BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME OF THE FISKE ENDOWMENT FUND THE BEQUEST OF iUillni Ci m&ke LIBRARIAN OF THE UNIVERSITY 1866-1B83 I905 . ■B..:..iv>^.>...i.^ ^.Kl.g 93o« The date shows when this volume was taken. To renew this book copy the call No. and give to the librarian. HOME USE RULES ~~zrrm All Books subject to Recall All borrowers must regis- ter in the^library to borrow "V home use. books must be re- urned at end of college year for inspection and repairs. Limited books must be re- turned within the four week limit and not renewed. Students must return all books before leaving town. Officers should arrange for the return of books wanted during their absence from town. Volumes of periodical* and of pamphlets are held in the library as much ai possible. For special par- poses they are given out for a limited time. Borrowers should not use their library privileges far the benefit of other persons. Books of special value and gift books, when the giver wishes it, are not allowed to circulate. Readers are asked tore- port all cases of marked or mutilated. Do not deface books by marks and writing- Cornell University Library PR 6025.O598A2 Absalom; a chronicle play in three acts. 3 1924 013 648 708 Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924013648708 ABSALOM A CHRONICLE PLAY All Rights Reserved ABSALOM A CHRONICLE PLAY IN THREE ACTS BY T. STURGE MOORE London At the Sign of the Unicorn In Cecil Court St. Martin's Lane MDCCCCIII TO W. A. P. DRAMATIS PERSONS. DAVID, king of Israel. So. ABSALOM, son of David by Maacah. SOLOMON, son of David by Bathsheba. AHITOPHEL, chief of David's council, afterwards of Absalom's. JONADAB, nephew to David and of his council. JOAB and ABISHAI, brothers, mighty warriors of David's council. BENAIAH and ITTAI, captains. ZADOK and ABIATHA, the priests. SERAIAH, the scribe. HUSHAI, a friend of David's and second in Absalom's council. LEMUEL, a shepherd, armour-bearer to Absalom. AHIMAAZ, son of Zadok. JONATHAN, son of Abiatha. CUSHI, armour-bearer to Joab. ZIBA, steward to Meribaal, grandson of Saul. SHIMEI, a descendant of the house of Saul. ELKANAH, husband of Mikal. j» TAMAR, daughter of David by Maacah. REBECCA, wife to Lemuel. MIKAL and LEAH, honest women. RUTH, MERAB, and others, concubines to David. S©» SONS of David, ELDERS of the people, WATCHMEN, SOLDIERS, PEOPLE, PORTERS, SERVANTS. SCENE, Jerusalem, Mahanaim, The Ford of Kidron, and woodland places. ABSALOM. ACT I. SCENE I. ^ABSALOM is discovered in a wood, pulling down saplings by their boughs until the stems crack and they fall towards him. It is noon. A cloak lies on the ground. With arms and knees bare he is dressed in a loose silken vest and boots of leopard skin, straps for hunting knives, horn, pouch, &c, are slung across his shoulders, chains jangle round his neck, and when he straightens up, letting his arms fall, bracelets clatter to his wrists. Pausing to mop his brow he speaks.^ ABSALOM Did Samson sweat so to lug Dagon down? Or cracked the pillars with more loud report That bore his house up — stones that yielding closed On sweeter anguish than Dalilah ever Shared in his arms? Doth not this rush of leaves Sound much as roof and hangings floundering down Upon those feasting proud Philistian lords? §&( Holding out his hair.) My locks are long as Samson's — woven would make A splendid web to woo a woman with. 5^ (He grapples another tree and forcing it down cries.) Down, Adonijah, son of Haggith, down 1 O beautiful Adonijah, bow, for I Am fairer yet than thou ! ^(Turning to the largest of the trees he has broken.) And thou, I see, The first that bowed, art still the greatest Thou Art Ammon, eldest of my brothers, first To bow. And what more likely? Woman-mad And dissipated in an hundred beds, Thou dost displease great David. ^►(Turning to the trees one by one.) See too, Shammuah, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon — Slim wise-boy Solomon, and Chileab The son of Abigail, and Eglah's son i And little trotting Ibhar and the babe, This flower frail-stemmed. — Elishama, bow thee too. ^(Speaking he bends down the head of a tall flower and sets his foot on it During the above AHITOPHEL has entered but keeps close among the trees.) ^(ABSALOM continues, seating himself on that stem which he has addressed as AMMON.) Like sheaves in Joseph's dream they all bow down. Yet this is not a dream : 't will come more true. Seer Nathan said, God humbled man in wrath, Bade him to force subsistence from the earth And struggle for supremacy once his, And I believe him: nothing less than scorn Had equalled me with leopards — hardly me With lions — beggars groundedly may hope; Yea, beasts, birds, trees and weeds push for the best. Must I compete with all who breathe in air? Tread daisies out of life ? Put flies in mourning ? Rob bees of labour? See sweet roses fade To humour me? Cause women to shed tears To bear me children ? Why, of course I must ! All do; for it is life to reign thus strictly. And shall I fear to be a man? Old fool This Nathan with his god -loved paupers was. I will be proud; for beautiful I am. — Come, brothers, all is mine or nothing. Give Or I refuse, and go and lie me down Among the dogs and muck-heaps till I die. ^(Seeing AHITOPHEL.) Yes, I am beautiful, and thou art not; This tree left standing lives, and these do not; My father slew the giant, thine did not; The hills are lifted up, the coasts are not; David has many sons; would he had not: To meet, see, hear and envy brothers, I Have feet, eyes, ears and heart; would I had not, ii Ahitophel. AHITOPHEL Hush, beautiful Absalom ; Thou wastest kingly power. Thou hast despoiled A many trees of promise ; why ? Wouldst thou Feed pride and pamper vanity with leaves, Which die as they have lived and know it not? Who of his toil lacks profit is a fool ; Labour that doth effect no betterment Is crowned with laughter. Pardon that I laugh. ^©.(Laughing.) Sooth God himself must laugh too, at such times ; Though he grow angry ere his laugh be out. ABSALOM Yet there is none of all my father's sons But makes men laugh at folly : this one, drunk, With dim self-exculpations woos his slave ; This, sick with love, walks stealthy like a thief; Another, vain, puts on his father's clothes; And one hunts through the forest, growing wild, Striving for honour not with men, but beasts. Oh, I am fair ; there is no fault in me ! And when I wake each morning, I stand up And say — 'Go build a tower on yon hill' — 'My lord, the land is Joab's,' smiles my slave; I see a woman — 'tis some other's wife ; A house — my brother's. Then I bite my lips And long to break the law so many do, (Our father pardons most things in his sons) But thus I fear to lose the chiefest good, The crown that, as age bows him, slips and slips From off his drowsy head .... 5fr(Leaping up.) For whom? A king! Ah, there's not one is beautiful like me, Or has so fair a record in his eyes; in Nathless I am not safe; he loves the late Out of proportion with the earlier born, And Solomon is very near his heart ; His mother still beloved, while mine is dead; Besides the boy is wise, though plain enough. — Nor is there one of all the forty odd But some chance whim might crown in my despite. AHITOPHEL Be prudent, bide thy time; thy brothers all Lack not the gift that brings them to the ground. Virtue is such a gift where is no vice ; 'Twill trip a young man neatly. Solomon, May be, will grow too wise. Win people's love ! Thy father's voice drops faint; when nations shout They never fail of being heard ; what's said By one old dying man, may well be lost If all a people shout at the right time. ABSALOM Thy wisdom is as certain as God's word : All men are led by thee; thou art the king's Fixed star; and I by thee will shape my course, Pilot me till my father's crown be mine. Ahitophel, the whole world says of thee ' His words stand fast as oracles of God.' AHITOPHEL Well, bide thy time and get thee many friends ! Look round ! If some one can be helped, help him ! There's this one has been wronged ; him use well ! Admit the justness of all men's complaints ! Pretend it angers thee to see wrong done. It doth ? Well, let it visibly ! Be loud Against the wrong, but name no names! To-day's Not thine, nor yet to-morrow; thine