5COR JF*I<® tl-iU "SAUL" A TRAGEDY r u. s , BOARD Of TAX APPE^ALS^ IN THREE ACTS "admitted in eviden BY DIV.-^r-— DOCKETSKWc ADMITTED IN EVIDENT' * * l v/lAY 3 1 1932 ! K£TlTIONEyft — EXH«WT^2r-2. RESPO NDENT'S JOHN ARMSTRONG CHALOJ^TEir"™*"™ )N1 AUTHOR OF SCORPIO" "Proclaim ye this among tke Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong." — Joel, iii, 9-10. PALMETTO PRESS: Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina Nineteen Hundred and Fifteen FIFTY CENTS copyright PaI/Metto Press 1915. P) JI.A41S74 DEC 24 1915 PROLOGUE TO " SAUL." These two Tragedies — begun November first, last — and finished last night, in their order — are written with a view to carrying out, nowadays, what the great protector and guard- ian of Art and Letters — the Roman Catholic Church — did in the Middles Ages with her Miracle Plays and Mysteries — in a word — to borrow modern vernacular — putting the Bible on the boards. These plays are written in the most reverent — even de- vout — spirit. The author believes the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. He therefore believes — in borrowing — as he does wherever the Sacred Text touches either of these Tragedies — from that Marvellous Storehouse of beauty, spirituality, and truth — that he is citing the precise and actual words of God. For that reason, he has refrained from changing one solitary line, or even one solitary word, in the greatest passages in the Scriptures, where said passages touch each Tragedy. For example, in the Tragedy of "Saul." The marvellous, mysterious and awful words of the Prophet Samuel, when his spirit rises from the dead, at the call of the only bona fide Necromancer — save He of Nazareth — History holds record of — namely, the Witch of Endor — the awful words of the Prophet Samuel are embodied verbatim, in the text — and— strange to say — the lines are — with the exception of a solitary one, which is one syllable short of ten syllables — and now and then an Alexandrine — pentameters — tho' not iambic penta- meters. The desire of the author has been to, so to speak, "strip" the Scriptures of every line and every word bearing on each Tragedy. Where there were groups of words — say three or four — which, of course, could not of themselves make up a line containing ten or eleven syllables — they were woven into the verse hy means of the addition of enough words to help out the line in question. The dialogues between David and Jonathan are practi- cally verbatim — with the above noted variation, when neces- sity required — and when necessity required only. The same is true of the dialogues between Saul and David, as well as 4 SAUL between Saul and Jonathan and Saul and the Witch of En- dor. In the Tragedy of "Saul and David," the dramatic Scrip- tural account of the slaying of Goliath of Gath is put in al- most verbatim. The wonderfully sad and wonderfully beau- tiful dialogue between Saul and David, at night, on the Hill of Hachilah, after David has made that dauntless descent by night into the very centre of the camp of the dreaded King, and taken as tokens of his presence the royal spear and cruse from beside the bolster of the sleeping monarch — is put in verbatim. Also, the dialogue between Saul and Ahimelech. Also, that wonderfully dramatic passage which shows Saul: "in Gibeah . . . under a tree in Kamah, having his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him ; Then Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, and make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds." (I Samuel, XXII— 6-7.) Which royal and eloquent appeal moves the adamantine soul of the implacable Doeg, the Edomite — formerly the "Chief est of the herdmen" of Saul, now — risen with the fortunes of his mighty master — "set over the servants of Saul." The sole liberty f the author has taken with the Sacred Text— in either Tragedy — is the extension of the two following verses, into the Scriptural account of David's hasty stop at the City of p r i es ts — at Nob — when fleeing before the wrath of Saul: and his dialogue — verbatim — with the Priest Ahimelech, and re- quest of him of the shewbread, and the sword of his former adversary, Goliath of Gath : I Samuel XXI, 1-9 : the said two verses to-wit : "Then answered Doeg, the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub. And he en- quired of the Lord for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine." In fact, the author has jealously sought to preserve the Sacred Text entire, wherever the laws of Prosody — stretched even to their widest limits— would tolerate it. In short, the awful tragedv of Saul and David— as portrayed in the First tSave where— in "Saul" Act I— Samuel says to David that he will appear to him no more on earth — save in a dream. SAUL 5 Book of Samuel — is, in the aforesaid Tragedies, faithfully set forth. In a word, these Tragedies are a work of love and rever- ence — upon the part of the author — for the Divine Book from whence they sprang: and, as a slight testimony of the help that Book has been to him, all through his life of fifty-three years — surely a stormy one — from the time his Mother — who died when he was a boy of twelve years — gave him the first book he ever possessed — a Bible. JOHN AEMSTEONG CHALONEE, "The Merry Mills" Cobham, Albemarle County, November 23, 1915. Virginia. "S A U L." A Tragedy In Three Acts. DRAMATIS PERSONS. Saul. King of Israel. Samuel. The Prophet. Former Judge of Israel. Jonathan. Son of Saul, and Heir-Apparent to the Throne of Israel. David. The Son of Jesse. Doeg. The Edomite, Formerly Chief Herdsman of Saul. Now Head of Saul's Body-Guard. Abner. Commander of the Army of Saul, and Saul's Cousin. The Witch or Endor. Rizpah. Saul's Queen and Concubine. Michal. Princess of the House of Saul. Later, Wife of David. Place: Palestine. Act I. Scene I. Time; An hour before sunrise. (The Royal Palace in Gibeah of Saul. Saul's bedroom. This room is large and lofty. The only door in the room is at the rear. At the right of the stage is Saul's bed. A wide low couch having over it hangings of silk, of Tyrian purple. As the curtain rises Saul is discov- ered tossing uneasily on his couch. The coverings of said couch are merely soft dark green stuff resembling blankets but much lighter in texture. The night robe of Saul differs only from his Kingly robe in being simpler in design — the cut is the same namely reaching to the feet and slightly open at the neck. The texture is the finest lamb's wool dyed a deep red. There is a hanging lamp of antique pattern, of solid silver suspended by a silver chain in the centre of the room depending from the rafters of the ceiling. Saul's spear is at his couch's head by his right hand. His sword is suspended from a post at his left. His shield rests by the spear. In a corner is seen his helmet and breastplate. His clothing is thrown in a confused mass upon a smaller couch across the room. After tossing uneasily for a few moments the King awakes with a start and gazes wildly about him. He breathes heavily and almost instantly grasps his spear, leaping out of bed at the same time and gazing with fierce penetrating glances into every comer of the room which is bare of all fur- niture except what has been described'). Saul. By Almighty God my soul in torment is! The Spirit from the Lord doth torment me The Spirit foul sent at Jehovah's word To punish me for sparing Amalek — For harkening unto the people's wish That I spare Agag and his mighty herds S A U L Of sheep and oxen fat as Bashan's bulls To make a sacrifice unto the Lord In place of killing everything that breathed As Jah ordained byth' mouth of Samuel. From that day forth am I a haunted man ! Haunted by this foul Demon from the Pit Which preys upon me when I wake or sleep. Anon It goes and I am Saul again Saul King of Israel — afraid of naught ! Anon It swoops upon me like a vulture foul And drags my soul unto the depths of Hell — Where it is smothered in a sea of woe — Unnerves my courage and unmans my soul Making me fearful as a timid maid Afraid to see her shadow in the dusk — When only stars are out and moon there's none. Anon It tortures me and makes me fierce — Fierce to shed blood — and shed it out of hand — That instant — while the mood doth prey on me. Nought can I do to master the vile Thing — Save that I will not let It make me kill. Would to the Lord It would take human shape That I might grapple It and take Its life Or pierce it with my spear and see It die And rid me of Its Hellish tyranny. Mine health is sound in body as in mind / knoio what aileth me and thus am sane And that this 111 will go — (a sombre pause) but — come — again. (After a pause) I'll call me Doeg the stout Edomite His stolid countenance doth hearten me To face the worst Jehovah e'en can send. Ho! Doeg. Thou Benjamite — come to thy King. (Enter Doeg in full armour, with a spear in his right hand, and a shield on his arm — his sword at his side. Doeg is a powerful man of sullen and forbidding countenance. In the prime of life. He has a scar running across his shaven face from the left eye-brow, dotvn his left cheek and across his chin made by a sivord • SAUL 9 stroke in tattle. His voice is a low harsh gut- ter al. He bows low to the King and says) : Doeg. An 't please the King his servant stands at hand. Saul. Well come stout Doeg. G — d ! my soul's in Hell Tossing and tumbling in her waves of flame — I dreamed I'd lost the crown — and then awoke. Doeg. (Smiling grimly) Dreams go by contraries, my mighty liege Dismiss the dream and be thyself once more — That self that is the Host of Israel's pride! To follow into battle at thy call — To hear thy clarion voice wild sound the charge As thou dost leap upon the sons of Amalek As leaps a leopard on a mountain ram ! (Saul sighs deeply and begins to pace the cham- ber in long stately strides carrying his javelin at arm? s length, grasped in the middle — the muscles of his powerful wrist standing out like cords, as he grips the spear — the arm rigid as though about to spring into a relaxed atti- tude and hurl the weapon.) Saul. Thy words, stout Doeg, do recall the joy I ever feel when battle's in the wind. But I would speak with Rizpah — call my Queen I long to gaze upon her dauntless face — That face as proud as it is beautiful That face that facing Death would smile in scorn And bid the King of Terrors do his worst. Doeg. (Bowing loio) I go my liege to notify the Queen. (Exit). Saul. Now shall my sombre spirit find repose. (Pacing slowly up and down the apartment, but far less tragically. His arm relaxed. The spear carried at a trail. He has hardly taken three turns of the room before Doeg enters and, bowing low says in a low subdued voice) — Doeg. My mighty liege — the Queen. (There is a soft rustling sound heard and Rizpah enters clothed in a loose dark gown hastily thrown on. (Exit Doeg.) She is a tall, stately woman of a beautiful but stern countenance. 10 SAUL Her hair is hanging loosely about her shoul- ders, and is as dark and lustrous as her eyes. Her gait is slow and stately characterized by an undulating feline movement suggestive of a panther in its grace and, reserve force. She somewhat hastens her usually slow, dignified movement as she enters the chamber and says — after crossing her hands upon her breast and bowing her head slightly as she advances — in slow low tones which have an arresting quality — a quality which suggests coldness and cruel- ty concealed under a mask of steel. At the same time there is a lurking vibration in the timbre of her voice which suggests depths of passion when the occasion appeals to her heart. Eizpah. My lord did send for me and I am here. (Saul sighs happily and striding hastily to the couch places the spear in its usual position at its head. He then approaches the Queen with his arms extended. She notes the gesture and with a lithe sinuous movement springs swiftly toward him throwing her arms about his neck as she rests her head upon his breast. Saul sighs again profoundly and strokes her dark hair with his hand for a few moments. He then raises her face to his and kissing her long and passionately upon the lips says — after she has returned the caress with passionate tender- ness — straining him to her bosom — and wrap- ping her arms about him— Saul. Daughter of Aiah — Eizpah — thoirrt well named My passion-stone thou warm'st my frozen soul ! Eizpah. My King ! My glory ! I am ever here To do thy bidding be it what it may ! Saul. There spoke my bride — there spoke my soul's de- light ! My love — my dove — my lily of the field ! Sweet as the honeycomb are thy rich lips Whose sweetness drowns the bitterness of life As dripping honey kills the sting in wine ! SAUL 11 Give me thy lips again, they soothe my soul As oil and unguents lull a throbbing wound. {Embraces her once more long and passionately. Upon releasing her the Queen steps back a pace and regards Saul attentively. As she does so her face hardens and a look of deadly malignity gradually, slowly, spreads over her beautiful face driving away all hint of the pas- sion which had but recently adorned and softened it. Slowly she hisses out in a low deadly whisper) : Hizpah. Th 1 accursed Thing hath been at thee again! (Saul starts violently. Swiftly recovers himself and with it his natural air of haughty stern- ness. He says nothing for some moments. Meanwhile Rizpah continues to gaze upon him — her wonderful eyes dilating in their eager- ness to pierce the mask of coldness which has instantly — upon hearing Rizpah's words — spreads itself over Saul's handsome but omin- ous countenance. Finally Saul says in icy tones) : Saul. Woman dar'st thou transgress my strict command Dar'st touch upon this dark forbidden Thing! (The Queen shrinks before Saul's fierce glance and icy stern tones. She bows her head and crossing her hands across her beautiful breast, which has become slightly displayed by the ardour of Saul's and her own embrace, owing to the haste with which the loose robe — cover- ing her full beautiful figure — had been thrown