Ladies exit back door. David enters east wing in haste, and meets Jonathan at west wing. Jonathan speaks excited.) JON. — We were alarmed that thou hadst fallen into the hands of thine enemies! Was my father near thee? DAVID — (Pointing west.) Behold, tny father is —36— in Ramah, and seeketh to slay me! (Jonathan takes David by the hand.- JON. — Though it taketh my life, I will save ttiee! DAVID — What i.ave I done? What is my iniquity? And what is my sin before thy father, that he seek- eth my life? (Jonathan looking up, exclaims.) JON.— God forbid! Thou shalt not die! Behold, my father will do nothing, but what he will shew it me. And why shouldst my father hide this thing from me. It is not so! DAVID — Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes, and I thought not to tell thee, lest thou be grieved. But truly as the Lord liveth, there is but a step between me and dath! JON. — (With sympathy.) Fear not, David! For whatsoever thy soul desireth, I will do it for thee! (David excited.) DxWID — Behold, tomorrow is the new moon! And I should not fail to sit with the king at meat. But let me go that I may hide myself in the field until the evening of the third day. And if thy father at all miss me. say unto him that David asked leave of me, that he might run to Bethlehem, his city, for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family. And if he say it is well, thy servant shall have peace. But if he be very wroth, then be very sure that evil is determined in him. Therefore, thou should deal kindly with thy servant, for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the Lord with thee. Nothwithstanding, if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself. For why shouldst thou bring me to thy father? —37— JON. — Far be it from thee. For if I knew certain- ly that evil were determined by my father to come upon thee, then woiildst not I tell thee? (David speaks quickly.) DAViD— Who shall tell me? Or, if thy father ans- wereth thee roughiy? JON. — Come, ana let us go out into the fielu. (Both start to exit east v,^ing, but stop.) Tarry thou. (Jon- athan kneels, and speaks imploringly.) Oh! Lord God of Israel! When I have sounded my father about tomorrow, or any time, or the third day, and behoid, if there i.e no good towards David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee, me Lord do so much and more to Jonathan. (.Jonathan arises.) But if it pleases my father to do thee evil, then I will shew it thee, and send thee away, that thou mayest go in peace. And the Lord be with thee, as he hath been with my father, and thou shalt not only while yet I live, shew me the kindness of the Lord that I die not. (Jonathan takes David by the hand') but, also, thou shalt not cut off thy kind- ness from my house forever. (Loud.) No! Noi: when the Lord hat., cut off the enemies of David Gvery one, from the face of the earth. (Jonathan takes hold of both hands of David.- Let the Lord ever require it at the hand of David's enemies! DAVID — As I live! thou shalt be remembered in the house of David, and in the house of mine enemies thou shalt receive favor concerning thee of thy good- ness toward me, insomuch that tnou hast saved my life from the hands of mine enmies. Even so may the Lord remember us. that we may trust in Him, and He is in us, as becometh His goodness. —38— JON, — Puts his arm around David's neck, and speaks with sympathy.) Thy life shall be my life! Whatsoever thou asketh at my hand, be it even so to thee. (Miehal enters east wing in haste. David meets her and takes her by the hand, and exclaims) DAVID — Thou art ever welcome! For thou hast never forsaken me! When thy father was angry, thou didst hide me, that I die not, and whithersoever I go, thou Shalt come, that I may trust in tnee. MICH. — Jonathan, my brother, abideth with thee that my father may know that we love thee, that he be not angry concerning his children. JON. — Behold, I go quickly to my facxier, that David be received into the king's house, and there shall be a sign unto David, if he be received by my father. MICH.— Go quickly! And I shall return with thee that our father shall not know that we be with David to avoid the king's house. (Miehal aad Jon- athan start to exit west wing. Miehal stops and goes back to David, and takes him by both hands and exclaims, sympathetically) If thou goest, I shall be with thee, even unto death! (Miehal turns weeping. David weeps also. Miehal and Jonathan exit east wing. David speaks to himself.) DAVID — If I return to my father in Bethlehem, behold, the king cometh to find me! And if I re- main where I am he is here! Therefore, if needs be, I shall seek refuge in th land of mine enemies. The Lord be with me that Israel shall know that David remembereth them in mercy and careth to be with them. The Lord will direct me, guide and protect —39— me! (Jonathan enters east wing in haste. David steps quickly to Jonathan.) Hast thou returned from thy father's house? JON. — Truly! x\nd tomorrow is the new moon, and thou shalt be missed because thy seat be empty. Therefore, go! And when thou hast stayed three days, then thou shalt go quickly, and come to the place where thou hidest thyself, and shall remain by the stone Ezel. And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I shot at a mark. And behold, I will send a lad saying. Go, find the arrows. If I expressly say unto the lad. Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, take them. Then come tiiou, for there is peace to thee, and no hurt, as the Lord liveth. But if I say thus unto the young man. Be- hold, the arrows are beyond thee, go thy way, for the Lord hath sent thee away, and this shall be a sign unto thee. And. as touching the matter which thou and I have spoken, behold, the Lord be Oetween thee and me forever. Go ye, therefore, and tarry- net. I will see my father, and shew thee a sign where thou hideth, that thou mayest know of my father concerning thee. (Shakes hands. David exits in haste east wing, Jonathan exits back door. Saul's guards enter west wing looking in surprise at David's exit. Guards group together. First guard exclaims) FIRST GUARD— (Pointing east) Behold! Is this not David? (Looking) Behold! He hastens at our coming. (All looking) He disappeareth in the dis- tance! Surely 'tis he! SECOND GUARD— Let us go quickly that we may find him! FIRST SER.— Come! And we will bring him unto —40— the king! (All exit east wing running. Jonathan enters west wing, looking east. Sees David and beckons him to hasten.- JON. — (Looks) As I live, he hath hidden! (Look- ing.) They find him not! They are bearing off — farther and farther! He is saved! (Jonathan stand- ing stooped farward looking, with hat in hand.) (Curtain and Music by Orchestra.) ACT III— SCENE 7. (Curtain arises, showing King Saul's dining room. The king, Abner and Jonathan seated at table. Saul speaks to Jonathan concerning David.) SAUL — Wherefore cometh not the son of Jesse to meat? Neither yesterday nor today? JON. — David earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem. He said. Let me go, I pray thee, for our family hath a sacrifice in the city, and my brother hath commanded me to be there. And he said unto me, if I have found favor in thine eyes, let me go, I pray thee and see my brother. Therefore, he com- eth not to the king's table. (Saul arises very angry and speaks to Jonathan roughly.) SAUL — Thou son of a perverse, rebellious woman! Do not I know thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion? (Very angry.) For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou Shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom! Where- fore, send and bring him unto me, for he shall die! JON. — ^(Nervous.) Wherefore shall he be slain? What hath he done? (Saul throws a spear at Jon- athan. Jonathan arises quickly and exits east wing, —41— running. Saul's guards all enter back door. Saul speaks to guards loud and viciously.) SAUL— Go! That thou sleepest not until thou shall bring David before me, that I may slay him! (Ser- vants all step back surprised.- Ye are my servants! Go! Or as I live, ye shall die! (Threatening tnem with sword. Servants all exit east wing quickly. Saul, very angry, exclaims to himself, dramatically) Rejected of God! Despised and forsaken! (Very loud.) Nay! So long as there is a drop of blood in my veins to conquer, I swear (starts to exit east wing, talking as he goes off) that David shall not live! (Exits east wing in haste. Jonathan and a lad enters west wing, and stop. Jonathan speaks.) JON.— Behold! (Motions to lad., my lad! Run and find the arrows which I shoot. (Lad starts and stops. Jonathan shoots an arrow beyond the lad.) Is not the arrow beyond thee? Make speed! Haste and Stay not! Lad gathers up the arrows and re- turns to Jonathan. Jonathan hands the lad the bow •and arrows and exclaims) Go ye and carry them to the city. (Lad exits west wing, running. David arises from his hiding place, the rock of Ezel, and runs to Jonathan and they embrace each other, weep- ing.) Go in peace. For as much as we have sworn, both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord be between thee and me! And between my seed and thy seed forever. (David exits east wing, Jon- athan west wing. Curtain drops slowly. - (Return Curtain.) Curtain arises. Ahimeleh, the priest, and Doeg, —42— the chief of Saul's servants, seated at table, the priest reading in a scroll or parchment. David enters east wing, cautious, and speaks to the priest. Ahim- elech arises quickly, steps back in surprise and speaks to David.) AHIM. — Is not this David? Why art thou