will come. ABSALOM I seize a promise ; thou dost point a path ! Who hath touched power so near as when I have Stood, beautiful upon a hill at dawn, And felt a crown descending from above, While light mapped out mine empire? Yet, how soon I felt the sun despise me from the sky, And feared mere accidents' ascendancy. Thus alternates condition everywhere; Having been splendid once the year grows down ; God only is secure! AHITOPHEL And those who, wise, Wait and walk where he lets them; win his love, Never opposed to what he brings about, Ruled by what he has done and likeliest means. ABSALOM Oh ! come away : these trees bemock my hopes ; They bowed not to me by the will of God. 5^(Exeunt.) ACT I. SCENE II. S^At Jerusalem before the house of ABSALOM, which has but one storey and no windows ; but the blank wall extends in such a way as to show that a spacious court is enclosed from which there rises a huge fig-tree : leaning forwards it screens the nearest portion of the flat roof. Carpets hang over the parapet : a trellis covered with fruit-laden vines forms a porch, under which squats the DOOR-KEEPER on a mat, and to either side are stone benches also in shadow. Time, evening. TAMAR enters from the left in a long striped simar, such as were only worn by virgin daughters of the King ; it is rent and soiled : ashes and dust cling to her disordered hair; sobbing, she beats her face; when at the door, she addresses the keeper.^©* TAMAR Is Absalom, my brother, now within? DOOR-KEEPER Princess, he hunts to-day as every day. £o»(She sits down on the stone bench to the right, and continues v to strike her face, weeping bitterly. The DOOR-KEEPER rises and goes within the house; whence, immediately, in a crowd, the servants flock forth.) AN OLD WOMAN Jehovah, what is this? AN OLD MAN Come not between Her prayers and God. 'Vengeance is mine,' said God. A MAN5^(In a whisper.) Of some man hath a Princess suffered shame? ANOTHER If it be so, will David e'er abide it? OLD MAN Hush, hush, she prays : pray we she be avenged. 5^(Many of the women rend their clothes and throw dust on their hair, uttering cries in imitation of TAMAR.) OLD MAN My lord doth love his sister very dearly; He surely will avenge her. Pray for it So»(A silence.) DOOR-KEEPER5fr-(Addressing TAMAR.) Behold, my lord descendeth yonder hill; Up from the east he comes, alone he comes; There is no quarry borne behind my lord. TAMAR Go every man in quietly, let none Prepare to welcome home his lord ; keep close ! While I myself will stand behind this vine ; There, reach ye me a cup wherein to press A bunch of grapes, that he may quench his thirst. ABSALOMS».(Enters on the right.) I am no King indeed ; no slaves, see, stand To bow me through the portals of my house. Ahitophel, patience and policy, Must King me. TAMARg*»(Stretching her hand forth from the vine.) Drink, my lord. VI 5fr(ABSAL0M starts.) TAMAR My lord is thirsty? ^(ABSALOM takes the cup and drinks, pausing.) Thou sayest true 5^(He drinks again, pausing.) A woman's ? Tamar's voice ? S<^(He drains the cup.) Nay a dry voice, a stranger voice ; whose then ? TAMAR The draught was good? ABSALOM The draught could not be sweeter nor the hand, That preferred it, more lovely. But the face, That owns the hand, should . . . TAMARfo-fBreaking forth.) 'Sweet' a child's drink! A man drinks wine — old wine is yet too thin ! My brother must drink blood ! ABSALOM Jehovah ! who, Who hath wronged thee? Or ... Is my father dead? Nay, thou art shamed ! This is some brother's deed I Oh, say it was a brother! TAMAR Ammon. ABSALOM Ammon! I love thee, Ammon. Thou dost break thy neck. ' Ammon the first to bow ' — indeed 'tis true ! I will go straight and sheathe my sword in him. TAMAR Brother, his hoi/se is barred ; his servants — all Are armed. ABSALOM No matter! Samson would not wait. Yet . . . Policy, patience, Ahitophel ! VII But no ; blood's needed ! called for ! I must drink ; 'Twas thou saidst so ; Tamar, look at me ! Dost spy some weakness ? Search ! Fear I his slaves ? This policy is so like cowardice. This patience seems so cold, so unlike love. Thou, most of all, the cherished of my heart, Come to me, Tamar, come and prove my love. Art thou then soiled ? I press thy shame to me ; 5^(Tears a strip from her skirt) I'll wear thy shame wrapped in my turban's folds ; I'll kiss thy shame each morning, and each night Will dream of nothing but thy shame's redress, Sure stratagems to bring thee Amnion's head, And prove no coward, daring love thy shame. , Come thou within; my house is thy shame's home. S^(They go within, and after a little reappear on the roof.) ABSALOM$©.(Holding up a cup.) Yesterday I had drained this to thy health, Sweet Tamar, now it hurts to think of thee : — To any shepherd's daughter this sad chance, Foreknown as possible calamity, Might have brought tears and pain yet not despair. That it had been before, might be again, Had then proved comfort. Daughter of a king, Illimitable and unique thy woe. But worse, far worse ! The aggressor was thy brother ! that alone Had been enough to blast the humblest lot : O sister, there is nothing left for thee : No grain will now be poured upon thy head, And on thy bridegroom's head, as both are bent To hide the mutual happy blush. Thy child Will not be welcomed there where others play; He will keep near thee, and his woe become A future far more dreadful to thy thoughts Than thine own hidden past unspeakable. vm Then not to thee, Revenge of thee, I drink ; Let that live, waxing always to bear fruit, Upon red wine — wine red and rich as blood. 5^(He raises the cup. DAVID enters below, seeing whom he- breaks off.) Hush, who comes here? S^(Then draws TAMAR behind the branches of the fig.) DAVID Solomon ! SOLOMON^(Running in.) Father ! , There are armed men stand all round Amnion's house ! DAVID Oh, Ammon brings much trouble on mine age 1 Ammon hath bowed knee to the Queen of Heaven, A Tyrian goddess, boy; she poisons blood, Till every woman seen maddens to lust : Jehovah is a jealous god; and ill To brook his anger. Wealth and length of days He will not grant to unrepentant Ammon Unless he mend his life. Love thou our God. SOLOMON Father, it was king Hiram's builders planted out The Queen of Heaven's grove, what time they raised Thy royal cedar house. DAVID O boy, Great God Is vexed with me; mind me not of my grief! He will not have me build his holy house : Yet saith my seed shall build it later on. It may be thou shalt build for God an house : If thou dost love him he will honour thee. But ah, the Lord, since, cursed my seed, as well ! Because of thy fair mother and my sin 'The sword shall never quit my luckless house.' 5fr(ABSALOM dips his fingers in the cup and sprinkles the ground before DAVID, then withdraws again.) SOLOMON Look ! father, look ! these drops that fell from heaven And yet the sky is clear. See, they are red. DAVID Nay, I heard nothing fall : these drops are old, Dripped from some sacrifice of Absalom's As he did bring it back to feast his friends. SOLOMON But, father, they are wet ! DAVID Why, wilt thou be So wise? Thou wilt not let my peace alone. Oh, say, the sign's from heaven ! call it blood ! Our God is far too strong to wrestle with ! Though he doth mean me ill, my seed shall reign ; My house shall stand; for he hath vowed it, child. Let prophecy alone : 'tis an ill trade ! SOLOMON Father. I did not seek to anger thee. ^(ABSALOM sprinkles the ground a second time.) DAVID&*.(Starting.) Come, let's away and learn why Amnion arms ; Go, call my guard to me at Ammon's house ! 5©»(Exeunt severally.) ABSALOM5fr(Standing out on the roof.) Vengeance, use mine, not age's trembling hand ! 5^(He drains the cup.) Thus may I drink my brother Ammon's blood ! 5©.