on, says in low subdued tones in which her re- cent anger is submerged in fear and humility) : Rizpah. My lord forgive thine handmaid ! I did err. (Saul noting the sincere fear spreading over her countenance relaxes slightly his fearful stern- ness of look and tone and says in milder voice) : Saul. Thou knowest that's a subject ne'er's t' be broached. (The Queen bows once more in humility, but his 12 SAUL, new tones have eased the spasm of fear which had at his first outburst paralyzed her feel- ings. Saul once more .op ens his arms and once more she springs into their powerful and pas- sionate embrace. After a long kiss the King raises his head and- begins once more to stroke her raven tresses. Suddenly he ceases to caress her and starting backward a pace says involuntarily — hissing the words from be- tween clinched teeth — ras his eyes blaze with a deadly wrath and his right hand opens and shuts as though tightening its hold upon an in- visible spear) — 'Tis come again! The Spirit seizeth me! And shooting a cold chill adown my spine Invades my heart and grasps each ventricle Prohibiting the egress of the blood ! (As he speaks he gasps for breath. The Queen starts back aghast and gazes upon his tor- tured visage with an expression in which the emotions of terror, hatred, passionate tender- ness and dread, chase each other across her beautiful and delicately refined and chiselled features. Her bosom rises and falls in stormy waves of emotion as she does so. She finally clasps her hands upon her bosom and murmurs almost inarticulately) — Kizpah. O ! Ashtarothf Queen of the Heav'nly spheres Queen of the moon and all her countless stars Spouse of the mighty Baal list to me ! Prove now thy power o'er the dark God Jah — Prove that thou ruls't the world and doth rule Him.. Save now my hero in his hour of woe! (Saul rouses himself from the semi-stupor of horror and dread into which he has fallen upon the arrival of the Spirit from the Lord and listening avidly to her words gazes upon tThe plural and more euphonious form is here used in place of Ashtoreth — the singular. SAUL 13 her in amazement in which fear and admira- tion commingle. The Queen pauses upon con- cluding her prayer as though to observe its ef- fect upon the King. During this pause Saul regards her face with tender solicitude. Sud- denly he bursts forth in an exultant shout as he dashes toward her and clutches her to his breast with spasmodic and hungry force) — Saul. By my victorious crown thy pray'r's been heard ! The Spirit doth take flight and leaves me free! {The Queen struggles away from her husband's passionate embrace, and falling upon her knees and raising her hands aloft says in broken ac- cents, in which joy at the result of her prayer and awe of a Power which could so conquer the express emissary of the Lord of Hosts strug- gle for the mastery) : Eizpah. Hail Queen of Heaven ! Hear my thankful cry ! Thy power hath saved the King in direst need. Henceforth I worship thee — Thee sole for aye! The creed of Baal henceforth is my creed. Watch o'er my mighty Lord and 'fend his soul From ought the Lord of Hosts may aim to do Prosper his footsteps t'wards ambition's goal And cast thy divine shield over us two. Prosper our house and strengthen Saul's grand reign Guard e'er our children from destruction's blight — Render Jehovah Jah's stern acts but vain — And hover over same when in the fight. Ashtaroth! Queen of Heaven! Hear my prayer And save thy daughter's heart from this dread care (Saul who during this passionate prayer has stood as tho' > riveted to the floor by admira- tion and dread — admiration for her self-neg- lectful audacity and devotion in his behalf to thus brave the crimes of blasphemy and idola- try for his sake and in the desperate hope that Ashtaroth might prevail in the proposed con- test with Jehovah — dread at the possible con- 14 SAUL sequences to her and thereafter to himself. As she concludes the prayer he assists her to her feet and embraces he,r. with a tenderness and reverence in which no hint of his former pas- sion is to be found. She returns his caresses in the same calm awed spirit. Finally he says in loio hushed tones — as different from his usual resonant clarion-like tones as the tvhis- per of a breeze at sunset differs from the shriek of a storm at midnight) — Saul. My soul's delight! I fear thy dreadful words Will bring destruction from Jehovah Jah. He is a Jealous God — He hath said so. Rizpah. What could be worse, my lord, than what He's sent — This Hell-malevolent — this fiendish Thing That shakes thy buttressed soul unto its base ! I've waited patiently in hopes 'twould cease Before I gave allegiance to strange Gods. But what moulds' t thou, my lord, we've but one life To spend within the mazes of this world And so I've shot nry bolt and th'issue bide Or good or ill my words do I stand by. Saul. My Queen and comrade in ambition's race. Thy beauty and thy courage are as one — {Knocking heard. Saul starts angrily and ex- claims in stern tones as he steps back a pace from the Queen — who hastily arranges her at- tire, and pushes back her lovely and, lustrous hair from her face). Who dares disturb the quiet of the King! Doeg. (From without. In tones in which fear has soft- ened the usual brutal gruff ness and surliness) — An't please the King the Prophet Samuel Doth stand within the room in which I stand Saying he comes upon an errand which Brooks not delay — so near't regards the King. (As Doeg delivers his message Rizpah shrinks back aghast and turns pale. Saul also starts in concern and glances hastily at the Queen. He has scarcely done so when the deep stern SAUL 15 tones of the Prophet Samuel — tones in which the judicial severity of his former office of Judge of Israel are blended with the dreamy accents of the mystic — penetrate the room). Samuel. Saul, son of Kish. I'd speak a word with thee. Rizpah. {Starting in cold scorn in which surprise is swal- lowed up in hatred) — Dares he address the King of Israel thus! (Saul who has also started angrily at the tin- wonted language to Majesty — instantly recov- ers himself and says in a low tone to the Queen) : Saul. Pardon his bluntness. He forgets himself, His age and station merit our respect I'll ne'er forget 'twas he anointed me. ( The Queen appears somewhat appeased # at Saul's words and resumes her haughty calm — the calm habitual with her unless roused by passion of whatever nature. So soon as Saul sees that the Queen has recovered herself he says in calm tones in which his Kingly dig- nity unites with a note of veneration and friendliness ) — Be welcome Samuel, and enter straight. (The door of the apartment is thereupon thrown open by Doeg and Samuel slowly and with ma- jestic dignity enters the room. Samuel is a tall man with beard and hair snow-white. But possessing the vigour which all the Prophets possessed. His dress is a cross between a ju- dicial robe and the rougher mantle of the Prophet. lie halts as he reaches the centre of the room and scrutinizingly surveys the face — first of the King then that of the Queen. Saul does not flinch under his penetrating glance. Neither does the Queen, tho^ each receives the look differently. Saul receives the glance with steady calm,, tempered with re- spect. Eizpah with haughty calm blended with animosity. Samuel notes the said vari- ous expressions and continues silent as though 16 SAUL waiting to be addressed. Saul rouses himself with an effort and, inclining his head slightly says in gracious tones) : 'Tis long since I have gazed upon thy face It glads my heart to see that thou art well. (Samuel stands motionless as these words leave Saul's lips, and remains motionless and silent for several moments. Finally he says in low cold tones in which there is no least trace of reverence or respect for Saul's high office, nor the least evidence of affection — or even friend- liness) : Samuel. I come in time to save thee from a crime. (Saul in spite of his mighty power of self-con- trol starts violently at this evidence of the Prophetic power of the Prophet of the Lord. Bizpah turns pale and involuntarily glances upwards as though in prayer to Ashtaroth. Samuel notices both acts and drawing himself up to his full height says in tones of thunder as he fixes his large eyes — which in spite of his years — blaze with the fire of manhood — upon the calm but unequivocally hostile coun- tenance of the Queen) : "Thou shalt have no other gods before me!" (As these terrible words leave the lips of the Prophet the Queen shrinks and cowers before him — though bravely maintaining a show of self-respect and even defiance. It is as though a swimmer — struggling valiantly feels himself carried away by the undertow. Saul starts once more and once more glances in deepest and tenderest sympathy towards the Queen. Samuel notes the effect of Us toords and after a pause, during tohich the Queen has made shift to recover her haughty calm — or at least brave remnants of it — says in lower but no less stem tones looking fiercely at the Queen as he speaks) : SAUL 17 So thou dost love the harlot Ashtaroth The idol of the foul Sidonians ! (The Queen starts fiercely at this and says in fierce swift tones hissing out her words between her clinched teeth) : Eizpah. Old man beware ! Thou speakest to a Queen. (Saul shrinks slightly at her boldness but a look •of admiration for it mingles with the concern spreading rapidly over his stern features. Samuel starts in anger and once more raising his voice thunders) : Samuel. Beware the anger of Jehovah Jah! (The Queen shrinks palpably at these words but preserves her dauntless mien. Saul who has once more shrunk at the mention of the Lord, again regards the Queen loith a look of mingled admiration and concern. The Queen contents herself with fixing on Samuel a look of silent contempt. Samuel once more raises his voice and thunders forth) : Thy seed shall feed the ravens for this thing ! (Both Saul and the Queen shrink backwards and retreat a pace in horror and dismay at these sinister words. Samuel continues in the same thunderous tones) : Armoni and Mephibosheth shall die — (The Queen shrieks out at this, and throioing her hands and outstretched arms in Samuel's direction falls on her knees before him and gasps out as tears stream down her cheeks) — Eizpah. Unsay those words my lord and I shall yield And bow my will unto Jehovah Jah. (Saul although less affected by Samuel's awful words also falls upon his knees and raises his hands in supplication towards Samuel as he gasps out in broken accents) : Saul. Spare these my sons my lord spare for my sake — The sake of him whom thou hast crowned King ! (Samuel notes the effect of his words and con- tinues in lower tones but no whit more friend- ly and no whit less stern) : 18 SAUL Samuel. Bebellious pair I speak the words of God It is not what / will but what He will. It is not I that speak but 'tis the Lord Who thro' His Spirit thus inspireth me. I could not or I would not change thy doom. The day is past for change in each of you. The day hath been when I would weep full sore To say the words which but now left my lips. That day is gone and dead as the ' Dead Sea. I know the souls of each of ye toth' core Each is Ambition's slave and serves nought else. Each lusts for power and for nought beside Save in thy passion each doth lust for each. But 'tis not to speak thus have I now come I bear a Message from Jehovah Jah — (At this both the Queen and Saul start in alarm. Samuel observes this and says in his usual tones of veiled disapproval) : The Lord is merciful — long-suffering. His Throne is mystery His Heart is love. He sent His Spirit to thee (turning to Saul who shrinks in spite of his heroic fortitude at the mention of this dread and mysterious visita- tion which has blasted his souVs repose) for thy* crime Thy flat rebellion at His expressed word That thou should'st slay and spare not Amalek. The Lord did honour thee and chose thee out To be the Sword of Vengeance in His name To drench the crime of Amalek in blood When Amalek did plot and lie in wait To slay and spoil the seed of Abraham When Israel was weak and he was strong. Jehovah then did sware a mighty oath The name of Amalek He'd blot from earth When in good time his dread hour doomed should come. That hour did dawn with thee the chosen man. And how dids't thou repay this honour done Unto thy name and fame by our dread God ! You feared your people but you feared not God. SAUL 19 Rizpah. Samuel. You chose the people and you spurned the Lord Hoping t'increase thy popularity With sinful man in lieu of serve thy God. Because of this the Lord withdrew from thee And sent in's place a Spirit terrible That should supply the fear that thou dost lack Toward thy God but givest unto man. But as I've said the Lord is merciful And tho' thy doom is sealed He yet would have Thy life on earth as free from woe's may be. Hence am I come to show thee the one way Thou may'st combat the spirit haunteth thee — (Both Saul and the Queen start in joyful amaze- ment at these unexpected -words. Samuel notes their effect and continues in a milder tone) : Music alone may soothe thy haunted breast And banish from thee thy dread Visitant. And I have now at hand a comely youth Who plays the harp with cunning unsurpassed. Him do I bring as gift fro' th' Most High God To soothe thy pilgrimage along the world. (The Queen's stern face relaxes somewhat at these words and she murmurs almost inaudibly — as Saul silently bows his proud but sincere acknowledgments to Samuel) : I thank thee Prophet for thy gracious gift i My lord doth need such aid in his sore strait. (Samuel makes an almost imperceptible motion of the head towards the Queen in acknow- ledgment of her words of gratitude and con- tinues) : Whene'er the Spirit entereth thy frame And thou dost feel the chill of death thereby Or what is next thereto a woe so deep A melancholy, so profound and vast It seems the ocean e'en to swallow up— Or, lastly, when It comes in murderous guise And the blood-lust on