alone, and no man with thee? DAVID — The king hath commanded me a business and hath said unto me. Let no man know anything of the business whereabout I send thee, and I have appointed my servants "to such and such a place. (David looks at priest's hand.) Therefore, what is under thine hand, give me, beseech thee, five loaves of bread, or what thou hast in thine hand. AHIM. — There is no common bread under mine hand. This is hallowed bread. DAVID — The vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread, in a manner, common. Yea, though it were sanctified, this day in the vessel. AMIM. — I will give it thee, for thou dost hunger. (David looks again and speaks.) DAVID — And is there not under thine hand a spear or a sword? for I have neither brought my sword or my weapons with me, because the king's business requireth haste. (Ahimeieh favorable.) AHIM. — The sword of the Phillistines, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah! (Pointing.) Behold, it is there wrapped in a cloth, behind the Ephod. If thou will take that, take it. (Pointing.) For there is no other save that here. (David speaks quickly.) DAVID — There is none like that! Give it me! (David starts to exit west wing. Ahimeieh speaks.) AHIM.— Where goest thou? —43— DAVID — My business, concerning the king, calls me hence I AHIM. — Art not thou the king's son-in-law? DAVID — Thou sayest. Therefore I shall hasten that the king be not angry. (David exits west wing in haste. Doeg speaks to Ahimelech knowingly.) DOEG — Dost thou not know concerning the king's son-in-law? That Saul, the king, seeketh to slay David? AHIM.— Nay! This cannot be! He fighteth for Israel! and therefore findeth favor in the king's house, insomuch, that the king hath given his daugh- ter unto David for a wife! And hath commanded him a business whereof David hath spoken. DOEG — But he cometh alone, and tarryeth not? AHIM. — ^For the king's business requireth haste. DOEG — Be ye not deceived, for the king cometh! Therefore David seeketh safety. AHIM. — (Angry.) Art not thou a servant of Saul the king? Art thou acquainted with the king's bus- iness, seeing thou art but a servant? Go, ye, there- fore, unto thy calling! Speak not to me of the king concerning David! Hasten thou, therefore, and re- turn, that you mayest escape the king's wrath. (Doeg exits east wing in haste. Ahimelech meditat- ing and speaks.) Doeg, the Edomite, a servant of Saul. Should he. therefore, speak to the king con- cerning David? (Startled at what he has said to David before Doeg. Exclaims quickly.) What if the king should be angry, seeing that I have had a favorable interview with David? (Stops thinking.) Is it possible that I have done for David that which —44— should be left for the king alone? Have I transgress- ed the law? (Ahimelech excited and nervous.) I shall hasten to reveal to the king that which I have done, ere his wratii shall come upon me! (Ahime- lech exits east wing in haste. King Achish and guards enter back door. Achish, the king of Gath. seated. Guards all line up. First servant or spokes- man, steps front, looking east and speaks.) FIRST GUARD— Behold, O, king! One cometh. bearing the SAvord of Goliath! (The king arises. All look.) Is not this David — mighty in battle against the Phillistines . ACH. — (Turns to guard.) Ye are beside thyself! Thinkest thou that David cometh into his enemies' country, and alone? (David enters west wing.) ACH.— Art thou David— before us? FIRST GUARD— Didst they not sing of thee, that Saul had slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands! (David is caught, and turns around quickly and pretends like a mad man, hammers on the wall with his fist and froths at the mouth. The king jumps back, frightened, and exclaims to guards quickly.) ACH. — See! The man is mad! Wherefore have ye brought him to me? Shah this man come into my house? (Servants frightened, push door open and David exits back door. The king and servants watching, and the king, excited, exclaims.) Surely, this is not David, that he cometh as a mad man! FIRST GUARD— Of a truth, this is not David! For he beareth the sword of Goliath, which was in the keeping of Ahimelech, the priest. ACH. — Why hath Ahimelech sent this man hither —45— to the king's house. If he be a servant of the priest why hath he sent him to the king? (To guards.) Go ye therefore, and find where he hath hidden, that he do no harm. (Servants exit west wing in haste. The king starts to exit east wing, but stops short, and spealcs.) If this be David, why is he before his enemy? and alone? (Thinking of danger, speaks quickly.