(The CURTAIN drops.) ACT I. SCENE III. &^King David's palace in Millo. The council-chamber surrounded by divans; the back is shut off from the central court of the Palace by reed screens and trellises of wood; leaving, however, several issues on to a flight of steps of one width with the room, x which descends into the court ; to the left is a casement giving over some roofs, at first closed but open later on. DAVID is seated on a cedar throne to the right ; JONADAB, ABISHAI, JOAB, BENAIAH, and ZADOK and ABIATHAR the priests, on cushions which enclose a square in front of him, in the centre of which, raised on an ornate stool and pillow, are the tablets of the Chronicles corded with silken cords ; SERAIAH the Scribe sits on a stool at DAVID'S feet. All are dressed in sumptuous robes, with much jewellery and many handsome arms. Clogs and slippers are ranged in pairs beside large bowls of water which stand near the doorways. Outside the sun is brilliant, making the interior rich and dim. 5^ AHITOPHELg^(E.isen from the cushion opposite the throne, com- mences to speak as the curtain lifts.) O king, fair snow lies quiet on high hills, And summer through sleeps safe on lofty mounts, So would white hairs, on brows of great kings, sleep ; But sleep they in like safety? O my lord, Be patient if I blame thee for fond peace. Art thou so wise as in thy warlike prime? Or didst thou slip deep counsel from thy brow, What time thou putst aside thine iron suits, In mind and body wearied both at once ? Thy palace deemed secure as cave sepulchral, Art thou as little as the dead aware, That still Jehovah doth exact his due, And soon from this large respite, setting forth, Will hurtle through the land with shocks of war, A God in battles dread, a Lord of Hosts ? BENAIAH My lord the king, give ear to what he saith; Thy Cherethites and Pelethites grow sad : E'en at their feast those mighty warriors turn And gaze each in the other's mournful eyes. DAVID Ahitophel, uneasy is thy mind; Thy strenuous spirit, grudging every pause, Chafes thee against the blessing of the Lord. My whole life through Jehovah have I served, Nor to Astarte, nor to Baal bowed knee ; His mind is bent to recompense me now; My sons are all together at a feast; And I in council here with valiant men, Good Jonadab my brother Shimeah's son, Abishai, Joab, Zeru'iah's sons — A right and left arm to me fifty years, We were together in Adullam's cave, — Then priestly Zadok and Abiathar, Sera'iah who writes our praises down, And wisest of the wise Ahitophel. AHITOPHEL Thy sons are all together at a feast? But to what purpose, O my lord, the king? To Baal-Hazor is not far from hence, Yet from the peaceful feast of sheep-shearers Swift Trouble hither, may be, starts to run — With Absalom thou trustest all thy sons ! Is he their father, loving them like thee? Hath he no cause to envy or to hate? DAVID He is their brother very brotherly; The young men are together, full of love. AHITOPHEL Think, think, rash father, of thy absent sons ! Hath Ammon paid for love from Absalom? DAVID It is forgotten, that repented sin, Son Absalom has pardoned all, like me. AHITOPHEL ' Forgotten ? ' Overweening is thy soul ! Can Tamar be 'forgotten,' sitting there, Within the house of Absalom' alone ? XII Day after day he looks on her through tears, Brushed quickly by an angry hand away, Which vows straight vengeance in Jehovah's name Being shaken toward weak Amnion's noisy house. DAVID Two years have given place : if this were true, Long since it had borne fruit — time out of mind ! But thine ambition edges thee to stretch To looming portent, danger's bare occasion. Safe is the prophet of the evil day : For men are sure to err, and soon or late His word comes true, though for quite other cause, When some new sin brings retribution down. JOAB Ahitophel, I have not seen these signs, Yet oft walk with the young man Absalom, Who loves to talk of famous Gideon's deeds : They fill his soul with envy worthy him. DAVID He bears great piety towards the Lord. ZADOK His sacrifices nobly warrant it. JOAB A father's life he takes for lamp and guide, Begging recitals o'er and o'er again : When, as I pass from lofty deed to deed, He lifts his head and seems to mount a stair, Until, with royal grace, he thanks my pains And minds me, so, of dark Engedi's cave Where I saw his great father stand just thus — Flourish o'er head a skirt of crimson cloth And cry across to Saul, whose mantle, clipped, Fluttered like a child's shirt about his knees; Whose generous child-like nature straight gushed back*; Health came again; the mad-man was the king, Loving that nobleness he sought to slay; XIII With kingly David royal kisses changed And vowed with tears to hold him in his heart.. AHITOPHEL All this is well ; what sign did Gideon beg ? A fleece, a fleece first dry then wringing wet ! Many a fleece hath Absalom sheared of late : Chance, he may like to soak or dye a few Crimson 's proud colour ; blood is royal dye. See him, now treading where his father trod,. Heave up the purple rag above his head ! In greater safety, with more confidence, He waves, and waves a dripping trophy round r Soon, sits in Amnion's place, as thou didst sit, David, later, in the seat of Saul; Where, may be he will sleep, as thou dost sleep; When his son, mounting where his father trod, Steps one step higher, dips in deeper dye And waves a guiltier trophy o'er him dead. DAVID Ahitophel, art mad ? Turbulent fool, 1 am the man that I have always been, And thou shalt know it. Let the Lord arise, Let trumpets blow : and forth to war will I And deal with all who dare to threaten me ! JOAB Thy bands, thy heroes, ne'er in better case, Wait, all impatient, for such summons blown. BENAIAH O my good Lord, they famish for the fight ! — Deep-brooding stern Abishait's white head Lifts like an eagle's ere the storm-wind wake ! ^(Pointing to him.) DAVID O Lips for blood, and Tongues for policy, Like to a pack of hounds you flick and smack,. And shake my goodness as it were a chain ! xiv JOAB My lord, there's many are not old as we; Thy sons are idle, idle in their youth : 'Tis well to rest one's age. But blood is blood, And war is war, saith Joab; kings must rule. DAVID Thou too art half against me, fierce and old. Thy brother, taciturn Abishai, Glares, with mute eye, full comment on thy text. JOAB My lord, being trained to war, we love our trade; But thou art king, hast nicer work in hand ; Pardon our 'prentice-judgments, heed them not. DAVID Ah ! Joab, thou wast e'er my friend indeed. J©»(Looking askance at AHITOPHEL, who has walked to the case- ment on the left and pretends, peering through, to be engrossed on things without.) Ahitophel doth over-reach himself; I cannot bide with such a council's-chief. Know, sirrah 5fr(AHITOPHEL turns and comes forward.) It is wisdom in old age To be as gentle as a little child. To weep tears, as I weep now, is not weak. To shake at power still, with forceful hands, Were gluttony : the ground lies strewn with fruit. How pleasant is it, under Gotham's oaks, Dismounted from our mules, with women fair And children noisy like the smaller birds Sweeping in bevies near or farther off, To tune one's harp, and bowered mid tall fern Pic-nic secure as girt by garden walls ! — Win smiles, and gratitude, and intimacy ! With trustfulness and frankness these are won, Not with edged policy and dark deceit. Oh, it is vicious not to know a change ! xv To keep one mind for-ever is not wise ! Life circles through a zodiac of moods, All comely, and indulgence knows her time; Leniency drapes the dignity of age. — Sing now, my soul, for many benefits; The Lord has blessed thee with an open hand. — Go, fetch my harp : I made a psalm to-day, Which I will sing, how weak so-e'er my voice ! ^■(ABIATHAR goes for the harp.) ZADOK Aye, sing, my lord, in great Jehovah's praise, And put away the fear of evil men ! S©.(ABIATHAR returns with the harp, which DAVID tunes while AHITOPHEL again retreats to the lattice, which soon he partially opens.) DAVID Lord my God, what benefits are these ! Behold thou hast set children on my knees ! Thou raisest crenelated ramparts round, That in my house security be found. Thou bowest down the heavens now no more ; But restest, while thy worshippers adore. To deep humility compelled by thee, Mine enemies from far buy peace of me. Not trumpets, lutes I hear; the maidens dance, The young men join them, throwing by the lance. Tall sons as beautiful as stately deer, Fair daughters like gazelles secure from fear, Are met with in the doorways of my house, Whose walls rejoice to hear, when they carouse. The sword is sheathed; in Zion sleep is safe; Shields are hung up ... . 