thee doth settle down As a red garment saturate with blood — 20 SAUL Then summon to thee swift as call may bring This harper-youth whom I now bring with me He stands without the Palace as I speak. Saul. Who is the youth my friend and counsellor? Samuel. Call me not that for I am neither — now. That time is gone — gone never to return This is the last time thou shalt see my face Within the confines of the living world. (Saul starts slightly at this and a shadow of re- gret spreads over his striking and tragic coun- tenance, a countenance in tohich manly, and in- tellectual beauty are shaded by cruelty and ambition. The King sighs deeply and waits for the Prophet to conclude. During this time the Queen's beautiful and highly intellec- tual face has been suffused with a glow of lov- ing tender interest and hope that the misery and horror of the King are at last to find sur- cease. Samuel continues in tones lower and more nearly approaching sadness and regret at friendship past than any he has yet used) : David, the son of Jesse, is the youth i Whom the Almighty sends as comforter. (At these words Saul and the Queen hastily ex- change a fleeting glance of mute inquiry as to whether either had heard the name before. The expressions of their countenances show that the name is totally unknown. Samuel has noted the interchange of glances and interpreting the same correctly says in the same tones as he last used) : The youth is totally unknown to fame. He is a shepherd. Tends his Father's sheep Upon the plains that border Bethlehem. Bold is the youth and strongly apt for war. A lion and a bear he straight did slay "When they did trespass to destroy his flock — In fine he is a youth after God's heart Frank as the sunshine and as warm in heart. SAUL 21 Saul. (With a relieved air. The martial attributes of David appealing to his warlike soul, which had at first feared that a harper might be lack- ing in manliness — a trait which of all others — except disloyalty — is most repellant to the King) — The youth hath promise from thy glowing words I look with pleasure t'wards his presence here. Samuel. One thing I ask. It is that I him see Alone within this room before ye meet. He knoweth not his errand to the King And I would fain exchange a word with him Him to prepare for his unwonted lot. (The Queen conceals a scornful smile at thus being invited to leave the apartment and glances at the King. He however understands the uncompromising character of Samuel and the ruthlessness with which he pursues an ob- ject once set before his gaze. The King there- fore at once says pleasantly) : Saul. The Queen and I will willingly assist In any way the Prophet of the Lord. (Both thereupon walk slowly out of the apart- ment. As they are about to leave Samuel says in even milder tones than any he has yet used) : Samuel. A few words will suffice. I wait him here. Doeg can find him at the Palace gate. Our brief words done, Doeg shall thee inform. (As the King and Queen leave the room Samuel slowly unbends from the rigid and rigorous attitude physical as well as mental he has sus- tained so long and seats himself upon the couch of Saul glancing at the spear at the couches head as he does so. He then says aloud in a meditative manner) : The spear is there. Soon David will be too. Glad am I that the Lord hath told to me That nothing against David may Saul do Nothing, that is, that I'd object to be. Saul is the crucible of David's soul 22 SAUL The smelting pot to temper that pure steel Saul is the spur drives David t'wards the goal He needs must reach for his and Israel's weal. Danger and death hang o'er old Jesse's son Saul's jealousy ere long will fierce awake Then the fierce course which David then must run Of David, King and Hero swift will make. He is the man in whom is Israel's hope Vast are the problems with which he will cope. {Knocking heard). Who knocks? Doeg. 'Tis I most mighty Prophet, blunt Doeg. Samuel. Enter and state thine errand presently. Doeg. {Entering followed by David) Here is the youth thou didst desire should come Into thy presence, Prophet of the Lord. Samuel. Doeg a word with thee before you go. Beware lest Divine Vengeance on thee fall — (Doeg starts ponderously and turning pale blurts out) : Doeg. Most mighty Prophet nothing would I do To call forth vengeance from the Lord of Hosts. Samuel. {In cold hard tones far colder and more peremp- tory than any he had used in conversation with Saul) — And yet thou wttt thou cow-herd insolent And yet thou tvilt and shalt the Vengeance taste! (Doeg shrinks and cowers before Samuel's stern and vindictive glance. Samuel goes on) : And yet thou wilt, thou- ruffian murderer! (Doeg again starts ponderously and turns pale.) Thou butcher ready for the coming deed! Doeg. {With a show of resentment — struggling toith his dread of Samuel) — Ne'er killed I man save in the battle's brunt No murderer am I, thou Man of God. Samuel. Not yet — but time will bring the deed to thee. Now leave us — as I speak with this young man. (Doeg makes a profound bow and exit. David, who has been an attentive listener to the con- SAUL 23 versation between Samuel and Doeg now comes forward from the station he had taken up near the door of the apartment upon enter- ing same. David is clad in the garb of a shep- herd,' a short light gray woolen tunic reaching scarcely to the knee, girded about his waist by a rough leather belt. He wears sandals also of rough untanned leather wound around his calves half way to the knee resembling the Cothurnus or Minting boot of the Greeks. He is about eighteen years of age and of a ruddy countenance. His extreme beauty of feature is prevented from becoming effeminate by the extreme sternness of his large gray eyes, square jaw, firm beautifully chiselled lips and bold nose. Samuel regards him attentively as he ap- proaches. When David has come to within some two years Samuel he bows low, halts, and assumes an attitude of easy grace, in which the muscular development of his fine figure stands forth. Samuel after regarding him at- tentively for some moments says in milder tones than he has as yet used) : My son, the time for action hath arrived ! (David starts violently and turns pale. The del- icate colour leaving his beardless cheeks at Samuel's words. Samuel notes their effect and says in even milder tones) : Be not afraid. The Lord hath summoned thee. (David immediately starts again even more vio- lently than before and turns even paler. Sam- uel again notes the above effect and continues in even milder tones) : And will watch o'er thee as thou do'st His work. Remember that Jehovah hath named thee To be the Ruler of all Israel. (David again starts violently and his cheek blanches). David. My Father when you poured the oil o'er me — When thou anointedst me a few davs since — 24 SAUL Samuel. David. Samuel. You nothing said o'th' purpose of the act Ne'er did I think that I would be a King From that same act, so simple in itself — I ! a mere shepherd — youngest of my kin The youngest of my seven brothers tall. And how can I be King while Saul still reigns? My son the time hath come to lift the veil Which shrouds from mortal eye thy mighty life. 'Twas not th'occasion — nor was it the time When I anointedst thee to say a word Upon mine errand nor thy mission then. But now the time is ripe t'uncover both. Know that the Lord hath turned away from Saul And rent the Kingdom from him and his sons. (David starts again but less violently being somewhat prepared for some such explanation of Samuel's mysterious words regarding his own ascension of the Throne). Saul disobeyed the Lord with Amalek And spared Agag and his mighty herds. For this the Lord hath turned away from Saul And bid me tell thee thou succeedest him. But how, my Father, may this strange thing be With Saul upon the Throne and in full health? Aim not to lift the dreadful — awful Veil Jehovah hangs before Futurity. Man's placed on earth to cultivate his soul Tossed on the seas of Doubt, and Faith and Fear. How could this be if man did know the things Which lurk behind the Future's awful Shroud? But bear before thy soul as banner borne Streaming and flaming in the battle's breeze The knowledge that thy God hath summoned thee To be His standard-bearer in His wars. To be His captain o'er the serried hosts That warlike Israel puts in the field. My time is short — for Saul doth wait without He and his Queen, impatient of delay. Me shalt thou see no more after to-day But in a dream shall I appear to thee SAUL 25 And on thy shoulders place the ephod dread By means of which thou may'st communicate with God. Until that come nothing remains to do But sojourn here and play thine harp for Saul. The Lord hath sent a Spirit unto Saul Which preys upon him both by night and day. But wishing to assuage this awful doom Jehovah bid me bring thee straight to him And when you touch the harp the Spirit flies — Only, beware of Saul. He is Ambition's slave Should any time suspicion visit him — From any cause — no matter how remote — He'd hurl his jav'lin at thee in a trice. E'en jealousy of thee would cause the deed Did he suspect that thoud'st inherit him I' th' fame which now the people hold him in. So now farewell. Be circumspect. Be brave. And know the Lord e'er watcheth, over thee. David. Bless me, my Father, ere thou dost depart. Samuel. Thou Hope of Israel — most willingly. (David thereupon reverently kneels before Sam- uel tvho, placing his hand upon David's bowed head and raising his eyes aloft, says in low heartfelt tones) : Thou "Man of War" who didst this stripling choose To lead Thine host to many a stricken field Watch o'er thy choice when he doth wage thy wars. Strengthen his arm as Thous't already done When he did fight the lion and the bear. Armour his spirit in a dauntless faith That turns to chaff the darts that Doubt doth hurl. Instruct his judgment in his ways with Saul And guard him from that man most sinister. (Samuel having ceased to pray, David rises pale but determined of aspect). Bid Doeg tell the King his room is free. (David bows low to Samuel and walking rapidly across the chamber conveys Samuel's message to Doeg and returns im?nediately. Hardly has the door closed upon David's entry into the 26 SAUL Saul. Samuel. Saul. Samuel. Saul. Samuel. room, when it opens again and Saul followed by the Queen enters %oith stately dignity). Samuel, thou seest we have come with speed. I aim to show my reverence for thee. Keep reverence for the Lord and not for men 'Tis lack of that which brought thee to this pass. Here is the son of Jesse for thine aid To drive away the Spirit when it comes. One word before I go, thou son of Kish. I wish thee well though friend thou art no more. This youth is thy sole refuge in thy strait. When he doth play the Demon leaveth thee. No other harper can have that effect Upon the Spirit dread that haunteth thee. If anything should hap 'twixt thee and him So that he'd not be present at thy need Nothing can stand between the Fiend and thee — Nor art nor subtlety may e'er avail — No other man from Dan to Beersheba To drive the Spirit off as David can. I thank thee Samuel for thy kind thought In warning me of David's usefulness. (Turning to David, who has stood at a distance respectfully removed from, the King and Queen) . Young man I welcome thee to this our house And say thy features pleasure me withal. (David bows deeply. The Queen regards David with an air in which keen curiosity is tem- pered with a feeling of dread at his mysterious power over the spirit which utterly blasts her husband's peace of mind). And now the time hath come that I should go. Remember Saul the words I've told to thee. I'll guard them, Prophet, in mine heart's own core. 'Tis well. David farewell — nor follow me from here. (Samuel then toithout further glance at either the King, the Queen or David stalks from the chamber displaying the vigour of a man of far younger years. So soon as the door has closed SAUL 27 behind Samuel, Saul turns to David and says in pleasing tones) : Saul. Thy chamber's been prepared; it toucheth mine. When thou dost hear a knock against the wall Come hither instantly and bring thine harp. In daytime thou must follow in my train And ever bring thine harp — where'er we go. David. (Bowing low) I shall my lord the King and will- ingly, Would I do aught that may relieve the King. Rizpah. Young man one word of Warning I'd thee give. (David bows low to the Queen and listens re- spectfully). The King doth toss in's sleep at times and turn His mighty shoulders sudden 'gainst the wall. Mistaking this for knock thou might'st run in And rouse the King from out the deepest sleep. On seeing thee beside him — scarce awake — He might mistake thee for an enemy And hurl his jav'lin at thee fatally. Therefore beware how thou dost come on him — E'er tarry at the door till he awake. David. (Bowing low). I thank the Queen for her most gracious words And e'er shall bear them in my heart of hearts. Saul. 