I know--that Saul would rather O’ertrample me than a multitude of foes. That it is told him I who shun his ire-- Though death were easier, if dutiful-- Am come up with the Philistines to win The kingdom. That he would slay me though I fought For Israel!--But, Michal!---- MIRIAM Aie---- DAVID What brews? She was not in the camp. MIRIAM Men all are mad! And you who should be never. DAVID She is in Some peril. MIRIAM You, in more! And must from here Swiftly away, for Saul is---- DAVID I must see her. MIRIAM Unholy! DAVID Yet unholier were flight. MIRIAM You are the anointed! [_A heavy knock at the gate._] Ah, calamity! You would not heed--’tis Saul! DAVID Here? MIRIAM He is come That I shall call up Samuel. DAVID You, you-- The awful dead? SAUL [_Calls._] Woman of Endor! MIRIAM Hide! The lattice yonder! SAUL Woman of Endor! woman! [DAVID _and_ ABIATHAR _conceal themselves behind the lattice_. _The knocking, hastier._] Woman of Endor! Woman of Endor! Woman! MIRIAM Who crieth at my gate? SAUL Unbar and learn. MIRIAM To danger? SAUL None. MIRIAM To thieves? SAUL To rueing if You tarry! [_She opens the gate._ ADAH _cowers down_. SAUL, ISHUI, _and_ ADRIEL _enter_.] MIRIAM Whom seek you? SAUL Witch of Endor, you, Who of the fate-revealing dead divine. Out of the Pit you call them! MIRIAM What is this? SAUL I say that you can lift them! MIRIAM You are come With snaring! knowing well that Saul the king Is woe and bitterness to all who move With incantation. SAUL He is not. MIRIAM Depart! SAUL I must have up out of the Awfulness Him I would question. MIRIAM Perilous! SAUL Prepare Before thy teraphim. No harm, I swear, Shall come of it. Bid Samuel appear. The battle! its event! MIRIAM [_With a cry._] I know thee now! Saul! thou art Saul! the Terror! SAUL Call him up. Ready is it, the battle--but I am Forsaken of all prophecy and dream, Of voices and of priest and oracle, To augur it. MIRIAM