1 can no more, for it remembers me The sword, my God hath threatened, shall not pass XVI From out my house. S^(To AHITOPHEL, who turns again from the casement, without, however, leaving it.) Thou workest on my fears ; And, if I lift my face before the Lord, Wouldst ever throw me down to kiss the dust, Loving to see me humbled ! Enemy Art thou, and strivest with the grace of God To me-ward bent. For shame, thou upstart, thou, Hating thy betters, envious, covetous, lean ! Ill banish thee my court ; thy carping face Makes tasteless all my food. When we are old We cling to comfort. Yea ! and have I none ? The Lord is my sure comfort; being served As I have served, he will not cast me down. AHITOPHEL How wise is age and open to advice ! DAVID At forty men grow testy with the past. . . AHITOPHEL At sixty dote and doze o'er former fame. . . DAVIDS^fContinuing.) They chafe to think what fools they were when young. . . AHITOPHELSo^Continuing.) In folly drowning folly grown eye-sore. DAVID Be careful how thou raise mine ire yet. AHITOPHEL$^(Throwing the casement wide open.) Thy will is mine ; would that thy wisdom were, O king! DAVID Then vex me not with woes unborn. AHITOPHEL Would that I lived in thy security ! Could feel as happy in my sons ; as sure, That coming years were harvests coming on ; XVII That days advanced like olives waxing ripe, Or that Great God were fond, as man, of rest ! O king, it was excess of zeal that spoke : And now excess of prudence veils mine eyes, Which, else, would see a messenger that comes Rather as those that bring ill news than good, With wild despairing gesture and shrill cries . . . See, he throws dust upon his head, my lord ! DAVID My God, my God ! Try thou my heart no more ! MESSENGERSfr.(Entering and falling on his face.) Lord Absalom hath slain thy son's, my Lord, And none is left. Ammon these eyes saw fall. $^(A11 arise and rend their garments, the king throws himself on his face to the ground, the rest remain standing with bowed heads, while a great hurrying to and fro fills the court, and a noise of wailing women comes from distant apartments. )5^ JONADAB5^(Approaching the king.) Not all, my lord the king ; suppose not all ! Ammon alone is dead; for Tamar's sake, Hath Absalom determined this long since. Take it not with such violence to heart, For Ammon only Absalom hath slain ! 5fr(The young man that keeps the watch enters and draws JONADAB to the casement near where AHITOPHEL stands to look out.) JONADAB5^(Turning to the king exclaims from moment to moment.) Behold ! look forth and see ! the king's sons come : — For even as thy servant said it is ! — Upon their mules all trotting down the hill ! — Much people with them. — See, the young men live ! Behold they wind beneath yon olive grove ! — My lord, they cross the bridge ! — They pass the gate 1 — Hark ! they are in the court. DAVID5^(Rising.) My sons ! my sons !— My Solomon, come fill my loving arms, xvm 5^(As he descends the stairs towards the courtyard he is seen to embrace SOLOMON, while all the princes and people weep for Ammon.) AHITOPHEL&^(Who is left alone in the council chamber, moves from the casement.) Ha, thus the young men ride with jingling bells ! So up and down the hilly slopes they ride, With trembling knees and faces pale, unarmed, — A train of captive women doleful, dumb; Or chatt'ring like a harem scared at bath ! I saw them, and the ambling of their mules, That never gallop, pictured me their lives That amble always up and down the slopes In turmoil purposeless; like buzzing flies Put all in panic if a shadow pass ; Their tumult vapid as their pleasures are. How should such dancing girls prop David's house, Whose age hath sapped him though he own it not? Then must we let our poor half-dotard king Toss Israel's wealth like corn among this swarm Of fluttery pigeons plumped with dainty fare, That strut about in pigmy pomp and coo — Wheel off on whirring wings, if but a child Clap hands to see their gemmy collars gleam. Say, is there none of all his sons like him ? Like in essential mastery, and charm That keeps men friendly through his sleeping whiles ? None who loves stir and the attempt to gain — To garner strength and knowledge, proud possession, Dominion with extended realm for chance, Wherein to chase a more abundant game With hopes as he with hounds has loved to chase — With application not a mule, a steed, With quick decisions for his javelins, Expertness in affairs for horsemanship — Admired more through practice day by day? XIX Is not this future apt for Absalom? Though he have faults, deficiencies enough : Too eager and too little based on fear — Not vigilant to miss no least new thing That God hath latest done — lets dreams grow rank, And, truant in the Future, passes by The Present with its quiet proferred aid. He is not David (not what David was, Who sure has run to seed) ; still he is what, I deem, may be relied on to grow great And shelter me and give my genius scope. If I can only keep him well in hand ! Could one but trust him, being absent too ; Were women sure to find quick wits for him — Put images to bed, and lie for him, Would men but do their murders for his good, As Joab Abner ; were he wise to dance Before the servants on an holiday, Or weep for those whose death makes straight his path- Though lion-hearted, were he this besides I should not clasp my heart that beats too fast ; I should not ask for signs — not ask for signs ! — My God, as thou art great, keep me awake To see what way thou takest. Give me signs And I will serve thee even as David hath. &*(The CURTAIN is lowered.) xx ACT II. SCENE I. SfrThe roof of Absalom's house. Time : morning. ABSALOM is discovered in a pavilion reclining on a couch and playing with a litter of leopard cubs in a basket. Through the parting of the tent-skirts a trap is visible with stairs leading down into the interior; beyond the parapet the open country.^ ABSALOM^©. (Speaking to himself.) How this sleek vermin battles with my fist ! Though silken-pawed, as with their marbled dam, They quarrel with most circumstantial growls, Till effort warming kindles such good earnest As, sooth, will sometimes pass the bounds of play, — When I correct, much as their mother would Cuffing their heads with velvet paw severe. This is their school, their lesson how to fight : And what an ardour have they not to learn, Teaching each other when none else is by! For food and slumber only are relaxed These strenuous ordeals, By instinct true imposed, — The pounce from ambush, the escape from grip . . . ^©►(Leaving them and standing up.) In truancy usurp I on their realm, Forgetting manners, honour and renown, To out-wit lynx, or take the cheetah's part, When, bounding light across the summer plain, It brings the soft gazelle, all panting, down. Else, like a hawk in hood and jesses here I mope or grow familiar with these cubs. — Sleep, kitties, sleep ; for me a kingdom waits : I'll hold my head up ! thus ! This hair is grown a load; 'Tis time it should be cut. Yes, yes, a second anniversary, Since Ammon lost his head at feast I gave, Its black and hush descent will put on record. XXI What profits me the peril of that deed, Wond'rously planned and cogitated so? Is any increase in pale Tamar's smiles? Notes she this eager March out- Aprils April? She hath no eyes for flowers, till when they fade: Then, they come o'er her. No ! all stands the same ; This fleece will weigh against the stoutest ram's As heretofore, and folk will marvel .... I Perhaps get drunk. . . . Ahitophel Most likely keep away; for, since he's fallen •Out of my father's grace, he keeps away From one still less within that grace, and so I chafe, and yawn, and nothing comes of it. Joab has proved my friend; in act indeed My friend; but not in smiles — in greetings — in A civil answer to my messages, He's not my friend. Twice has refused to come; Though I sent twice, and so am idle still. Hope is my drink and fear my nauseous meat ; I wash one with the other down and starve, A dog for hunger, thirsty as the dust. j5fr-(An old and ragged man comes up by the trap, cloaked.) Art thou an-hungered; hast thou come to beg Of one more famished far, thou grey-beard fool? OLD MAN Jehovah sends me with his word for thee. ABSALOM5c»(Folding his arms.) Despatch his business smartly and begone. OLD MAN Hark, haughty prince, thus the Eternal saith : 'I send a worm upon