'Tis well young man. I see thee apt to learn. Doeg will show thee where thy chamber is. Farewell. Rizpah. Farewell young man and bear my words in mind. (David bows low first to the King, and then to the Queen and backs out of the chamber. So soon as the door closes behind him, Saul sighs with relief, and turning towards the Queen says, while a rare smile lights up his hand- some but sombre countenance) : Saul. Methinks, my flower, that I now do hold, A charm will conjure this foul Fiend to Hell. Rizpah. My Lord I pray from out mine inmost soul. That what thou say'st come true and — presently. End of Act I. 28 SAUL ACT II. The Throne-Room in the Palace. Time: Early Afternoon. (Six months have elapsed since Act I. During which time David has slain Goliath, married the Princess Michal and risen to the highest post in the Kingdom — the commander, with Abner — of the armies of the King. Saul is seated upon the Throne, a chair of Oriental workmanship and of solid gold, revised upon a dais of Mack marble of three steps; each step of the dais being three feet deep and six inches high at the rear of the stage. A canopy of deep red is over the Throne. Saul is dressed in full armour, cuirass and greaves of brass which are so polished as to shine like gold. Tie has the same Cothurnus- like sandals on as David wore, only of much richer work- manship and finer material. The leather being of the kind now known as Morocco studded toith gold. There is a short robe over his corslet also of deep red. His sword, is at his side. A javelin leans against the right side of the Throne. In place of helmet he has on a crown of gold, richly studded with gems. The crown is of Eastern design. His elbow rests on his knee and his head on his right hand. His face is ex- pressive of deep contemplation disturbed by the sudden irrup- tion of dark and varied passions which chase themselves — one after the other — over his sinister but highly intellectual coun- tenance. The fingers of his right hand toy with his short curling black beard). Saul. My plans do go awry and fall in snarl. This upstart son of Jesse is my bane. Do what I may his fortune conquers mine- Killing Goliath won the people's heart — Their hero since that day he's surely been. Keturning from the spoil of that great day — The day Goliath died and all Philistia Did flee before the Hosts of Israel — Returning from the slaughter of the foe — Whom we did mow down as one mows the grass — SAUL 29 The women sang a song of ecstacy Which was an insult dire as e'er I heard ! "Saul has slain his thousands" — 'twas thus it ran "And David his ten thousands — thousands ten." Nought can I do to rid me of that man His fortune brings him thro' the direst straits. If this goes on the people'll name him King — {Starting violently) That bit me like an adder in the grass! {After a pause, meditatively, and in a low tone — his face assuming a terrible aspect, in which its natural olive tint is rendered livid by pal- lor) : Pll rid me of him with my ready spear! {Sinking his right hand until it touches the jave- lin ever at his side). I'd rath risk this Spirit sent from Hell — Which since Ms coming hath been subjugate Flying at once his fingers touched the harp — Than risk my Kingdom thro' his popularity. Michal doth love him with a perfect love Her life she'd lay down if 'twould ransom his. With Jonathan the thing is past belief His love surpasseth woman's love in strength ! He David loves as David were his soul — Its like have I nor seen nor heard 'twixt men One'd think that Jonathan were not my Heir — Heir to my crown and all its grand domain! By Abraham's beard it passeth all belief! The Heir- Apparent sleeping on his rights As Heir-Apparent, whilst another steals The favour of his people day by day. Pll save my Throne e^en if I risk my soul And have a Fiend from Hell to wrestle with! {Enter the Queen and Princess Michal unattend- ed. The Queen is gorgeously attired in an Oriental robe of dark purple bordered with gold. Her crown is on her head. She appears far less careworn than in Act I. The Prin- cess follows the Queen closely. The Princess is a beautiful young woman of the finest Jew- 30 SAUL ish type, tall, slender and graceful. She is richly gowned in an Oriental robe of light red. A crown smaller and simpler in design and less blazing with 'jewels than the Queen's is on her head. Upon nearing the Throne both toomen halt and bow- ing their heads, cross their hands over their bosoms and await the time until it shall please the King to address them. Saul starts slight- ly upon seeing them and makes a sudden ges- ture with his right hand across his face as tho 7 — so to speak — he were brushing away cob- webs that had floated across his vision. The gesture has sufficed to remove the slightest trace of the dark thoughts which had so lately possessed his stormy mind. In calm, pleasing tones he says, as his eyes rest on the Queen and Princess) : Thy coming — unexpected — brings me joy Affairs o' th' Kingdom occupied my mind. Kizpah. My lord Michal and I unbidden ventured in Because we knew, my lord, thou wert alone. Saul. (Scotoling — swiftly recovering his former calm says in even tones) : What influence could that have on thy mind? Rizpah. {Swiftly noticing the scowl and itfs disappear- ance). Thou know'st, my lord, the influence David hath To soothe thy (Noting the terrible glance Saul throws at her in anticipation of a direct allu- sion to the Spirit which haunts him — and after an almost imperceptible hesitation — adds with calm tempered by deep reverence) moods what- ever they may be. Saul. (Relieved at the Queen's avoidance of the dread- ed name of the Evil Spirit aforesaid, heaves a deep sigh of relief and in milder tones says) : I grow less subject to these moody turns Methinks with time they'll vanish in thin air. (Both women beam with joy at this utterly un- SAUL 31 Michal. Saul. Rizpah. Saul. looked for — utterly unexpected — news, and the Princess says in lo%o sweet tones) : My lord the King, thy words do joy mine heart Which ever suffers when thy Highness grieves. My daughter, thanks for this thy sympathy And now a word with thee in privacy. (The Princess starts suddenly at the above some- iv hat ominous remark coming from so redoubt- able a source and involuntarily glances with a startled air at the Queen. The latter instant- ly lays her beautiful hand upon the Princess' arm, and with a reassuring pressure says in an aside — her lips scarcely moving as~ she utters the hushed icords — while she keeps her face turned towards Saul and while her calm eyes study the laMer's inscrutable countenance') : Courage ! Humour his mood whate'er it be. (Aloud) My lord I leave thee for the moment then That thou may'st speak to Michal in her ear. (Exit) (So soon as the Queen, with the graceful undu- lating movement peculiar to her, has left the Throne-Room, Saul beckons the Princess to him with an abrupt movement of the right hand. The Princess, summoning her will- power, resolutely but respectfully advances to- wards the King in swift graceful movements — recalling those of the Queen. When within three feet of the Throne the Princess halts and crossing her hands over her breast botes her head awaiting the 'word of the King. Saul re- gards her in silence for some moments; a look of affection and even pity conflicting at times with the stern set expression of his features — the expression of a man about to do or say a thing he dislikes to do or say) — Daughter, prepare thy soul for sudden change. (The Princess starts violently, pales and shrinks before the King. Saul observes the action and his face assuming a sterner air, he says in tones low but sterner than he has yet employed) : 32 SAUL I purpose to divorce thee from this man This upstart son of Jesse, now thy spouse. (The Princess stifles a cry and cowers before the King supplicating Mm with tears springing to her eyes, sobs in her voice and hands and arms raised in a gesture of heart-broken appeal) : Michal. King of all Israel, spare thy daughter's heart! By the great love that thou dost bear the Queen Take pity on me in my hopeless plight — I love my husband with my heart and soul He is my life the apple of mine eye — O! Spare my love! Spare David, mighty King! Saul. My daughter, it doth grieve me deep to see The love thou bearest t' wards mine enemy — Michal. Forgive me, Father, speaking without leave But as thy soul lives he's no enemy But bound unto thy service to the death/ No trustier servant stands in all thine Host. Saul. • 'Tis not my purpose to dispute with thee The merits of a man whom I have doomed — Doomed to the death a traitor e^er deserves. Let it suffice to say he eyes the Throne As goal for his ambitious restless soul. Beware how thou dost act from this time on Beware 'lest aught I've said escape thy lips. That being settled, P'haltiel's the man Whom I intend to wed thee with at once — (The Princess whose face has been a prey to fierce and varied emotions during this speech now rouses herself, and drawing herself up to her full height says in low cold tones) : Michal. I nought, of course, may do against the King But Phalti, son of Laish, the Gallimite Is all unworthy to tie David's shoe — Saul. (Starting angrily.) So thou dost dare to criticize the man Whom I do deign to make my son-in-law ! Michal. (Smiling haughtily.) The fall from David's wife to Phaltiel's Must plead for me in mine abhorrence o't. S A U L 33 Saul. Enough ! No word of this to anyone Follow the Queen and straight send David here. (Upon hearing these words she starts once more in terror. Swiftly recovers herself — steeling her heart to the hopelessness of attempting to move the rocky soul of Saul — and making a low obeisance moves slowly and gracefully out of the Throne-room in the direction taken by the Queen. So soon as she is gone Saul sighs with relief and says with the ghost of a smile) : Women's affections in affairs of State Are to be brushed like gossamers away. My Throne's my highest aim in this my life This and a future life I'd risk for it. Fame is the breath that in my nostrils blows. (Saul has scarcely finished this brief soliloquy when the door which the Queen and Prin- cess passed through opens and David appears. He is in full armour. His shield on his left arm and his sword at his side. His helmet and armour are of brilliantly polished brass, so pol- ished as to shine like gold. He comes for- ward with a firm martial stride and upon at- taining a distance of some six feet from the Throne halts and bows low to the King. Saul regards him with an eye of death. With an eye in which jealousy, hatred, malevolence and dread appear and disappear swiftly by turns. David withstands the look unflinchingly. His face is calm but stem. After some moments of this the King says in loud harsh tones) : Thou son of Jesse I have done with thee. (David starts slightly at this outburst. But the expression of Saul has been so deadly, so hos- tile, so malevolent that it has prepared David for an outburst of some such nature — knowing as he does the violent nature of Saul when in a mood indicated by his aforesaid sinister ex- pression. Saul notes the calm poise and de- termination of David with increased ill-hu- 34 SAUL mour. He raises his voice still higher and in still harsher tones thunders out) : Thou stripling upstart I, hare done with thee. (David's face remains motionless as regards any change of expression. Saul becomes still more irritated at this composure and perfect self- poise and finally roars out) : Thou traitor to my house thy doom is near! (David starts violently at these words and draw- ing himself up to his full, graceful height, while a look of unutterable scorn sweeps over his beautiful but dauntless features says in tones bitter with disdain and resonant with self-confidence) : David. My lord the King, I do deny the charge Of treachery and point to my career Of service to thy Royal House i'th' field. Saul. Ha ! Darest thou the point to argue on ! Barest dispute the words of Saul the King! David. If the King please, to argue I've no will Nor to dispute the words of mighty Saul. If the King please, I do but mere point out Th'injustice in the Royal words t'wards me. Saul. You charge me with injustice to my face! David. If the King please, far be that from my wish. I merely aim to claim a humble word To show the King that I no traitor am. Saul. Thy crafty ways provoke me e'en the more ! 11 1 ft please the King!" — it doth not please the King For thee to argue and then claim not to. This habit vile of craft and subterfuge Did I discover long ago in thee — No Philistine can equal thee in craft Thy guile th'Amalekite swift puts to rout! No son of Amalek can match thee there. Thou art unique — a King in subtilty ! (David seeing that Saul's violence has at last abated, noiv aims to push the advantage he has thus gained, over the danger of a violent mur- derous outbreak upon the part of the King). SAUL 35 David. The King cloth know he hath no servitor More true to the King's interests than myself. (Saul makes an impatient gesture with his right hand as tho- to brush away further argument upon the part of David and says in somewhat less violent tones) : Saul. Enough of this! I bandy words with thee. Send to me Abner and await without. (David bows loiv and exit.) This upstart argues shrewdly — 'pon my life ! He holds his own with me say what — / — will. (Enter Abner. Abner is a powerful and hand- some man in the prime of life. His attractive and bold and intelligent features are set off by a short curling chestnut beard — which, how- ever, does not succeed in hiding completely his determined chin and powerful jaio. He is in full armour with sword in sheath and shield on arm. He rapidly crosses the Throne-Room and after bowing low before Saul halts at a distance of some ti.vo paces from the Throne and stands at attention.) Abner — my strong right arm in all my wars — I've sent for thee — for I am in a strait. The son of Jesse is a riddle hard That taxeth all my wit to solve — in sooth. Abner. An't please the King the son of Jesse's true Heart, body, mind, and soul unto the King — Saul. Thou too tak'st up the cudgels for this man! Abner. My lord I speak the truth in what I've said — Truth and blunt Abner always are the same. Saul. I know that thou art truthful as thou'rt blunt That I admit, bold Abner, at the start. Abner. The truth, my liege, compels that I maintain With all humility what I have said. Saul. 