- As I live, he may spy the camp of the Phillistines. gain a victory and I shall lose my king- dom. My servants must find him or they die! (King exits west wing in haste, just as David enters back door, with Goliath's sword. David exclaims, dis- couraged.) (DAVID — Is it possible there is no place of safety? Am I an outlaw? that I am driven from home to seek refuge in the caves and rocks of the hills, even in my enemies' country? To return would be death; Oh, Jonathan! For thy words of consolation! Stay not from me, that I perish! (Excited, almost frantic, exclaims furiously.) I shall fly to the scenes of my childhood. I shall take refuge in the cave Aid-el-ma! Perhaps there may be amidst this gloom and dark- ness a hidden treasure to lighten my pathway. (Rushes off east wing in haste.) (Return Curtain.) (Curtain arises slowly, showing a cave, and David lying just inside of cave. David crawls out and stands erect, looking first east and then west. Sees some one coming from the west, and David crawls back in the cave. David's father, mother and brother enter west wing and stop at cave, listening. —46— Jesse, David's father, looks in cave and sees David, and exclaims.) JESSE — Is this tne house of David, my son? (Sur- prised. David comes forth at once and embraces his father and mother, weeping, and his mother ex- claims) MOTHER— David! Behold thy father and mother. Therefore we come to thee that thou may care for us as we have cared for thee, my child. DAVID — Mother! I am homeless, but not forsak- en. As thou hast cared for thy child. Thou art mother; and I will care for thee. (Both weep. David steps between his father and. mother and walks with them to the east wing very slowly. Jesse and brethren enter west wing and stand watching exit. The prophet, Gad, enters east wing, meets David and speaks.) GAD — David! Abide not in the hold. Depart and get thee in the land of Juda! For the king seeketh thee. (David turns and speaks to brethren.) DAVID — Come! That we may reason together! (All exit east wing. Saul enters with guard and sol- diers line up. Saul speaks.) SAUL — ^Behold! If David hath an army, hear now ye Benjamites! The son of Jesse will give every one of you fields and vlnewards and make you all captains of hundreds, and captains of thousands. (Louder, vexed.) That all of you have 'i^onspired against me, and none of you have shown me that my son Jonathan hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you that is sorry for me, or sheweth unto me that my son hath stirred —47— up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day. (Doeg enters west wing.) Behold, Doeg hath returned that he may speak. DOEG — Oh, king! I saw David, the son of Jesse, coming to Nob, to Ahimelech, the priest, and he inquired of tne Lord for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath, the Phillistine. SAUL — Make haste, and go ye therefore, to Ahim- elech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his fath- er's house; and bring them that they may answer before the king concerning David. (Doeg exits west wing, running. Saul looks around and sees the cave. Looks in cave and sees a camp kettle setting in cave. Brings kettle out and exclaims.) Is not this the camp of David? Whilst I abode in Rama he hath also fled. Behold! My servants are with me, and if there be treason in Ahimelech, the priest, as the king liveth, he shall die! (Doeg, Ahimelech and his servants all enter west wing, and come be- fore Saul. (Saul speaks determined.) Hear now, thou son of Ahitub! AHIM — (Lifts up his head and speaks) Lord, I am before thee! SAUL — Why hast thou conspired against me? Inou and David, the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a swora? And hast inquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day? (Ahimelech answers.) AHIM. — And who is so faithful among all the ser- vants as David,v/ho is the king's son-in-law. and goe+h at thy bidding, and is honorable in thine house? Did I then begin to inquire of God for him. be it far from —48— me. (Doeg steps in front of Ahimelech and speaks) DOEG — (Loud.) As I live! Thou witnesseth falsely concerning thyself. (Ahimelech steps back siTirprised.) AHIM. — (Mad, speaks quickly) Let not the king impose anything unto his servant. Nor to all the house of my father! For thy servant knew nothing of all this less or more. (Saul excited exclaims.) SAUL — Ahimelecn! Thou shalt surely die! Thou and all thy father's house. (Saul turns to guards quickly, commanding them.) Ye are my servants! Therefore, slay ye the priests of the Lord, because their hand is also with David, and because they knew when he fled and did not shew it to me. (Ser- vants step back and refuse to move. Saul turns to Doeg, and exclaims, vexed.) Fall thou upon the priests. (Doeg draws sword to strike Ahim- elech; his arm is caught by Abiather. All is confusion. Priest and servants exit east wing running. Abiather, the son of Ahimelech turns and exits west wing, Doeg following. Saul falls in front of cave prostrate. Doeg