that lazy vine Which bears no fruit but smothers up in leaves Rank overgrowth flaccid with sap — a worm Shall blast green pride. Upon the lion's cub, That croppeth grass and batteneth on green corn, An army of lean dogs I send, to bark, XXII Persist, disturb and rouse his corpulent shame, Till servants, women, children, everywhere, Shall laugh to see the lion teased about By yelping curs; the little quick-eyed boys Will catch the burden up and bark and bark; The girls shall bark if they for laughter can; "E'en babes shall turn them from the breast and bark; The nation grow to seem a single mouth To bark, and bark, and bark, as I bark now.' ^►(Barking.) ABSALOM But, by Jehovah, ere the tune shall start, That lion's whelp shall seize that foremost cur, ^(Bounding upon the old man.) And bear him down, and force him on his knees When, even as Samson with the lion, he Shall prize his jaws so wide, that rain and sun, Dust, wind and busy ants and flies shall come Briskly, and enter through that gaping gate; Then bear the whole contents of his thick hide Forth to their foreign cities and far homes. At last when all is clean, where all was foul, Industrious bees shall bear sweet burdens there — Build up a luscious comb, the which, returned, And passing once again by that same place, The lion's whelp shall mightily enjoy. Barking may be, for very sport, to think, How that cur barked upon that sunny day, Ahitophel. ^(While speaking ABSALOM has forced AHITOPHEL to the ground, torn off his hood and white goat-skin beard ; now as h& ends both laugh heartily.) ABSALOM Hadst thou, deceiver, been true prophet, I Had torn thee downward from the jaws in twain. AHITOPHEL Yea, my young lord has arms quite strong enough. XXIII ABSALOM My heart is strong enough : my blood's so hot, It dances on my temples, bounds and throbs, Till I am stunned and deadened into dreams, Wherein I grapple giants round the waist, Or stride down into Egypt with a sword, And kill, till I am weary, Samson's way, Then rest me on the heaps that I have slain. AHITOPHEL And yet, thou durst not push thy father's door To claim his pardon for a brother slain With good excuse and in a natural cause. ABSALOM At least I am recalled from banishment; Though truly God takes time in making kings. AHITOPHEL Whose work was that? ABSALOM Joab's : he sent to plead Before the king a woman ; whose last son Had slain his brother (so she had been taught). Her relatives were all in arms, of course, To wreak sweet vengeance on her now sole hope : Since she was widowed. Well the king, much moved, Promised her all; whereon she, opening issue, Touched him right home. — 'This, this is Joab's work' Cries he ; — ' Even as an angel of the Lord art thou To see what is quite plain, O king,' she smiles': Straight I was sent for. There, the matter dropped; Joab to visit me will not consent AHITOPHEL Canst thou not force him? ABSALOM Yonder, see, his field, That caps yon ridge and keeps me stivey here, Strange irritation blows from thence, a hot XXIV Uncomfortable sense of some one else. Set fire to yonder barley, I do think, He'll come to learn the reason. AHITOPHEL Wherefore wait? ABSALOM I will catch foxes, turn them tail to tail And bind a brand between; then watch them, mad, Disastrous, straggle all about his corn. 'Twill be both sport and business ! AHITOPHEL Aye, but why Catch foxes? ABSALOM O Ahitophel, thou hast no love Of what I'm drunk withal, the sound of things ! There, I'll send servants straight : it shall be done. AHITOPHEL So I replace my cloak and get me back To Giloh gently, having served the Lord. May"st thou fare well, my lord, the prince. MExit.) ABSALOM Farewell. &^(He claps his hands, SERVANTS come up.) Dost see, yon barley, that shoots tall and dry? Go set me brands along its windward edge, That it may burn and quickly burn away. SERVANT My lord, the field is Joab's. ABSALOM Joab's be the loss. SERVANT My lord is merry : we have heard him laugh. ABSALOM To hear him laugh again set sharp to work, xxv SERVANT My lord, great Joab, sure, will have us whipped. ABSALOM Say; I bade you. SERVANT My lord will change his mind. ABSALOM Indeed 'my lord' will change his manners too And tear you as a lion teareth sheep, Roaring, but not with laughter. Get you gone. 5fr(He threatens them and they go. A silence.) ABSALOMg<^(Drawing back the tent skirts on the right.) There ! there, the smoke begins to skim away ; Thin, slant and straight the smart breeze combs it up; The flame, see, red, brown, purple, almost black, Eager to singe more bristling beards, leans out; The great blue noon watches with bated breath. This hour hugs me ! Now I am loved and borne Shoulder-high, toward the future, Joshua, Moses, Caleb, Joseph, Abraham ! Anxieties cradle me ! Alas, this is indeed No national crisis, no momentous poise, Whereon the toppling tribes, in jeopardy, Demand one hand, nerved steady by a soul Void of mean cares. There Joab's servants come To put all out; they wrangle with my men; Some run to call their master. Let him come. — O Joab, how I love thee, fierce old lion ! Joab, arise, come ! Joab, quick, thy barley burns ! Joab, a-hoy ! Ho, Joab ; Joab, hither ! The enemy is upon thee, Joab ! Hi ! §& (Shouting he leans out over the parapet which is close against the pavilion on that side.) XXVI J0AB5©»(Hurrying up the stairs.) My lord, my lord, what thing is this thou dost, Unto thy very faithful friend? ABSALOM5^-(Turning round.) . Ha, ha! Nay, nay, not on thy knees to me. Well done ! So thou hast come? Mine importunity Avails at last? Come kiss me, Joab. There! I'll pay thee for thy barley twice its worth. For minding thee of David's youth thou lov'st me ; Is it not so, dear Joab? Then reflect, Think of me banished still my father's face, No wars abroad, where prowess might win pardon, No way to band four hundred well-armed men And out and pillage cities as he used; Amalekites keep such respective distance : The five Philistian cities pay for peace — Peace, that is old men's gain, but young men's loss ; Peace that I love not, sleepy, stale, fat peace. Dost thou not rust, good Joab? Ittai, And all the Gibborim, the men of war, Are they not stiff and sour and out of tune? Jehovah ! Now thou sheddest tears for War ! Lusty, defamed, notorious, jolly War, That's out of fashion but will in again ! O never fear, when I am king then war Will flourish trumpets, shake old banners out And march him down to Edom, try his strength; Then turn upon Damascus, push as far As Tyre — be the wonder of the world ! JOAB My boy, thou art thy father's worthy son, And I will tell him so. He'll call thee back : Why, we old men, who have been greatly young, Love youth beyond the best of things besides ! XXVII Boy, ne'er forget Jehovah. On thy soul Forget not him, but serve thy father's God, Who loveth battles, who is Lord of Hosts ! Be righteous to thine enemies ! Make war On Edom, ay, and Tyre too; but, boy, Be just ! beware of promises, ne'er promise peace ! These promises they bind men up like babes; The Lord will none of them. Thy father's old, But still he's bound, and might be twice the man If 'twere not for these courteous promises. They make him rich, but not so rich as Tyre. ABSALOM Oh, never fear, I'll not be bound to Peace. Peace is mine enemy, a foolish foe, That flies when threatened, prays and hopes too much. The Lord God terrible in battles I Will love, and worship actively each day. Come, Joab, thou must stay and dine with me; — Recount brave deeds, what chanced at Hachilah, When David and Abishai' went down By night, and took the spear of sleeping Saul, His cruse of water likewise, then came back And raised a cry for Abner, who woke up ... . Or how ye posted on, from Ziklag burnt, Three days, three nights behind Amalekites, And caught them spread abroad on all the earth, Feasting and drinking, dancing round your spoil. Ye smote them, did ye not, from twilight even To twilight, spoiling those that had spoiled you? Come in, good Joab, I have greedy ears. 5^(Exeunt.) ACT II. SCENE II. ^Jerusalem within the gate. Time, morning. Gateway on the left ; adjoining it on the right the judgment seat, roomy, to hold many judges ; above, a tower and ramparts against the sky ; to the right tall houses divided by a narrow lane, which runs back and