This was a gift from Saul. In it is ease. [_Gives it to_ THIRD FOLLOWER, _who goes_.] This ring was Jonathan’s. The jewel tells Still of the sunny haven of his heart. Upon my hand he pressed it--the day we leapt Deeper than friends into each other’s love. [_Gives it to_ FIRST FOLLOWER, _who goes_.] This chain---- SECOND FOLLOWER I want it not. DAVID You have not thought; ’Tis riches--such as Sidon marts and Tyre Would covet. SECOND FOLLOWER I care not. DAVID None else is left. SECOND FOLLOWER No matter. DAVID Then----? SECOND FOLLOWER There was of Gibeah A woman--dear to me. Her face at night Weeping among my dreams.… The prophecy Is unfulfilled, and vain! DAVID And you would go? SECOND FOLLOWER The suffering--this cliff. DAVID I understand, [_Motions._] So, without any blame, and to content. [_The_ SECOND FOLLOWER _falters, then goes_.] [_Quietly._] A desolation left, of rock and air, Of barren sea and bitterness as vast. Thou hast bereft me, Saul! thou hast bereft! [_He moves up the cliff, gazes sadly away, then kneels by a stone, as to pray._] My flesh cries for oblivion--to sink Unwaking away into the Night … where is No tears, but only tides of sleep.… No, crieth Not for Oblivion and Night, but for Rage and revenge! Saul! Saul!… My spirit, peace. As pants the heart for the water-brook, so I! [_He bows his head._ MICHAL _in rags that disguise, enters with the_ LAD, _unseen_.] Her lips it was that hurled me unto this! Yet, yet not violence on him and blood! I must revenge’s call within me quell, Though righteously it quivers and aflame. [_He goes slowly into the cave, Right._] MICHAL This is the place, then, this? LAD Yes, princess. MICHAL Here So long in want and sickness he hath hid? Under the livid day and lonelier night! LAD I brought him water, often. MICHAL Little lad! But he has heard no word from me--not how My father, Saul, frantic of my repentance, Had unto Phalti, a new lord, betrothed me? How then I fled to win unto these wilds? LAD He heard not anything--only the tales I told of Moab, my own land. [DAVID _plays within_.] But oh! It is his harp. MICHAL And strains that weep o’er me!… I’ll speak to him … and yet must be unknown! A leper? as a leper could I…? LAD