enters west wing, hastens to Saul and kneels over him.) (Reiurn Curtain.) (Curtain arises. David, his guards and soldiers all present, lined up. ^-^.nother servant enters west wing running, and speaks to David. David jumps up ex- cited.) SER, — Behold! The Phillistines fight against Keliah! (Exit east wing, running.) DAVID — Soldiers of David and Israel! I command thee to fight against the Phillistines! (A soldier exclaims.) —49— SOLD. — Nay. we are afraid! Behold, here is Juda. How much more than if we come to Keliah against the army of the Fhillistines. DAVID— Fear not! The Lord will deliver the Phillistines into our hands. Go ye, therefore, and the Lord be with us. (David, guard and soldiers exit in haste east wing. Saul enters back door. Guards enter east west wing and run to Saul, and exclaim, excited. Doeg exclaims to Saul) DOEG — Behold! (Pointing east.) David fighteth at Keliah! SAUL — Even shouid he be victorious, God nath delivered him into mine hand! For he is shut in by entering a city that hath gates and bars. Blow ye, that the soldiers may know concerning that which thou hast spoken. (The trumpet sounds a call to arms. Soldiers enter west wing, full force. Saul exclaims, while going to exit.) The Lord hath delivered him into mine hand! (All exit east wing shouting.) ALL — ^God save the king! (David's guards enter west wing. David enters back door, stops to listen and exclaims with hands uplifted imploringly.) DAVID— O, Lord God of Israel! Thy servant David hath heard that Saul seeketh to destroy the city of Keliah. For my sake, will the men of Keliah deliver me up into his hands? O, Lord God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant concerning Saul, the king. (A loud shout is heard east wing. David arises quickly and exclaims) Hark! 'Tis the enemy! Hasten, therefore, that we may not fall before them. (All exit east wing. Jonathan enters back —50— door cautiously, looking east and west and speaks.) JON. — Is David not here? My father cometh to Keliah to seek for David, out behold, he hath de- parted. (One of David's servants enters east wing.) Whose servant art thou? (Servant looking fright- ened, exclaims.) SER. — Art thou the son of Saul, the king? JON. — I am Jonathan, the king's son. SER.— Then thou art a friend of David! JON. — Yea, a friend. But whose servant art thou? SER. — Art thou truly Jonathan, the son of Saul? JON.— Why doubtest thou? If thou art the son of David, speak ye therefore, that I may find him! SER. — (Nervous.) Truly, if thou art Jonathan, fhe son of Saul, the king, I be safe! But if — JON. — I know now, of a truth, that thou art of David ! Because thou sayest, if I be Jonathan, thou art safe. Therefore, tell me, I pray thee, concern- ing David. (Servant speaks.) SER. — ^Come! And I will show thee of a vruth where he hideth. David findeth that Saul, the king, cometh to Keliah; and behold, (Pointing) he hath hidden in a mountain of Ziph. Come, and I will shew thee. (Both exit east wing.) ACT IV— SCENE 8. (Curtain arises, showing the camp of David. All soldiers and David sleeping, but one sentinel. Jon- athan enters west wing and stops short. Sentinel exclaims aloud.) SENT.— Halt! Who art thou? i nat thou com- eth without a countersign. —51— JON. — I am Jonathan, the son of Saul, the king. SER. — Hast thou come, that we may fall into the hands of the king? (Sentinel vexeci.) Go! or I will thrust thee, unto death! (Draws dagger on Jon- athan. Jonathan steps back, surprised, and ex- claims) JON. — Stay thine hand, for thy sake and for David! (Servant stops.) If David be here, say unto him that Jonathan seeketh to find him. (Sentinel goes to David, who is sleeping, lying down. Senti- nel speaks to David. David arises quickly. Sentinel pointing, speaks.) SEN.— Behold! He that seeketh thee! DAVID — 'Tis he! (David and Jonathan embrace each other. David exclaims, taking Jonathan by the hand.) DAVID — Jonatnan! Thou art ever my friend and brother. As the gentle raindrops lifteth the droop- ing flower! Even so, thou comest as a mighty fountain of life, and light, to soothe my weary wait- ing. (David weeps, with his head on Jonathan's shoulders.) JON. — David, though far from thee, my very soul is with thee. Thou knowest that I love thee, even as my own life, and have come to thee, that my father's wrath come not upon thee! DAVID — Doth thy father know where 1 am hid- den? JON. — He seeketh- thee. And, behold, the Ziphites favoreth my father. Therefore, beware, lest they come upon thee. DAVID — (Imploringly) O, Jonathan, is there no hope? JON. — Fear not! For the hand of Saul, my father, —52— shall not find thee. And that Saul, my father, know- eth therefore, as the Lord llveth, I shall be in thee! and thee in me! Come thou, therefore, that I may see thee to thyself. (David and Jonathan exits