up toward XXVIII the city : enter, descending from thence, fifty fellows in fine liveries whom Absalom has prepared to run before him ; reaching the place by the gate they form in a company, stop, and commence to sing, while the passers-by gradually collect in a crowd.g^ SONG S«-(In unison.) Our prince is as a summer morning fair, Sweet ointment shines like dew upon his hair ; All whom he meets turn back, fain after him to stare: Lord Absalom, whose name Sets maiden cheeks aflame. Our prince stands up as, when the day doth break, Stands, dew-drenched, tall, an oak-tree sure to make The country shepherds blink, it shines so, when they wake; Lord Absalom, whose eyes, Fill female hearts with sighs. His hair is thick, and glossy, and as black As raven wings, the line along his back Curves like a well-shaped bow, whose sounding string is slack : Lord Absalom, whose skill Makes Envy's blood stand still. A lion's whelp he is and very strong, So swift no road to him seems over long; And naught he takes in hand doth ever far go wrong : Lord Absalom, whose soul To Fear hath ne'er paid toll. How fair and pleasant Absalom our lord, Whose speech is now a lute, and now a sword; He leads the good with gifts, the wicked with a cord: Lord Absalom, whose ears Befriend all whom he hears. Lord Absalom, whose boundless riches give A third of Judah's host the means to live, And half your daughters gems to please their suitors with. The prince, whom thus we sing, XXIX Shall he not be your king? &^(They cease and break into groups.) THE FIRST OF TWO WOMEN Oh, what pretty coats ! a handsome sort That wears them too, comely as men are made ! What say you, Leah? LEAH Their eyes are always on you, black as crows That watch to pilfer. FIRST WOMAN , They're far too plump for thieves ! 5^ (To one of the serving men.) Pray you, fair master, let me feel this cloth, 'Tis a sweet fabric. LEAH O Mikal, Mikal, consort you not with them; They are lewd fellows all, these princes' men. MIKAL But, David sighing, thou wast softened down Till women flocked about thee like a lute; Yet wast thou temperate and praised the Lord, Having more strings than one; and so became A harp where on methinks king David longs To set his fingers now: and all this while Old Joab stalked about nor could sit down. XLII ^(Turning to the CROWD who have been listening open-mouthed.) Good folk, we all the men of Israel, Are blest, how blest ! since trouble sheers away From o'er our heads like thunder-clouds turned back ; That came to threaten, which repentance turned, Because ye did renew allegiance to Jehovah, Lord of Lords, and King of Kings; So, now the sky clears — see, yon pigeons rise From David's house: so may your hopes wing up. David is old and yet may well last long; But, whether now he die, or live and reign, Your peace is bulwarked in this noble prince Whose just succession dawns nor soon, nor late, But, granted now, in all except the name, Lightens your eyes and prospers all your fields ; That name he doth not covet, nay, doth pray It may live long with David, safe in trust But 'tis high noon; there is scant shelter here, So get ye to your homes, whose doors secure Look never more to hear rude summons at 5fr(THE PEOPLE as they disperse shout : Long live Lord Absalom, who shall be king. Which cry coming from diverse companies at several times is so crossed and mixed as that at last some seem to shout: Long live king Absalom. )5fr ABSALOM5^(When the noise has died away.) My ears have heard it : ' Long live king Absalom.' Ahitophel, Thou art an angel! In paradise I walk Adam was not more happy, lord of all; No serpents will I hear and eat no fruit Forbidden by dread God; I will do good Continually, and mend my smallest faults ; Justice my sceptre — courage my crown shall be; Tyre's wealth shall flood Jerusalem with joy. Where first begin ? — My armour-bearer, ho ! XLIII D What is thy name, boy ? SHEPHERD Lemuel, my lord. ABSALOM Dost see these fifty fellows, Lemuel ? I make thee lord of them. Thou hast kept sheep ; It is my pleasure thou shouldst shepherd these. Art thou afraid? LEMUKL Not much of them, rny lord. ABSALOM Thou tremblest, boy ; I think, thou art afraid, And of them too; see, how they ed^e about And shuffle round thy ^irl. LEMUEL My lord, a man From Heleph came to steal ; I fought with him Up by the lonely fold, and, in the dark I tripped him up and knelt upon him down, Thrashing with leather sling until he roared; For so the Lord made my heart brave to do, That God whose might to David stooped Goliath. And with his help could I thrash one of these. ABSALOM One, but thou tremblest at them all? LEMUEL My Lord, I am a lad, these men arc dty bred. I of their manners little know— would learn Somewhat before I take so great command. ABSALOM Out on thee, boy 1 it is the soul commands I Thou art not great of heart. Go, lead then; home ; And if they misbehave, pray to have wit At least to hide thy fears. — Obey him, sirs. r,*.(Kxit I.KMt/KL and RUNNKKS.) SUV 5©.(To AHITOPHEL.) My blood is greater and rebels not in me; Fear is stamped out ; I turn to foreign foes ; There are no near ones left can match a king. AHITOPHEL My lord, though I have been thy friend till now, I dare not trust me farther in thy cause : I am afraid. ABSALOM Ahitophel ! what next ? AHITOPHEL O my good lord, thy brothers live all round ; Jerusalem is not the utmost world. This joyful day will breed more foes than friends; Aroused thus all the princes will, forthwith, Commence to countermine. I fear to speak; For walls have ears ! This is a dawn, my lord, Must blush far redder ere it will be day, And even then may not be sure to shine. While time allows, curb in that bounding spirit. At Hebron have I many faithful friends ; Judah is not too pleased, that David, whom They chiefly raised to power, should hold them now But one of twelve good tribes ; this jealousy Already have I warmed : make some excuse, A vow to pay or what may give pretext To expend good cheer, and shortly come to Hebron. Thy annual feasts have pleased the country folk; We will send embassies to all the tribes, Advising such as hold themselves for wisest, How likely is a change on times long quiet, — How that such number in a king's sons doth Imperil peace; while the succession hangs, A thing for the decision of a day, That nears and should make anxious men of sense. These gentle spies shall, last, drop hint of — Yea, XLV But not discover this good remedy. By fifty fools arrived at fifty times 'T will more convince than Urim — namely this, That thou be crowned before the old king die. And we may count on all who beg us join In our own plot : they will be there, what day Our trumpets blare in Hebron. Think of this. A week or even two thou mayest sit here And gratiate thyself with simple folk ; But ere commotion gathers to a head Thou must remove, and give thy brothers room To spend their spleen in words that beat the air. At Hebron put thou on the judge once more. Thy brothers will not heed the thing so much, Deeming thy flight concession to their powers. In time to soothe their young alarms take wing And come to Hebron. So farewell, my lord; That we work singly will a colour lend Of plain intentions. So, farewell, my lord ; My mule awaits me just beyond the Gate. g^(Exit.) ABSALOM This place turns round; the sun is over hot; Dizzy am I : a taste makes dry my mouth : But I will do his bidding ; he is wise. $©.(The CURTAIN drops.) ACT II. SCENE III. 5^The ford of Kidron occupies the front of the stage, so that those on the right are on the Jerusalem side, but those on the left stand at the foot of Olivet, which occupies the background, and round which the brook winds to disappear ; the road mounts Olivet from the extreme left towards the right, where it is seen to pass beyond the brow; beyond which again is a far steeper hill whereon is seen a rugged goat-path. BENAIAH leading the Cherethites and Pelethites enters on the right, crosses the ford, and mounts the hill, over which they all disappear. Meanwhile many families, XLVI coming the same way, are straggled up the hill or crossing the ford, with mules, and slaves, and baggage. DAVID, riding a mule, enters on the right, and by his side JOAB, ABISHAI, ITTAI the Gittite, and other captains on foot.