'Tis not my purpose to mince words with thee. David — must— die — on that I am resolved — Abner. (Starting bach appalled) — My liege, thy words do chill my very soul And drive my spirit to the depths of woe. 36 SAUL Saul. Well, be that as it may, bold Abner, thou And I in this do differ — that is all. His growing power threatens mine own rule His popularity grows day — by — day. Now mark mine orders and digest them well. This night shalt thou and certain of thy men Visit the house of David and — him — slay (Abner once more starts back in horror.) These are thine orders — see they're carried out. And one thing more I'd say whilst on this theme. Breathe not a word of what I've told to thee • ... You risk your head in failing at this task. (Abner bows loio but in deep dejection). Now send me Jonathan — that doting youth. (Abner once more bows low and exit.) It is high time I strike — and strike to kill! My truest servitors feel David's skill At winning all hearts to his mastery ! (Enter Jonathan. Jonathan is a young man of about David's age. Of extreme beauty and manliness combined. He is in full armour. Jonathan hastily traverses the space betwixt him and the King and when within about six feet of the Throne bows low and awaits the King's pleasure. Saul regards him with a sombre eye in silence for some moments. Fi- nally he says in slow, low, cold tones) : My son, the time hath come to be full frank. The son of Jesse's life must have — an — end — (Jonathan springs backwards at a bound and clasping his hands before him says in heartfelt tones in which dismay and horror struggle with respect) : Jonathan. My liege — if thou dost love me — spare my friend! The man whom, next to thee, I love the most Of all the serried ranks of Israel. Saul. You waste your breath, my son, you waste your breath. His doom is sealed beyond all argument — Jonathan. Let not the King against his servant sin— Against the son of Jesse — David — him! SAUL 37 Because he hath not sinned against thee. Because his works to thee- ward were most good For he did put his life into his hand And slew the Philistine — Goliath fierce ! The Lord wrought great salvation on that day — He for all Israel great salvation wrought! Thou sawest it and didst rejoice thereat. Wherefore then wilt thou sin 'gainst innocent Blood, thus to slay David — and without a cause? (Saul appears moved by Jonathan's eloquent and true words. lie is silent for a space and then says in milder tones) : Saul. My son, thy words are wise. They change mine heart. Send me the son of Jesse— and forthwith. (Jonathan smiles radiantly, bows low and swift- ly withdraws from the presence of the King. Jonathan instantly returns, followed by David. The latter knowing the fierce and sudden moods of the King is less surprised than he othenoise would have been at finding himself thus swiftly and totally unexpectedly restored to the Royal favour. Jonathan and he re- spectfully approach the Throne, and bowing low await the King's pleasure. Saul eyes David for some moments in silence and then says slowly and in mild tones) : Lo ! Jonathan hath set thee right with me The words I uttered do I now unsay. (David glances gratefidly but hastily at Jona- than and bowing once more to the King says in low tones) : David. The God of Israel be praised for this. Saul. (Starts angrily at this mention of Jehovah — reminding him, as it does, that the Lord has withdraivn Himself from him, and says m harsh tones) : The Lord's displeased with me and / with thee For bringing up that Name before me here. Thou know'st Jehovah hath withdrawn His face And left me desolate by that same act! 38 SAUL (Jonathan and David remain mute and dejected — in deep sympathy for the King at this proud confession of despair. Jonathan says m hur- ried tones) : Jonathan. The Lord will come again unto the King Whom He did place upon the Koyal Throne. Saul. How know'st thou that — thou stripling malapert How know'st thou that — thou issue of my loins? Jonathan. Because the Lord is loving as He's true — And loveth whom He chast'neth — please the King. Saul. Enough of this! I leave thee for a while Ye two remain within the Throne-Eoom here. (Jonathan and David bow low, as Saul stalks moodily out of the apartment, trailing his spear listlessly in his right hand as he exits at the door to the left of the Throne which had closed upon the Queen and the Princess Michal. So soon as the King has left, Jonathan throws his arms about David and the two young men embrace each other warmly. Thereafter David says as he releases Jonathan) : David. What have I done — what mine iniquity? And what before thy Father is my sin That He so savagely seeketh my life? Jonathan. Now God forbid ; behold thou shalt not die ! For nothing my Father does — or great or small But that he straightway showeth it to me. Why, therefore, should he hide this thing from me It is not so. Behold thou shalt not die. David. Thy Father knoweth I've found grace with thee So — knowing in thine eyes I have found grace — he saith "Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved." As truly as the Lord Jehovah lives As truly as thy soul doth live — my friend — 'Twixt me and death there } s but a single step! Jonathan. Whatsoever thy soul wisheth that I'll do. David. We stand in covenant before the Lord. 'Twixt thee and me a covenant there is — Covenant of the Lord full sanctified — SAUL 39 But if there be iniquity in me I pray thee slay me — thou thyself — at once. Jonathan. Far be it from thee that I do such thing! Would I not tell thee did I surely know That evil was determined by the King? David. What if thy Father roughly answer thee And hide his purpose from thee — say — what then? Jonathan. I'll sound my Father and I'll search his heart Which having done I straight shall bring thee word. The Lord be with thee as He was with Saul. And not only while I live shall we be friends But should I die thou wilt befriend my house Forever and all time this shalt thou do Between our houses do I now make covenant — 'Twixt house of David and 'twixt house of Saul — And if you fail may the Lord require it E'en at the hand of thy worst enemies. Swear to me David — swear e'en once again. David. Right willingly I swear to guard thine house The house of Saul from all his enemies. Jonathan. I love thee David as I love my soul. David. That love is full returned my Jonathan ! (Enter the Princess Michal in all haste and with fear and dism.ay depicted upon her beautiful countenance. Jonathan and David start in alarmed surprise. She swiftly crosses the Throne-Room to where the two young men stand, and after glancing hastily and affec- tionately towards Jonathan throtos her arms around David and buries her face on his breast sobbing out) : Michal. My lord, my darling ! I fear for thy life ! (David starts slightly — being prepared for some such tidings from her aspect, and smoothing her raven locks with his right hand while his left arm encircles her slender waist says sooth- ingly) : David. My love — my rose of Sharon — look at me Hide not thy face in dread — all will be well. 40 SAUL Michal. Jonathan. Michal. Kemember the grand words of Samuel Take heart of grace — and rest thou on mine heart ! My lord, my Father's in a dreadful mood — Lashing himself to fury with his words. The Queen doth do her best to pacify His fury's outburst ere it burst its bounds. What was the cause — he left in no such mood. The cause, my brother, is his jealousy His rage at David's popularity Which groweth — as thou knowest — bound on bound Since he did slay Goliath — bound on bound. Saul entered where the Queen and I did sit And 'thout one word of preface thus burst forth ! "The son of Jesse groweth insolent Flaunteth Jehovah e'en before mine eyes — Knowing Jehovah hath withdrawn Himself — And looks on me with favour never more. It is enough to turn mine heart to stone When I think what Pve lost and what he^s won — For that Jehovah's with him all may see." At that he 'gan to pace the room in haste Waving his jav'lin as his fury flowed. The Queen and I stood by all terrified Not daring one sole word to venture on. Sudden he stopped and gazing fierce at us Said in a tone of thunder — breathing hard — "7 say the time hath come that he must die My realms not large enough to hold us twoP At this the Queen drew near him timidly. And laying hand upon his mighty arm Said in hushed tones: "My lord may I e'en speak?" At first he gazed stern upon the Queen Then — on a pause — said — speaking huskily "Yes thou may'st speak — what is't thou hast to. say ?" Whereon the Queen all timidly and low In those sweet tones that soothe his fiercest fits Of rage and spleen — that is — since David came And mastered with his harp his fellest moods — "My lord," the Queen began in accents low That lull the ear like to a cooing dove — SAUL 41 "Let thine handmaiden minister to thee But sit ye down and let me stroke thy brow Here on this couch" — with that she drew him down Upon a neighb'ring couch and took his hand. The King breathed hard but let her have her will. At which she straight his massive forehead smoothed Passing her hand above his knitted brows. Slowly he ceased to breathe with violence Looking on space with wide and fixed stare. "Look at me Saul," said she, "look on thy love Who loves thee as naught else on earth beside— Fix thy fierce glance upon thy loving spouse And let the love I bear thee fill thy gaze." He slowly turned his fearful countenance — That face — in rage — no warrior dare face — And on her loving eyes bent look of death. She knew the look but shrank not from its thrust. But closed her eyes an instant for fresh strength — The contest to renew and dominate The fury in him by her loving glance. Oft had I seen her do the same before And each time victory did crown her act. Slowly the fury in Saul's glance did ebb Slowly his eyes took on their wonted mien Of haughty dignitj^ — as stern as cold. At which the Queen — knowing that she had won — Glanced upward with a sigh of thankfulness And drew Saul's massive head upon her breast. This done, she motioned me to leave them there. So am I come to give thy peril tongue. Thou art not safe here, David — any more. David. So much have I just said to Jonathan I know I stand upon an open grave. Jonathan. My friend, I shall be ever near the King From this time forth — more so than e'en before To watch his moods and give thee warning swift. David. I've but one life to live, my Jonathan. And I'd deserve to lose it did I stay And tempt Saul by my presence to shed blood. So I'll away to Achish King of Gath — 42 SAUL Michal. David. Saul. There is no other place where I may go — Perchance he'll give me refuge in his realm — Stay but one night, my lord, one night with me Stay one night in our house or ere you go To be dissevered from me for — so long! One night I'll stay my love and willingly — This separation tears my very soul! (At that moment Saul enters. His face terrible as Death itself. His javelin grasped in his right hand. Behind him appears the terrified countenance of the Queen). Young man prepare to die — to meet thy God For I no more will linger o'er the deed — (David, Jonathan and Michal all start. The two latter in terror, the former with a look of deadly menace sweeping over his face. Saul notes the look and roars out) : / see thy soul at last stare from thine eyes! Devoid of subterfuge and trickery! I see the hatred of me and mine house That ever lurked within thy serpent's heart. Thou false pretender to my Kingly Throne Dll rid the earth of rival and of thee! (At this Saul hurls his javelin at David. The latter has been prepared for it, and leaping at a bound to one side just as the spear is about to leave the hand of the King, escapes its point by a hair's breadth and leaps out at the near- est door at the right — halftvay to the foot- lights — which leads into the Guard-Room Saul beside himself with, fury at having missed his aim — and ashamed to draw attention to it — by calling on the Guard to arrest David, smiles convulsively as he regains the spear — its point buried in a near-by pillar of cedar wood, sup- porting the raftered roof of the Throne-Room — and says to the dismayed group about him) : The next time that I cast, my aim'll be true. (Turning to the Queen) — 'Twas dulled by thy caresses in thy room. Thou sought'st to lull my hatred of this man SAUL 43 And e'en hud lulled till I remembered me How he did flaunt Jehovah 'fore my gaze — At that I left thee and made straight for him ! Woman beware how thou dost toy with me To gain thy purpose and distract mine aim. Rizpah. My lord I nothing knew of thine intent. Thine handmaid aimed but t' soothe thine anger dread. Thou know'st thou art my life, my joy, my King That without thee life hath no charm for me. {Somewhat appeased at these ivords uttered in tones in which respect is mingled with passion- ate admiration for the King, Saul slowly turns his massive head towards the Princess and Jonathan. Jonathan has scarcely recovered from, the shock of this last scene 'with David. As he gradually grasps what has occurred, deep-seated reprobation, accompanied by anger at the King's act take possession of him. He says in cold hard tones resembling those of his Father when displeased) : Jonathan. My liege, I am surprised at thy late act. (No sooner have the words left Jonathan's lips than the King scowls upon him fiercely and shouts out) : Saul. Thou son of perverse rebellion mark my words ! Thou'st chosen the son of Jesse— and not me! This to thine own confusion and thy dam's. So long's the son of Jesse's on the earth So long as he doth live upon the ground Thou nor thy Kingdom e'er'll established be! Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me For as my soul doth live heUl surely die. Jonathan. (In fierce anger) Wherefore shall he be slain? What hath he done? Saul. What hath he done! Thou dar'st to question me! Take then the doom Pd measured out for him! (Hurls his javelin at Jonathan who catches it upon his shield and darts from the room). End of Act II. 44 SAUL ACT III. Scene I. On the edge of a wood. On the highroad to Beer-sheba, near the abode of the Witch of Endor. Time: Three hours before /Sunset. (David, in full armour, is pacing moodily up and down. Enter Jonathan. Also in full armour. Each has sword at side and spear in hand, shield on arm. One month has elapsed since Act II.) David. {His face lighting up and running to meet Jon- athan. They embrace affectionately. Releas- ing him David says) : By the Eternal, thy face doth me good ! My Jonathan thy sight doth glad my soul — A soul right famished for sight of thee. For one whole month I've seen but Philistines ! Jonathan. My friend thy joy I share — I thee assure How faregt thee for this long weary month? David. Well — thank Jehovah — well — and safe and sound. The risks I've run would nil a little book. Achish befriended me and did his best To give me harbourage from furious Saul. But fame, at times is a most dangerous thing. After a while his courtiers 'gan to say "Is not this he of whom 'twas recent sung He slew his thousands in the battle's brunt?" Then th' haughty Princes of the Philistines — Those lordly men whose only game is war — Began to eye me with an eye of death! So madness did I feign to mask my flight. Achish did second me and cried in scorn "Lo! See the man is mad — he's lost his wits! Why therefore have ye brought him unto me? Have I need of wild mad men that ye bring SAUL 45 This fellow to my Kingly Palace here To play the madman in my Royal House — Must I forsooth, abide his presence here!" The Princes did rejoice at Achish' words And as they always do to show their joy Did set a mighty feast the self same night Meaning to do away with me next day. Before the feast Achish did send for me And said: "My soul is heavy with black woe. I love thee David for thy dauntless heart I ne'er forget thou didst Goliath slay — His fame began to overshadow mine And Haughtiness and he were wholly one! So I do feel I owe to thee a debt Which I do pay by saying in thine ear Fly e'en to-night — while yet there is the time To-morrow for thy life I'll answer not." Him then I thanked. Before I went he said "After a lapse of time thou may'st return When time hath 'suaged their rage at Goliath's death He was a champion whom the people loved." So I did flee, and word did get to thee To meet me here ere I t'Adullam go. In wild En-gedi shall I hide me deep — Amidst the wild goats on the beetling crags That stand like sentinels around that waste And frown on's devastation desolate- — But where is my soul's flower — sweet Michal's where? I'd longed to kiss her once before I go. (Jonathan hangs his head gloomily and is silent for a time — wishing to prepare David for bad news by his demeanour. Observing this David starts violently and says in a fierce tone) : She is not false ! She's not refused to come ! Jonathan. She is not false mine own beloved friend She loves the very ground thou tread'st upon. David. Then why is she not here ! The way's not long — Her swift white mule miffht make it in a dav ! 46 SAUL. Jonathan. (Gloomily). I dread to lift the curtain dark of facts — David. (Starting in alarm) She's -neither dead nor ill — her health's too strong. Jonathan. (In low hushed tones.) My Father hath divorced her from thee And given her to Phaltiel to wife — Phalti, the son of Laish, the Gallimite. (David, in the fury which seizes him, hurls the spear in his right hand into the nearest tree, and raising both hands to Heaven in a gesture in which fury and despair struggle for mastery, exclaims in a voice hoarse with emo- tion) : David. Thou God of Justice hear thy servant's prayer ! Give back to me the Flower of my heart My font of happiness — my spring of joy ! Leave me not desolate for lack of her. The mystery which hovers o'er my life — The awful woe that dogs my least footfall — I'll bear for Thy sake but O ! Spare my wife! (No sooner have these words left David's lips than an almost miraculous calm takes instant possession of him. Jonathan starts in wonder at this extraordinary change without any ap- parent cause. David — now fully master of himself instantly notes the look of amaze- ment stealing over Jonathan's sympathetic countenance. David smiles and says in a low voice) : My friend a secret dread I now impart. The Lord hath answered me and said "All's weir— (Jonathan starts in terror at these words and looks about him in almost superstitious dread. David notes the action and smiling once more says in awed tones) : The Prophet Samuel did say to me — Appeared to me in vision as I slept— After his death which was such loss to me — The first night that I did arrive in Gath— S A U L 47 "My son, now that thy dangers thicken over head The Lord ordains that I enlighten thee Anent the way He doth communicate With us his Prophets in our hour of need. Thou art a Prophet, named, from this night forth. Procure an Ephod and e'er bear the same Within thy baggage on thy journeyings. Whenever guidance from the Lord thou lack'st Endue the Ephod — then offer up thy prayer. jSo soon as offered wait the dread response. If it is meet that thou shouldst guidance get — Nor further grope thy way in doubt- — no more — • The Answer will be swift — but if not — not. To get the Answer stand thou at thine ease With muscles of thy tongue all full relaxed. If Answer thou may'st get thy tongue will move And speak to thee without thy taking thought. Thus thine own voice thou'lt hear — out His the Lord Who then doth speak to thee and not thyself. Thy voice will be most grave and regular Slower and lower than is usual. At the same time a chill will seize thy spine And play upon it when the Voice begins. This chill will chill thine heart with awful dread It is the dread that follows on a God. The chill will cease, the dread will cease to be The Voice will then roll on, and Message tell. When It shall cease — if further need thou hast — Further enlightenment upon the fact- Then put thy question hut give it no tongue Thy tongue is God^s while this dread act goes on. Think out thy question but move not thy lips — Move not a muscle of thy youthful frame. Before beginning take an easy pose Erect yet easy, muscles all — relaxed So that thou may'st commune without fatigue. Think out thy question — as in thine own soul Thou think'st a question when thy Conscience dread — 48 S_A U L That mystic Representative of God Which He hath placed within each mortal heart To guide him o'er the perils of Life's Sea — Think out thy question — as when Conscience dread Doth order thee to do what's still obscure. If God intends t'enlighten thee still more Then Answer shalt thou get — but if not — not. But times will come that bring emergency — Dark times of danger, shadowed o'er by Death — In which nor time nor place for Ephod is. In times like these all ceremony's gone Then thou as Warrior — not as Prophet ask. In times like these assume the attitude That thou mayest maintain without fatigue To get the answer swift or, "Yes" or, "No" — Or two or three full simple little ivords That thou may'st get — e'en in the battle's shock* In times like these the Answer is not voiced Save but a still small voice that hath no tongue — The answer voiceless as one doth receive When heart of man puts question to his soul. Not e'en thy lips will move — not e'en thy tongue — It is not mete onlookers e'er should see Thee in communion dread with Deity." This awful privilege I but now employed When all my soul was torn with Hellish woe. Jehovah — bless His name! — did answer make And breathed: "All's well" — with that I am con- tent For that doth mean in time she'll come to me — My lily and my dove — and be my spouse. Jonathan. I thank thee David, for this confidence. Our God I thank I've covenant with thee — To e'er protect mine House and Kinsmen all. For now I see most plain our God's with thee And doth uphold thine arm and guide thy life. And now my friend we part — for Saul doth come — (David starts back in amazed and alarmed sur- prise at these startling and terrible words). SAUL 49 Fear not. Thou know'st' his promptness in all things of war — How he is ne'er behind — nor yet before. A trysting-place he set here for this day One hour precise before the set of sun. •A word on that and then — thou must be gone. The Queen hath bent his mind to see a Witch — (David starts in amazement and alarm). Since thou hast left, the Spirit haunts him not. David. The Lord is merciful. I praise His name. (Looking upward reverently and bowing his head as he speaks) . Jonathan. He surely is. My Father's moods are mild Compared to what they were when thou wast there. The Queen you know, doth favour Ashtaroth (David bows his head in assent — a look of min- gled scorn and compassion for the Queen shadoioing his face). She said to Saul one day but recently And in my presence — she doth favour me — "My lord the King I would consult a witch — A woman-wise I wot of — of great fame And also of great purity of life" — The King did start and fix his gaze on her — That awful gaze that chills one's very soul — And did speak out in tones so low and deep They carried rumbling thunder in their train "A Witch yet lives when I have purged the land! Of these High Priests of Superstition fouir "May't please the King" the Queen did calm reply "I took it on myself to do this thing — But hear me out, my lord, thoul't say 'twas wise. Knowing Jehovah had withdrawn Himself From thy most Kingly soul — left thee alone — And knowing the Prophet Samuel was dead — And knowing that the Lord no answer gave When thou did'st call on Him to guide thy path — Neither by Prophets nor e'en yet by dreams Nor yet by Urim in the breastplate dread — Breastplate of Judgment — rich in sparkling gems 50 SAUL With sapphire, diamond and emerald Set in their frame of cunning needle work — Of gold, and blue, and purple — scarlet rich — Bound to the Ephod with its lace of blue — The warlike Ephod like tf habergeon Rich in its colours of the rainbow'' s hue! Knowing all this my lord I did make bold To cast my favour over Endor's Witch. And when all Witches thou didst ruthless slay — Obeying thus the orders of the Lord Which said : "Thou shalt not suffer a Witch to live' 1 '' I did give orders that she should be spared Against the time when thoud'st have need of her. This being so I told her not to fly— That I'd protect her if she did but stay But straight refused to ply her aioesome trade — That those who sought her counsel shekel turn off.'''' The Queen then ceased and looked upon the King With those her wondrous eyes so full of love When she doth look on him — elsewise of pride. Grim Saul was silent for some little time. . He then did turn his gaze upon the Queen — • And love and pride did strive for mastery — Love for the Queen and pride in her great mind. He then did sigh, and said in heartfelt tones "Eizpah, thou hast done well — my dauntless Queen ! Who standeth steadfast when — Jehovah — goesP'' He then did order that Abner and I Should wait upon him when he saw the Witch. This did take place the day thy message came Setting this wood for this our conference, I therefore prayed the King that I might go Three hours before him all upon the way For to make certain that the Witch was there. This seemed good to him, and so I'm here. David. I thank the Lord the King hath such a friend And comforter as Eizpah is to him— And sure am I her counseVs from the Lord. (Jonathan starts incredulously, David notes the action and continues with fervour) : SAUL 51 For, Jonathan, He works by dreadful means His means are mystery — past finding out ! He takes the world as He the world doth find Using all means unto His awful ends. The Witch of Endor do I know full well. (Jonathan once more starts incredulously). She gave me shelter once one awful night When lightening made the night as bright as day. I bore a secret mission from the King And rode alone as fast as horse could run. Night coining on and with it this dread storm I left the road and plunged into this wood Hoping to find a hovel of some sort. Sudden I came upon a little house A quarter of a mile from this same road. All round the house was neat and seeming kept. A little garden showed where flowers grew — Roses climb'd o'er a trellis at the porch. I tied my steed and knocked upon the door. After a pause a sweet voice said : "Come in" — The low sweet voice that gentlewomen have, I wonder did, that the voice said "Come in" Without inquiring who or what I was. I straightway entered in the clean neat room. A bright fire lit the room with its clear flame. The sight that met mine eye surprised me. I saw a woman in the prime of life Dressed in a clinging robe of purple dark A chain of gold encompassed her slim waist From which depended a Damascus blade — A dagger long of cunning workmanship. The blade was naked and its edge did gleam Like gold within the fire's bright ruddy blaze, no other ornament did she have on. The beauty of her voice did find a mate In the rich beauty of her countenance — A face most lofty, pure, and elevate A face that seemed above this world' of care. She smiled a winning smile — that yet was sad And at the same time steeped in mystery. 52 SAUL, She bowed and said: "Young man thou'rt known to me Thy face in visions oft hath come to me. In thee I see our Israel's great hope. David, thou son of Jesse, welcome be And know, young man, thy future's big with fate''' I then did sit within the ingle-nook While she all brieflly did this tale unfold. She was the daughter of a Philistine Who once had been a man of mighty fame — Of fame and mighty substance in the land — Of noble blood — a Prince indeed was he ! He'd died in battle — in the wars with Saul. And this small house and this all small domain Were all were left unto his daughter dear. No other children had he, and no wife — For she had died in giving her her birth. Upon her Father's death he came to her And told her in a vision of the night That Ashtaroth ordained that she should be Of mighty fame within a dreadful Art — The Art of Divination by the dead — The Art of Necromancy — and naught less! That Ashtaroth had chosen her because She hacl*S6> suffered and had been so true Under the burden of her sufferings. Ever a virgin she would so remain And dedicate her life to Ashtaroth. That thereupon she'd find that she could bring Up from the grave the dead from out their sleep. Provided always that the cause was just. That she should take a gift for what she did As Priestess of the Cult she thus pursued. When she did cease the lightning ceased also Also the thunder which was crashing loud. And as I left the m,oon did shed her beam Upon her face — as holy — as serene. My friend I go, Jehovah guard thee well And thv dread Father — King of Israel. SAUL 53 {They embrace once more affectionately and David, recovering his spear from the tree into which he had hurled it, exits to the right, in the di- rection of the Wilderness of En-gedi. Jona- than paces moodily up and down once or twice sighing deeply. He has scarcely made two turns of the stage before footsteps are heard and Saul, closely followed by the stalwart form of Abner appears from the left. Both are in full armour but over it each wears a dark, long robe reaching to with- in six inches of the ground. With Saul the robe is of dark reddish purple. With Abner of dark blue. The stuff of which each robe is made is coarse and suggestive — so far as tex- ture is concerned — of the rough robe of a Pro- phet. Their sioords are concealed by their robes. Each carries a spear in his hand. Saul's face is care-worn and anxious — as though about to take a step the outcome of which he secretly fears and dreads. Abner's face bears the calm indifference of a soldier of high rank. Jonathan bows low to his Father who returns the salute absently, saying — as Abner and Jonathan exchange silent salutations by a nod — in an abstracted and dreamy voice) : Saul. The Witch is here and ready for our work? Jonathan. She's here, my liege, I hid behind a tree And watched her gather lentils for her meal All in the garden small surrounds the house. I knew her not — of course — but judge 'twas she. Saul. 