slowly east wing. Soldiers still sleeping. Sentinel sits on stool and goes to sleep with his head against the wall. Stage darkened. Ziphites enter cautious- ly west wing and stop, pretend to be whispering to each other. Leader beckons silence, and speaks to others in a low tone.) LEADER— Behold, this is the camp of David! (Beckons silence.) Let us hasten, that we may tell the king where David, his enemy hideth. (All exit east wing, just as sentinel av/akens. Sentinel springs to his feet and exclaims very loud, dramatcially.. SEN. — Behold, the enemy! (Soldiers all arise quickly. All look east. David and Jonatnan enter back door in haste. Jonathan speaks quickly, excit- ed.) JON. — The Ziphites have discovered the camp of David! And behold, they seek Saul that he and his army may come upon us unawares. Therefore, de- lay not, but seek ye refuge in the mountains and rocks. For, behold, the Ziphites seeketh Saul at Gibea. Hasten therefore thy retreat. (Bugle call Soldiers line up and exit by twos east wing. Jona- than and DSlV (dl stop until soldiers pass out. Jon- athan speaks to David.) David, I shall go from thee, that I detain my father that he come not unto thee until thou hidest thyself. DAVID — Do not, Lpray thee, depart from me! JON. — I go, that thou livest. For my father seek- —53— eth to slay thee. Therefore I will intercede in thy behalf. For, as I live, my soul is with thee. DAVID — Jonathan, if thou depart, speak thou ten- derly to the wife of David concerning me, that she be comforted until I come! JON. — So be it! And if I perish not before the hand of the Phihistines, I will come to thee whither- soever thou goest. DAVID — Remember me to thy father in mercy; that his wrath may not come upon me! That I may receive favor in the king's house, so long as he liv- eth. JON. — I am with my father for thy sake. Fear not, he shall do thee no harm. (Jonathan takes David by the hand tenderly.) Abide ye therefore in the hope concerning that which I have spoken unto thee. For thy sake, I shall hasten to my father. Fear not. (Jonathan and David embrace each other. David, weeping, exclaims.) DAVID — Jonathan, do not leave me so lonely! But return that I may thank thee for thy goodness and tender mercy which thou hast bestowed upon me. (Jonathan starts to exit, weeping. David look- ing, exclaims) Return, O. Jonathan, return, that I die not! David falls on one knee on the floor, covers his face with both hands and weeps. Jonatiian exits as curtain drops slowly.) (Return Curtain.) (Curtain arises, showing the camp of King Saul. Guards and soldiers are sitting on the floor in groups A number of Ziphites enter in haste. Leader of Ziphites speaks to Saul to one side, conndential.) —54— ZEPH. — Doth not David hide himse.f in strong- hold in the woods, in the hill of Hachilah? Which is on the south of Jesnimon? Now therefore. O, king, come down according to all the desire of thy soul, come down! And our part shall be to deliver him in- the king's hand, loaul surprised, speaks to Ziphite aloud, and excited.) SAUL — Blessed be ye of the Lord! Fory^have compassion on me. Go, I pray you and prepare ye! And know, and see his place where his haunt is! And who hath seen him there? ZIPH. — Behold! We have seen the camp of David. Therefore, we know for ourselves where he hideth. SAUL — Go ye, again, and return quickly; that thou mayest know of a certainty! And when thou return- est we will go with thee. (Ziphites exit east wi;ig in haste. Doeg enters west wing running, and speaks to Saul.) DOEG — Haste thee, and come quickly! For the Phillistines have invaded the land. (Saul speaks to soldiers.) SAUL — Come! That we may stay the Phillis- tines. (Bugle call. Soldiers form and march quick- ly to west exit. Jonathan enters back door in haste and speaks to himself.) JON. — As I live, David is safe! Blessed are they who endureth to the end! For as the mountain hid- eth his presence, even so his enemies shall be hid- den from the presence of God. (Saul, guards and soldiers enter east wing. Saul sees Jonathan and exclaims) SAUL — Jonathan, my son, why tarriest thou, see- ing that thy father looketh for thee? —55— JON. — Behold! I have visited the king's house. For thy daughter sorroweth for David that he come not! SAUL — (Vexed) My son, thou shall not speak of David concerning the king's daughter! Furthermore he shall not live that my daughter shall abide with him! (Saul starts to exit wesi wing and stops shore, and speaks to Jonathan boastingly.) Come with me, my son. If thou confidest in David, thou shalt see for thyself what a king doeth. (Both start to exit east wing. Ziphites enter east wing, and salute Saul. All stop. Ziphice speaks to Saul.) ZIPH. — To a certainty, David hideth himself again in the wilderness of Ziph. Come ye, therefore, quick- ly.