§^ DAVID5^(To ITTAI. Stopping his mule.) No farther, Ittai, no farther ; get thee back ; Why shouldst thou also toil with us? Return, And keep thine office near this younger king. Since thou, a stranger, art not one of us, Seek thou king Absalom whose fortunes rise — Who has been crowned in Hebron. All the tribes Avow them his ; young men by nature do, And old men feelingly mistrust old age. Dost thou not serve for fortune ? Mine is lost ; If thou but yesterday hadst come to me, Should I this day make thee go up and down ? And what are three parts of a life to blood? Blood is the bond, and even blood is loose. Behind thee profit lies : fly not thy good, Seeing I go not any whither now ; My destination doth not crown this hill, Nor yet the next; but whither I may, I go. Take back thy brethren then. Mercy and Truth Be with thee, Ittai. ITTAI As the Lord Liveth, and as my lord the king liveth, In whate'er place my lord the king shall be, Whether in death or life, in that place also, Thy servant, Ittai', shall be. DAVID5^(To ITTAI, who leads his band of fifty Gittites over the ford, followed by their families.) Then go; Pass over, Ittai, thou and thy friends, Thy women, and thy little ones. Pass on. — Ye weep, my friends, and all my people weep, XLVII But I not yet, knowing no cause to weep : For that my son inherits me is well ; After the father should the son be king: That youth is hasty hath been known of old. My care is only this, to save your lives. 5^.(To ZADOK, who enters on the right with ABIATHAR.) What ! hast thou come, good Zadok ? What is that, Thy holy Levites carry with such care? tt^.V"'-^ The ark ? Oh, no ! Disturb not great God's ark, Nor bring it into danger, where ill deeds Do drive us. Take it back : my son may need To feel the Lord with him yet more than I ; But, if the Lord doth truly favour me, He will then bring me back and show me both His holy habitation and his ark, So blessed once more. But in the case he say ' I have no longer joy in David.' Why ! Here am I, let him do as seemeth good To him, for surely I am in his hand. And Zadok, art thou not a seer ? In peace Return, and fear no violence ; men will Respect thee yet ; that holy title wards Thine aged bosom better than our spears. Good holy men, take your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy son and Jonathan (That name is sweet with memories for me) The son of good Abiathar — and mark : I do intend to tarry in the plain Skirting the wilderness, until there come Tidings from you to certify what falls ; Your lads must bring them — for my hot-head son Lacks counsel, tastes new wine ; with likelihood All ends well yet : if he drink deep enough And let his eager haste undo his strength (He has not with him one experienced friend) We'll catch him in a noose and let him prance XLVIII Till, wearied out, he falls, and then correct him. — I would I saw Ahitophel here now ! ZADOK My lord the king has spoken very well. And, though I fain would stay to comfort here, I bear the ark away; nor deem bereft Of comfort and support thy cause, my king. — A right mind is an ark, the which our God Has consecrated to contain his wealth ; Cherubs no less do shelter it with wings : The minds of fools must ever lack a lid, Or have such covers as slam in the wind, Unhinged, unfastened. Keep, keep ye secret still Your treasure, O ye sons of Israel ; Pry not therein, as they of Kirjath-jearim ; Still less reveal to impious foreign eyes (As happened when in battle lost the ark Brought down stone-Dagon all except his stump, And plagued the Philistines) : then ne'er reveal The secrets of thy nation or thy breast ; Keep them for ever ! Jehovah long has loved, Nor is he fickle, or of little might ; But brought you up from Egypt : fear and serve him. And so farewell. ALL THE PEOPLE God save his people, Israel. 5^(ZADOK turns and goes out. DAVID slowly crosses the ford, when a man running on from the right catches him up on the further bank.) MESSENGER My lord, Ahitophel of Giloh's turned, And is with Absalom to counsel him. DAVID O Lord, my God, I pray to foolishness Turn thou the counsel of Ahitophel ! Most awful God, be even with this traitor, XLIX Thou only canst. — O Policy, O Cunning, Have I then treated with thee for thy love As with a little child, e'en smiled on Cunning? Took I a step beyond these times in hope? Have I leaned from my poor ill-builded past As from a tower-top, and leaned too far, Fain of the arms of angels passing on Winged for a later time and better men ; And falling do I drag those ill-squared deeds About mine ears in ruin to the ground? Punished indeed, condemned to death not yet. — I will not ride but slowly walk ; 'tis meet In those condemned. I will not lead the way, But be the last, the almost-left-behind, That best would please indeed by being lost. 5^(The others leading the mule begin to ascend the hill, except JOAB, who waits by DAVID'S side.) The Lord hath brought his prophecies to pass; The sword is naked in my house once more. Help me remove my shoes ; these stones are rough. JOAB The better reason for stout soles, my lord. DAVID Not so, good Joab ; help me as I say. JOAB My lord, thy wits do wander; 'tis the sun That rides the ridge of noon ; on thy great grief His heat prevails, as 'neath a caldron coals, Till it give off a steam that mists thy sense. DAVID Joab, had I said, 'Seest thou yonder goat? Go cut its throat, and sprinkle this my path.' It had been done by now ; but since I say, ' Help me unlace this sandal,' I am mad. L JOAB My lord, I do not understand thy words, And so suppose they wander from true sense. DAVID Though Saul was mad, yet Abner served him well. JOAB My brother and thy servants wait, my lord. Shall we not catch them up? DAVID&*(Rising bare-foot.) Man, beware; I asked thee for a simple kindness. Thou Refused'st it ; though I were mad, 't were one. I fear thee as I feared Ahitophel; Thou think'st to read my mind better than I, As he beheld my profit in a course Eschewed of my best pondered purposes. Pride is not power nor haste speed. Though I Walk humbled, lame, man, what is that to thee? These aged feet, that brave the brunt of shocks From cruel stones, speak louder to the Lord Than all thy savage deeds. O Joab, Joab, I am afraid of God and lack all surety Of favour from on high : then I do well To foot it humbly with a contrite heart. Shall I, who have so served the Lord so long, And yet who have so justly angered him, Pretend to confidence or cast my service now And bow to Baal, since I am not paid For my good tender first, but things ill done Bear down his anger ? Nay, if he see this, Bethinking him again of all my best, He will forgive me, as I Absalom, Did he forsake his froward pride, would e'en Forgive. There is no profit in revenge Either for God or man. But to compel A rebel to repent, make enemies good friends, LI Bad servants anxious to do well — in these Who is so blind as not to spy advantage? Then think not ill of me, still less of God, But love me, Joab, and love God; and I Hold thee heart-bound for ever. JOAB Good my lord ; Thou dost see far into the ways of God : Methinks revenge is sweet to aged men ; God is from aye and vengeance proper to him. When I was young I let the vanquished live, Thinking to gain more glory later on From his renewed defeat. But now I think Next year I may be weaker just so much, And with contentment watch him agonise : His death doth pledge me safety that amount. Yet I am blind; lead me who stumble else. 