'Twas she for certain — for the Queen did say She keeps no servitors — not e'en a maid. (Aside and suppressing a shudder) — I wonder not at that — her awful Art — Bold summoning the spectres of the dead From their most dread Abode beneath the earth — Would scare away a man — with heart of steel/ (Aloud) The night draws on apace. Come ! Let us go. 54 SAUL (To Jonathan) Lead thou the way since thou dost know the same. (As they move off the distant sound of a horse stamping its hoof is heard. Saul halts instant- ly and glances about him. After an instant's pause he says) : Our horses stamping — for they miss their feed. (Exeunt) . SAUL 55 Scene II. The curtain is lowered for half a minute between Scenes I and II. (The interior of the abode of the Witch of En-dor. The room, is large — since it takes up the whole of the small house. A dark silk curtain at one end shuts off her small bed, toilet articles and cooking utensils. At the right of the stage — and opposite the aforesaid curtain — is the only door in the room. At the rear of the stage is a wide deep fire place in tohich a fire of logs is burning brightly. This is the only light in the room. Beside the door — to its right — is a couch large enough to accom- modate several persons sitting. It is only used for sitting upon as there is neither pillow, cushion, nor any rest for the head. It is upon this couch that her visitors used to sit when they came to invoke her dread Art — before the King had placed a ban thereon. A small table containing a woman's loork-basket, with some stuff of a dark rich material on which she is sewing, seated on a settle by its side, stands to the left of the fire place. The stuff trails from the table onto her lap. She is dressed precisely as she was when David last saw her, with her dagger at her side. Tier dark plentiful hair is done up on her head after the Tyrian fashion. She has evidently finished cooking and dispatching her simple evening meal. She sews industriously. Suddenly she bites off the thread and throwing the stuff onto the table rises and begins slowly to pace up and down the room. As she does so her tall grace- ful figure sways slightly from side to side. Suddenly she stops and her face turns pale. She presses her right hand to her heart and says in low awed tones) : Witch of En-dor. Ashtaroth Queen o'th' starry space on high My heart forbodes a meeting ominous — Speak to me Goddess — in my lonely woe ! (As soon as she has spoken she assumes an easy but upright attitude toith her hands and arms motionless at her side. She is in the centre of the room immediately opposite the fire place. Her glance is riveted upon a statue of the 56 SAUL Goddess Ashtaroth about two feet and a half high made of solid gold standing in a 'niche, in the centre of the space over the mantel- piece and some two feet above the same. After a pause of some two minutes' 1 duration the Witch of En-dor shudders slightly and her own voice says in calm clear tones — louder than her usual tones hut yet not loud) : "Daughter I come to comfort thy distress." (The Witch of En-dor hows low and then re- sumes her former upright attitude. Her voice goes on) — "Thine Art so dread, so long without a use To-night shall be required of thee, my child." (The Witch of En-dor shrinks and cowers at these words. After a hrief spell she straight- ens herself and once more awaits a communi- cation from the Goddess. The voice then pro- ceeds) : "Fear not my child, no harm shall come to thee For breaking the dread mandate of fierce Saul." (The Witch of En-dor sighs deeply with relief and once more hows herself. The voice then goes on) : I shall not tell thee who the strangers are Who shall this night visit tlry dread abode — Abode that less than Palace of a King — Less than the Palace e'en of dreaded Saul — Needs watch or ward, or guard from enemies. The terror of thine Art doth hedge thee in As tho' a band of warriors kept guard. To-night from out the awful dread Abode Where go all men after their work is done From the Ahode of Death thou'lt call a many (Once more the Witch of En-dor shrinks and cowers before the awful prospect. Once more after a short time, she recovers her calm cour- ageous mien and assumes her former erect at- titude. The voice continues) : "I shall not tell thee who the Spectre is SAUL 57 That thou shalt raise from the Abode of Death. Suffice it that no harm shall come to thee." {This time — after a pause — the Witch of En-dor hows herself to the ground. Upon regaining an upright attitude she sighs deeply and going to the couch seats her- self languidly upon it resting her head on her hand, her elbow resting upon her knee. She gases silently and sombrely into the fire. She has held this position for some five min- utes when footsteps are heard without, and an imperious knock sounds against the door. The Witch of En- dor starts from her reverie sud- denly and rising hastily to her feet — her right hand involuntarily falling upon the pommel of her dagger as she does so — moves swiftly but gracefully across the room away from the door and down stage to a corner. She then says in calm authoritative cold tones; in which not a vestige of fear or concern is discover- able) : Who knocks at hour of night upon my door ? Saul. {In a voice in which his naturally stern and com- manding tones are marvellously disguised, and in pleasing accents) — A wanderer who hath sore need of thee And would not harm a hair upon thine head. Witch of En-dor. Then enter, wanderer, and be well-come. {Enter Saul closely followed by Jonathan and Abner. Saul and Abner with their faces shrouded in their mantles, and their spears at a trail. Jonathan's spear also at a trail. Upon entering Abner carefully closes the door and places a heavy oak bar across it, letting it fall into the iron sockets for the purpose. There- upon Saul strides to the fireplace, and stopping at the right side thereof leans on his spear and gazes abstractedly into the flames. Jonathan and Abner meanwhile, keeping their stations by the door. The Witch of En-clor, who has 58 SAUL as aforesaid, withdrawn towards the rear of the room towards the side opposite the door, upon the entrance of -the men, regards Saul pensively and in silence. After a time he rouses himself and leans his spear against the mantel-piece. He then — ivhile keeping his face closely muffled — makes a sudden gesture as though brushing cobwebs from before his face and begins to stride slowly up and down the length of the room. After taking two turns up and down he halts some ten feet away from the Witch of En-dor and still muffling his face says in tones more nearly approaching his usual ones, but entirely devoid of harshness or anger) : Saul. To-morrow do I fight the Philistine. (The Witch of En-dor starts violently and turns pale. Noticing this Saul continues in milder tones) — I'm in the train of Saul and fight 'neath him (The woman appears slightly more relieved. Saul noting this proceeds in more natural tones, but still devoid of harshness or author- ity)— Now I would know the issue of that day Whether defeat or victory impends. I pray thee now, divine thou unto me By the Familiar Spirit which thou hast — (The Witch of En-dor here starts violently and shrinks even further away from Saul). And bring me up whom I shall name to thee. (The Witch of En-dor here stifles a low shriek and after recovering her voice says hastily and in accents of passionate feeling) : Witch of En-dor. Behold thou knowest well what Saul hath done How he hath e'en cut off fro'th' face of earth Those women that Familiar Spirits had. Whei"efore then layest thou a snare for me — Snare for my life — to cause me e'en to die! SAUL j>9 Saul. As the Lord liveth nothing shall befall No punishment shall happen for this thing Thou shalt escape all scathe and injury. {Relieved at these words the Witch of En-dor, after a long pause, during which she gradual- ly recovers her calm and lofty mien, leaves the corner of the room and moving towards the centre motions imperiously with her right hand for Saul to seat himself upon the couch by the door. At the same time she motions to Jona- than and Abner to do the same. Both stand motionless — fearing to seat themselves while in the presence of Royalty — much less upon the same couch as Royalty. Seeing this with a swift and imperious glance the Witch of En- dor halts in the centre of the room and says in abrupt cold imperious tones in lohich not a trace of respect for Saul or any of the others is to be found) : Witch of En- dor. The thing you ask is awful — terrible! Know that the dead will enter this same room. That one who now within th 'Abode of Death Doth wait — attending on the Judgment Day — Will hasten hither called by my dread Art. When he doth come nothing of him ye'll see. He is invisible to eye of earth. Only to eyes like mine by fastings purged And prayers unto the mighty Ashtaroth And who above all hath the gift I hold — The awful Art to summon up the dead And bring them once more to the light of day — Only by eyes like mine will he be seen. To ye nothing will happen but a dreadful fear Which will steal o'er ye like the breath of Death When once the Grave hath ope'd its awful jaws And in this room the Apparition stands. Naught will ye see, but feel a dreadful awe. Now when this awe doth fall thy knees will quake And ye would fall straightway upon the ground Did ye trust to thy limbs as sole support. 60 SAUL That is the purpose of the couch ye see. On that couch have sat all who've come to me. Moreover, furthermore, there are dread laws In my dread Art which must be strict obeyed Or death would follow swift and strike me dead. As Priestess of mine Art I follow rule, Given unto me by dread Ashtaroth. (In stem and commanding tones') : These rules must be obeyed or I do naught. (Saul seeing from the determined and even ex- alted mien of the Witch of En-dor, as well as from her com/mandAng expression, that nothing is to be gained by standing upon the usual Royal ceremony towards his suite, hastily mo- tions Jonathan and Abner to seat themselves in the aforesaid order next him on the couch. This being accomplished swiftly and noiseless- ly — for despite the daring of the two men the awful experience they are about to undergo fills Jonathan and Abner with a hitherto ut- terly unknown — and unsuspected unguessed at — dread — this being accomplished swiftly and without noise— the Witch of En-dor turns slowly towards the golden statue of Ashtaroth and after bowing to the ground says in calm exalted tones) : Goddess of Heaven deign to hear Thy child. If it is Thy dread will that this thing be — That dread this miracle shall come to pass And that this wanderer's request be grant — Deign, Goddess, to inform Thy servitor And say if her dread Art she shall essay. (Upon these words being uttered she aivaits a response from Ashtaroth. She stands thus for a few moments in silence. The deep awed breathing of the three warriors being the only sound breaking the awful stillness. Presently the Witch of En-dor says in the elevated tones employed by the Goddess when addressing her) : SAUL 61 "My daughter all is well with thee and thine Thou may'st essay thy dreadful Art in peace." {Thereupon the Witch of En-dor after once more bowing herself to the ground before the gold- en statue, turns to Saul and says in a voice in ■which nothing of woman or scarcely of mortal is to be found — so elevated, remote, and above the world it is). Wanderer, whom shall I bring up unto thee? Saul. Bring me up Samuel — the Prophet dread. {At these words — in spite of her exalted mood — standing on the brink of the Unknown World — the Witch of En-dor starts and almost smiles in incredulity and scorn, knowing that a spirit so august as that of Samuel could not be disturbed from its repose but by one living man — and that man is Saul, the King — and as she has no idea that Saul is there she expects a fiasco. Whereupon she would have in- formed her visitors that certain spirits are so dread that none but the most exalted person- ages on Earth can consult them. The smile or rather ghost of a smile — which flits across her intellectual and beautiful features — the pale ghost of a smile has scarcely disappeared when to her terror and amazement the stern and awful apparition of the Prophet Samuel arises through the floor, half way between herself and the fire. This is nothing short of a death- sentence for her, since she knows that no living being but the King would be so honoured. Knowing Saul's decree concerning all women possessing Familiar Spirits she at once con- cludes that