Unclean? a leper? in this place? Are there No stones to stone you? Hence! And had I not A brother such as thou---- MICHAL Pity! Unclean! [_She goes quickly; then they. A space. Then she returns trembling, fearful._] I’ll call him! I will save him!--David! David!-- I his discomfiture and ruin!--David! David! hear me! David! [_Searching, she approaches the cave where_ SAUL _lies, but recoils terrified_.] The king! my father! I cannot--am not--whither shall I, whither? [_Confused she flees, as scuffling is heard, and_ ABISHAI _and_ ABIATHAR, _struggling with_ DAVID, _appear_.] DAVID Loose me, I say. ’Twas Michal and she called. [_Breaking free._] I say that it was she! ABIATHAR Foolhardy, no. Return into the cave, and ere too late! [MERAB, _veiled, enters behind them_.] DAVID ’Twas Michal and no other. ABIATHAR You are duped. DAVID The breathing of archangels could not so Have swung the burden from me as her call. [_Searching, he faces--and beholds_ MERAB. _His look grows to coldness._] MERAB It is not Michal. DAVID No--it is not Michal. [_He motions_ ABIATHAR _and_ ABISHAI _aside_.] MERAB Yet it is one who---- DAVID Need not lift her veil Or longer stay. The path she came is open. MERAB I’m here--and here will speak! I’ve hither stolen, Yearning--I say it--yearning--and I will. DAVID These words I do not know. MERAB Because you will not. More all-devouring than a Moloch is This love within me---- DAVID Love and you are twain, As sun and Sheol. MERAB False. I am become For want of you as famine-wind, a wave In the mid-tempest, with no rest, no shore. DAVID I do not hear the unashamed words Of one who has but recently another, Adriel, wedded. MERAB You refuse me then? DAVID I beg you but to cease. MERAB Goaded, chagrined? No, but this will I do. The Philistines, For long at rioting within their walls, Gather again and break toward Gilboa.… DAVID This is not true. MERAB To-morrow must my father From hunting you return and arm for battle. But--many would that you were king. DAVID Were?… MERAB King! DAVID I do not understand your eyes. MERAB I will For love of you arouse rebellion up, Murmur about the host your heaven-call, And lift you to the kingdom.