'Twas ever thus in all our escapades And blood-embrued adventures; what I thought Did prove but foolish by thy counsel's side. But, see, thy friend good Hushai draweth near, His coat is rent, there's earth upon his head ! ^(During the above HUSHAI has entered from over the brow.) DAVID Joab, thy soul preferreth Absalom Unto his father won away by peace ; A warrior is he after thine own heart. JOAB^Kneeling.) Upon my knees, my lord, the past doth live — Doth shake my whole soul as no new thing can. I have seen David's deeds unmatchable, Since when his name was novel on men's lips; And envy, every day of all those years, With love hath striven, and love born off the palm. Why should I prize this locust clad in mail, Born yesterday and doomed to die to-morrow? LII DAVID O Joab, Joab, do not say to-morrow. His death and mine, each critical for each, Are yoked ; his life and mine far-sundered stray : Slaying me, why, he were but dead, I think; The Lord, whose vengeance is, must needs avenge A father's blood : and if he die, I die. HUSHAI5^(Who has come down the hill from the brow.) My lord, dost thou not see thy friend, or is Thy grief too great ? — Most lamentable tears, Why rush ye thus to David's royal eyes Now when he sees me, being absent erst ? DAVID Good Hushai, friend, well known, well seen, art thou; My tearful eyes protest not 'gainst thy face, Which long loved is loved yet, but they protest Against a heart divided in itself; Even my heart that, old, is reft in twain. Good Hushai, thou that art a peaceful man, Art no-way useful in the bucklered ranks ; Since thou, like Isaac, hast been blessed through peace. At my side, who have been a man of blood, Thou wilt but be a burden : mine intent Being to shed more blood, my forced intent, Alas ! But Absalom hath need of one like thee. Say thus: 'As I have been thy father's servant, I Will be thy servant also now, O king.' Then mayest thou defeat Ahitophel, Who is the enemy whom most I fear : Dissuade from all his plans whate'er they be ; Comfort my son in vanity ; gain time ; Vaunt distant feats o'er deeds immediate ; And, sanguine of events, advise smooth things, Cheerful, zealous, plausible. — Hast thou not there Zadok, also Abiathar, the priests? LIH Therefore, whate'er thou at the king's house learn'st, Thou shalt impart to them, who privily Will unto me dispatch their light-foot sons. Thus Absalom, my son, may be chastised, But spared unto mine age. It should be tried : The Lord is very watchful how we walk. HUSHAI Even as an angel of the Lord, my lord Shall be obeyed.S<*(He starts down the hill.) God prosper thy smooth tongue. &^(DAVID slowly now obtains the brow of the hill, where ABISHAI and the other captains have waited, but constantly gazing after HUSHAI, who crosses the ford and goes off on the right. He says with frequent breaks.) DAVID A simple soul, the safest noose for guile. Dear good old man, so open in his age, Most full of words ; I've hugged myself with laughter To hear him run on, many a time : indeed, A babbling babe stocked with an old wife's tales ; Inconsequent to all save what's last said, His anecdotes drift in the breath of chat. He is like snow, a white and gentle comer. Simplicity is very near to God. Ahitophel will sink through this fair trap As did the lion in Benaiah's pit, — Who dug deep down, what time the gentle snow Fell softly, rested well on light twigged wands As on firm earth, and had a simple look, So that the lion doubted not at all. This guileless soul will seem the unlikeliest spy, And put a smooth face on the pit of death, Wherein my enemy will, presently, Cry loud. — Great God, I thank thee for this sign. ^^(ZIBA appears on the brow from the other side.) LIV DAVID<$^(Looking over towards the right.) What do yon asses there? They stop my folk In yonder bottom. ZIBASfr (Prostrating himself.) My lord, the asses are To carry all the household of the king. DAVID Servant of Saul, where is thy master's son ? ZIBA He tarries at Jerusalem, my lord. DAVID He tarries? ZIBA He abides, my lord, in truth. DAVID All that was Meribaal's now is thine. This Meribaa.1, halt Meshiboleth, Whom I did make to sit at meat with me, Whom I did honour for his father's sake, Even Jonathan, mine own most best beloved, What, doth this lame dog bite? — Joab, my friend, If thou dost find him in a likely place Thou mayest be rigorous. §&{A stone is cast at DAVID.) DAVID My God ! my God ! 5^(Other stones.) SHIMEIg^(Seen on the further ridge, shouts.) Come out, come out, thou bloody man ! Thou man Of Belial ! On thee the Lord returns The blood, even all the blood of Saul And of his house, in whose stead thou hast reigned. Into the hands of Absalom, thy son, The Lord delivers now thy kingdom up : Behold, art thou not taken in thy guile, Because thou art a bloody man? LV ABISHAI My lord, Why should this dead dog curse? I pray thee now, Let' me go over and take off his head. DAVID Abishai, and ye my servants all, Behold, the son that came forth from my bowels Seeketh my life, how much more then may not This Benjamite? Let him alone, I say; Let him curse on, if so it please the Lord. 5^(Taking their shields from their armour-bearers, they hold them over DAVID and disappear beyond the brow.) SHIMEI Thou bloody man, where now are Rizpah's sons ? Her prayers have surely come before God's face, Even the prayers of Saul's dear concubine. ,§©>(The CURTAIN descends.)"!.. LVI ACT III. SCENE I. ^David's Palace. Time, afternoon. A room on a lower level and divided from the council - hall by wooden columns ; between the two centre of these four or five steps lead up. On either side of this stair are divans which run along the base of a trellis forming a balustrade between the columns of the hall above, from which a half light penetrates to the inner room. A curtain is drawn at the top of the steps : cushions and shawls litter the divans. Enter a CONCUBINE from the rights FIRST CONCUBINE I have been down into the limpid bath; The water was quite still; the walls of stone Kept silence; I nor splashed, nor laughed, nor swam, But listened to my heart : at last it seemed, My heart did speak with words that broken said, 'Wast thou not once a child?' Then I felt old, Older than what I am, and reached the side And sat me there and wept; for I was sad. — An empty palace is a mournful place ! 5^(She goes out by the opposite door) 5^(A second CONCUBINE enters from the left.) SECOND CONCUBINE I have been listening by the closet doors, And fast locked chests. The precious stones had heard My soft approach and they were silent all; The diamonds and rubies did not talk; The green-eyed emeralds laughed for wickedness, To think how I was listening all in vain; But limpid topazes have never tongues, Searched easily through and through ; their silence lives And weighs no jot on them ; 't is like a song Whose words the singer heeds not, being too glad. I have heard tell how wise are amethysts To find hid treasure, changing colour straight Some stone there is that doth discover crimes ; Another, sullen, tests virginity. — lvh 'T is lonely here; I'll seek the others out. 5^(She goes out on the right.) &*(Two CONCUBINES enter meeting, severally: Ruth! Merab dearl) MERAB Let us keep company. RUTH Shall we be slain by this king Absalom? We are too old to please so young a man. MERAB Not all so old; besides we are well kept. ' I have been dressing at Bath-Sheba's mirror And used her ointments. Smell ! Is it not rare ? I came no sweeter into David's arms, A virgin having just my thirteen years : His heart was glad thereat. — This is her comb. RUTH See here this undervest — 'tis a choice cloth And has been charmed against untoward things, Chiefly, I think, 'gainst snakes ; but it scares fleas : 'Tis Abigail's, who was a rich man's wife; 'Twas hers before she came to David's bed. MERAB It is a treasure. Let's to the kitchens now. 5^(They go out together ; after a little another CONCUBINE enters, but, hearing a distant noise, runs across the stage and off; pre- sently three CONCUBINES enter excitedly.) SIXTH CONCUBINE They come, a sea of people. SEVENTH CONCUBINE Hark, their trumpets. EIGHTH CONCUBINE This son of David is a glorious man. SIXTH CONCUBINE What shall we do? LVIII EIGHTH CONCUBINE •-— «^, Oh, let us hide ourselves ! SEVENTH CONCUBINE Nay, that were foolish; rather make us fair, So shall we be entreated well of men ; Come let us find adornments quickly, veils, Bright girdles, bracelets, shawls and quilted slippers : We may be queens to-day. 5^(They go out : LEMUEL with his crowd of porters fills the council-chamber above.) LEMUEL Brisk, fellows, sharp ! set up these o'er-turned seats. — You, help me drape this dais. 5fr( After a few minutes.) Not so much noise. 5©»(One of them comes through the curtain, LEMUEL following.) Sir, stay you there. ^(Thrusting him back, then turning himself he looks about.) This is a queen's apartment, sweet with musk ; Here will I bring Rebecca, my beloved ; She shall be queen and on plump cushions sit And warm her hands at fretted casolettes When evening damps strike chill.