- SAUL — Remain ye with us until tomorrow, at nignt, and we will go with thee. (Saul, motioning, exclaims.) Behold, three thousand warriors. They should rest, that they faint not. (Bugle sounds lights out. Stage darkened. All lie down to sleep. All quiet. One of David's spies enter east wing cau- tiously. Looks around, and exits back east. David enters east wing cautiously and motions east and Abishia enters with David. Saul asleep with spear sticking in floor oack of his head. Abishai speaks to David.) ABISH. — God hath delivered thme enemy into thine hand this day. (Excited, draws back to strike Saul with spear.) Now, therefore, let me smite him, I pray thee with this spear to the earth at once, and I will never smite him the second time! (Spear uplifted, determined. David grabs his arm to prevent the blow, and exclaims.) LofC. —56— DAVID — Strike him not! For who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord's anointed, and be guiltless? As the Lord liveth, the Lord shall smite him. Or his day shall come to die; or he shall de- scend into battle and perish. The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the Lord's anointed! But I pray thee take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and let us go. (David took the spear and departed east wing and called back.) Ye people of the king, answerest thou not! (Abner awakens, arises up and exclaims to David.) ABNER— Who art thou, that calleth to the king? DAVID — Art not tnou a valiant man? And who is like thee in Israel '. Wherefore hast thou not kept thy Lord, the king? For there came one of the peo- ple in to destroy the king, thy Lord. (Tauntingly.) This thing is not good, that thou hast done. As the Lord liveth, ye are worthy to die! And now see where the king's spear is? (Saul arises quickly, looks, and exclaims.) SAUL — Is this thy voice? My son David? D,A.VID — It is my voice, my Lord. O, king! Why doth my Lord thus pursue after his servant? For what have I done? Or whot evil is in mine hand? Now, therefore, I pray thee, let the Lord, my king, hear the words of his servant, David. If the Lord hath stirred thee up against me, let him except an offering. But if they be the children of men, cursed be they before the Lord. For they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the Lord, saying, Go, serve other Gods. SAUL — (Meekly.) i have sinned. Return, return! —57— my son David! For I will no more do thee harm. Because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day! Behold! I have played the fool, and have erred ex- ceedingly! DAVID — Behold! The kings spear! and let one of the young men come over and get it! The Lord render to every man his righteousness. For the Lord delivered thee in my hand today. But I would not stretch forth mine hand against the Lord's anointed. And behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my liie be much get by in the eyes of the Lord, and lert. him deliver me out of all tribulation! SAUL — Blessed be thou, my son David. Thou Shalt do great things, and also shalt still prevail. (Sound of a trumpet heard out west wing. All turn to look. Servant enters in haste, pointing back.) SER. — Behold! The Phillistines have gathered their army together for warfare, to fight against Israel! (Saul goes to west wing and looks; comes back nervous and excited, trembling with fear. Ex- claims to servant.) SAUL — Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit! A witch! That i may inquire of her! (Ser- vant pointing.) SER. — Behold! There is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor! SAUL — Depart ye, therefore, and go to the foun- tain Jezreel, that I may council as seemeth best for your good. (Saul raises his hand and motions to guards and then to soldiers, to exit east wing. Sol- diers form and march to exit. Saul remains alone —58— and speaks to himself.) The Lord hath not answer- ed concerning me; neither in dreams hath he ans- wered my prayer. Samuel liveth no more! Yet, the witch of Endor findeth council with the dead! There- fore. I shall hasten! But no! She well knoweth that the king hath destroyed all the witches save her. I would not dare go as King Saul, for fear she would not meet me. Therefore I shall disguise my- self and appear as another. Saul exits east wing. Cut-off curtain drawn across the stage. The witch of Endor enters back door and sits behind the cur- tain. Saul enters west wing, looks around and cur- tain is drawn back, exposing the witch seated back part of stage. Saul sees her and exclaims.) Art thou the witch of Endor? WITCH— I., sir am the witch of Endor! (Hoarse voice.) SAUL — I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee! ■ WITCH— Behold! Thou knowest what Saul hath done! How he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards out of the land. Wherefore, thou layest thou a snare for my life to cause me to die. SAUL — As the Lord liveth. there shall be no pun-, ishment happen to thee for this thing! WITCH— Turn from me. that thou seest not that which I do. (Saul turns his back toward the witch) Whom shall I bring unto thee? SAUL — Bring me up Samuel! (Witch motions with her hands down, then up, two or three times —59— and SamTiel comes up through trap dooi. and the witch screams with all her might, frightened.) Be not afraid! For what sawest thou? WITCH — I saw Gods ascending out of the earth! SAUL — WOiat form is he of? WITCH — An old man cometh up. and he is cover- ed with a mantle. Saul looks around and sees Sam- uel, and falls on his knees with hands uplifted to Samuel.) SAM. — (In a loud voice, very slow.) Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? (Saul fright- ened, exclaims, j SAUL — I am sore distressed. For the Phillistines make war against me. and God is departe^. from me, and answereth me no more, by prophets nor by dreams. Tlierefore, I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do. SAM. — ^^lierefore then dost thou ask of me. see- ing the Lord hath departed from thee, and is become thine enemy? And the Lord hath done to you, as he spake to me! For the Lord hath rent the kingdom out of thy hand, and given it to thy neighbor, even to David, because thou obeyest not the Lord, nor extended his fierce wrath upon Amalek. Therefore hath the Lord done this thing unto thee this day. Moreover, the Lord will also deliver Israel with thee, into tiie hands of the Phillistines! And tomorrow Shalt thou and thy sons be with me! (Saul falls over backward on the floor, and lies as dead, through fear. Witch kneels before Samuel, holding her hands lip . ) (Curtain and Music by Orcnestra.) —GO- ACT IV— SCENE 9. (Curtain arises. King Achish and Princes of Phil- llstines talking. Soldiers pass by twos before Ashisb and princes. David and his guards ana soldiers also pass before them. The Princes exclaims to Achish.) PRINCES— (Pointing.) Behold: What do the Hebrews here? ACH. — Is not this David, the son of SauL the king of Israel, which ham been with me these many days? And I have found no fault in him. even unto this day! PRINCES — (Angry and speaks quickly.) Make this fellow return! That he may go again to his place wnich thou uast appointed unto him, and let him not go down with us to battle, that he be an ad- versary to us! For wherewith should Le reconcile himself to his master? Should it not be with tlie heads of these men? (Pointing.) Is not David, of whom they sang to one another, saying: Saul slew his thousands, ana David his tens of thousands? (Achish takes David to one side and speaks to him confidentially.) ACH. — David! Surely as the Lord liveth, thou hast been good in my sight, for I have not found evil in thee since the day of thy coming. Neverthe- less, the Lords favor thee notl Wherefore, now re- turn, and go in peace, that thou displeaseth not the Princes of the Phillistines. (David, surprised, speaks.) DAVID — But what nave I done, or what hast thou found in thy servant, so long as I have been with thee? —61— ACH. — I know thou art good in my sight, as an angel of God! Notwithstanding, the Princes of the Phillistines have sai^. ye shall not go up with us to battle! So, go ye therefore, with thy master's ser- vants that hath come with thee. (David exits east wing, guards and soldiers following. A loud rumb- ling noise to the east. Achish springs to look, and exclaims, wildly.) Hark! (Looking.) Behold, the enemy! (And another loud rumbling east. Bugle sounds the call, fall in. Achish and guards exit east, soldiers following. David and guards enter west wing, cautiously, looking east. David points, and exclaims to guards.) DAVID— The Phillistines have smitten Ziklag! (Pointing.) Behold, the flames! (To guards loud and excited.) The city is on fire! (Louder, almost frantic, exclaims.) Our people shall perish if we come not.' (Another very loud rumbling noise east. Bugle call and a shout east, and another shout west. David and guards exit east wing, running. Saul. Jonathan and soldiers enter west wing, shouting as they come, with swords and spears. Phillistines en- ter east wing at the same time, and a regular sword battle follows. The Israelites are beaten back west and aii exit west wing, fighting. Saul, Jonathan and and armor bearer all lie dead on the stage. Samuel's spirit arises with uplifted hands over Saul, and David rushes on stage at the same time and kneels over Jonathan's dead body. David weeping. Cur- tain drops slowly. Tableau light as curtain falls, during the last part of this scene. Soft music in tremlo variations by orchestra.; (Curtain.) HOWARD WATERS, Stockwell, Ind. JUN 1902 ILUPY DLL. lOLAT.DiV. JUN. 5 ^902 ,902 mm ■ill fe,!?v_ 0, ogrs«*f