Saul has resorted to this subterfuge in order to obtain sufficient evidence to put her to death. She therefore shrieks out in despair- ing accents burying her face in her hands — and bowing herself slightly in her agony towards inhere Saul and the others sit. Saul and his suite know that something Supernatural has 62 S A U L occurring, for each feels terror and a dread at his heart never before imagined. Stout heart- ed warriors as all are, all crouch and shrink from the awful void-ivhich yawns between the woman and the fire, and which all surmise is at that very moment occupied by a Visitant from Another World invisible to their carnal eyes but visible to her's — for her shriek and the agonized look of recognition as she gazes intd space speak louder than words of the ar- rival of a Fifth Occupant in the chamber. Saul's dauntless and terrific nature is the first to rally — and at least in part shake off and in part master the chill of Death — the breath of the Grave — which all fear but which none can see token of. The King — gasping for breath — and gripping his javelin which he has recovered before seating himself upon the couch — rouses his embattled soul for this contest with The Unseen. And after an almost superhuman effort— and while Jonathan and Abner are still dumb and terror-stricken — Saul manages to collect himself sufficiently to reply to the Witch of En-dor's wild toords of re- proach and deadly terror) : Witch of En-dor. Why hast thou deceived me ! For — thou — art — Saul! Saul. Be not afraid. Say — -what — what saivest — thou? Witch of En-dor. (Saul's lone and evident friendliness and deep interest in this terrific seance allay grad- ually the 'woman's terror; and by an heroic effort summoning her fortitude she once more collects herself and rising to her graceful height once more directs her gaze upon the aw- ful space betwixt her and the fireplace, and says in the same exalted tones as marked her accents before the catastrophe) : I saw Judges ascending out of the earth. Saul. What is his form — what his similitude? (The Witch of En-dor continues to gaze with calm scrutiny into space. Suddenly she says) : SAUL 63 Witch of En-dor. An old man cometh up— be-mantled he. {It is now Saul's turn to take alarm. Instantly he knows that his daring experiment has been successful and that the dreadful figure of Samuel stands before him. Instantly he casts himself forward and bows his very face to the ground in reverence and awe and horror. Jonathan and Abner have by this time mastered their terror of the Supernatural — buoyed by the dauntless determination of Saul. Both bow their heads in awe as Saul makes obei- sance. Having made his obeisance to the dreaded space between the Witch of En-dor and the fire Saul draws himself up to his full statuesque height and then bows his Kingly head, and so stands in awed silence awaiting the awful tones of the Dead to break the startled stillness. After a pause a voice which has nothing of this world in it — so sad — so cold — so hopeless are its tones — says distinctly, but not loudly, from out the dreaded space) : The Spirit of Samuel. Why hast thou disquieted me to bring me up? (Saul shudders — as do Jonathan and Abner — at the unearthly tones. He then says in an awed voice — scarcely above a whisper — so dread is the pressure of the Bupernaturcd upon man) : Saul. I am sore distressed; for the Philistines — And God is departed from me, and answereth Me no more, neither by Prophets, nor by dreams. Therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest Make known unto me what I shall do. The Spirit of Samuel. Wherefore then dost thou ask of me seeing The Lord is departed from thee, and is become Thine enemy? And the Lord hath clone as He Spake by me:' for the Lord hath rent the Kingdom Out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour Even to David: Because thou obeyedst not The voice of the Lord, nor executedst His fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore 64_ SAUL Hath the Lord done this thing unto thee this day. Moreover the Lord will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to-morrow shalt thou and Thy sons be with me: (Saul sivays as though a spear had pierced him. Then stands firm, — Jonathan starts and turns pale — out is other- wise unmoved. Abner scarcely represses a deep groan) the Lord also shall Deliver the host of Israel into The hand of the Philistines. Witch of En-dor. {After a pause — bowing to the ground he- fore the Golden Statue draws herself up to her full height and says turning mournful eyes upon the King) : My lord the King, the Apparition's gone. (At these words Saul — who by an Herculean ef- fort has held himself erect and in an almost haughty attitude of defiance after receiving his death-sentence and that of Jonathan from the awful Voice, now succombs to the shock it has been to him — coupled toith the fact that in view of the approaching contest ivith the Unseen he — to strengthen and fortify his spiritual forces, had subdued and humiliated his physi- cal ones by fasting totally — abstaining totally from nourishment of any sort, kind, or de- scription for the twenty-four hours immediate- ly preceding the seance. Nature can no more. He therefore without a sound falls prone upon his face upon the floor — throwing out his left arm — while his right hand bravely grasps his spear — so as to shield his face as he falls. Jonathan and Abner dart forward and raise the fallen Monarch to his feet, and lead him to the couch and set Mm thereon. Saul gazes about him in a dazed manner for a moment or t W o — still partially stunned by the fall of so tall and powerful a man. As he does so the Witch of En-dor approaches the couch, and kneeling before the King raises the skirt of his SAUL 65 mantle to her lips. After doing so she rises to her feet and crossing her hands on her breast says in low mournful heart-broken accents) : My Sovereign, my heart bleeds for thee and thine For this thy noble son — thy Jonathan For I do feel 'tis Jonathan 'tis here. (Saul now fully recovers consciousness, bows Ms head in sad assent — while Jonathan and Abner stand at hand in attitudes of respectful solicitude for their King. Thereupon the Witch of En- dor continues) : My lord, would that my death might save thee and thy son! If that might be this dagger would drink blood. {Touching with a swift but dramatic gesture the pommel of the glittering gold-hilted Damascus blade at her girdle of gold; with a tone and look of calm and lofty self-abnegation and de- termination which carries conviction — even to the ears of her hearers stunned and lacerated — so to speak by the awful tidings from such an awful source — which carries conviction of the sincerity and dauntlessness of her words). But now my King thine handmaid begs of thee Partake of nourishment before you go. (Saul slowly makes a gesture of negation with his head, in which gesture despair is the ruling emotion) . Nay, but my Liege, hear but thine handmaid now. Behold thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice And I have put my life into my hand And hearkened to thy words which thou didst say And called the Apparition from the Grave. Now therefore Saul, my King, lend ear to me And hearken thou also unto my voice — O ! Hearken to the voice of thine handmaid — And let me set a morsel before thee And eat, that thou may'st have the strength to go — Saul. I will not eat. Maiden I will not eat. Witch of En-dor. ( Drawing herself up proudly before the King and saying in clarion tones — drawing her 66 SAUL dagger as she speaks and holding it aloft as though leading a charge and beckoning Saul to the fray) : Then eat my Lord to get the strength to fight/ (The words have scarcely left her lips before Saul — his heart thrilled in spite of himself by this utterly unselfish interest in, and devotion to, the ivelfare of a fallen Monarch, starts to his feet as though electrified out of his torpor of cold despair by her fiery words, and drawing his sword, shouts in trumpet-tones which seem to shake the very rafters of the room) : Saul. Saul is himself again! Maiden my thanks. (The Witch of En- dor smiles proudly and hap- pily — Jonathan and Abner carried away by the heroic fortitude of their King draw their swords and shout in unison) : Jonathan and Abner. Lead on great King! We're with thee to the death! Saul. '^Smiling proudly at this dauntless devotion to a hopeless cause says as he sheathes his sword — and his suite do likewise) : My noble son ! And Abner my right hand ! I'll eat to get the strength to fight the foe — Eat to regain the strength to give command When battle's waves are surging to and fro ! My case is hopeless — I've received my doom The Lord hath spoken by the Spectre's words. But 'mongst the Philistines we'll hew a tomb A death-chamber wide-carved by our swords! Let the uncircumcised beware of Saul Beware his sword in his last fight on earth! My veins run vitriol my heart pumps gall So that my fury shall not taste of dearth! And when on earth my sword hath rung my knell I'll fight the Fiend that haunted me — in Hell! (Drawing his sioord and making a terrific lunge forward, into the space before the fireplace in which the spirit of Samuel had appeared). The End. "SAUL AND DAVID" A TRAGEDY IN TWO ACTS BY JOHN ARMSTRONG CHALONER AUTHOR OF "SCORPIO" "SAUL AND DAVID" A Tragedy In Two Acts. DRAMATIS PERSONS. Saul. King of Israel. David. The Son of Jesse. Gad. David's Seer or Prophet. Jonathan. Son of Saul, and Heir- Apparent to the Throne of Israel. Doeg. The Edomite. Formerly Chief Herdsman of Saul. Now Head of Saul's Body-Guard. Phaltiel. A Favourite of Saul, To Whom he has Given the Princess Michal. Maharai. One of Saul's Captains. Abner. Commander of the Army of Saul and his Cousin. Ahimelech. The Priest of The Lord. Adino. The Taclynonite. A Debtor. Later Chief of David's "Mighty Men." Eleazar \ Shammah Dehtor8m Later David's "Mighty Men." Abishai ( Benaiah I Gedor-The-Gedderite. A Fugitive from "The Avenger of Blood." Michal. Princess of The House of Saul. Wife of David. Place: The Wilderness of En-gedi. ACT I. (The Cave of Adullam. Time: Just after night- fall. Less than a week has elapsed since David's parting with Jona- than in "Saul." The Gave is a lofty and profound recess in the cliff -side of the Wilderness of En-gedi. A fire of faggots bums brightly in the centre of the Cavern. David is seated on a large square stone before the fire. In full armour. Shield on arm, sword at side and spear used as a support by his right arm. David is alone.) David. Ah ! Woe is me ! Th'accursed role I play ! Friend to the Lord and enemy of man. (After a pause) My life doth hang upon a very hair! That demon Saul — so soon's his wars are done — His wars against the war-like Philistines — . Will turn his mind to me and track my life ! (A pause) I term him demon yet I admire him — His Kingly courage and his mighty soul That feareth not to cope with Hell itself — That feareth not the anger of the Lord — ■ When his ambitious plans order the risk — Who feareth nor' Jehovah nor black Hell When his ambition dread doth beckon him! And he did love me in the days gone by Before fell jealousy of me arose And like a spirit fierce o'er-mastered him — E'en like the evil spirit from the Lord That haunted him because of Amalek — Agag the proud — the King of Amalek — Because he spared him and his mighty herds — In lieu of slaying them as God ordained. Yea ! Saul did love me in the days of yore ! Before the slaying of the Philistine — Before Goliath vast my sling laid low — Before returning from that slaughter vast When th' Philistines we smote both hip and thigh SAUL AND DAVID When Saul i'th' forefront of the battle gleamed Like the incarnate sword o'th' "Man of War" — His voice a trumpet and his eye a flame As he led on his hosts to victory! Until we did return fro'th' slaughter dread — Our swords all blunted from the men they'd slain When all cities op'ed their gates in Israel When maids and matrons singing did come forth Singing and dancing all — to meet the King Striking the tabret with their ready hands Singing in joy before dread Saul the King! But then oefell the cause of all my woe. For cause unknown the women honoured me Above dread Saul — above all Israel's King — Singing that Saul had slain but thousands one Whilst I ten thousand foemen had cut down. This was not true — Saul slew five to my one He's stronger, older, larger far than I. Now Saul did hear and he was very wroth Who would not be — a King and bear such words! And murmured low : "What more can David have And what can he have more out the Kingdom? The maidens thus in me a rival raised A rival for the Kingdom with King Saul! / do n*ot loonder that he hateth me. But 'tis my dread misfortune not my fault I covet not the Kingdom — no — not I I long to serve the King of Israel My happiness would be to serve King Saul. {A pause) But that can never be — no more again — Usurper — nothing less — he sees in me Nor can I chide him for 'tis natural To think me one, hearing the maidens' song! Thus all my hopes are frustrate and destroyed. My darling Michal giv'n to Phaltiel And Jonathan my dearest friend shut off My Father and my Mother exiled both By my most bitter fate to th' Moabite The King of Moab pity took on them And gave them harbourage in this our strait — SAUL. AND DAVID Wife, best friend, Parents scattered to the winds What could be bitterer than this my fate! Gad. {Entering the mouth of the Cave without a sound — his bare feet making no slightest sound upon the rock out of which the Gave is hewn. Gad is a powerful man of fierce appearance. He is clad in the rough mantle of a Prophet gath- ered about the waist by a rough leather belt. His hair and beard are long. He carries a stout staff some six feet in length. He is a man of middle-age). Who is't dares murmur thus against the Lord Against the Man of War — Jehovah J ah! (David who has sprung instantly to his feet at the first sound of the Prophet's voice, throw- ing his shield before him, draws back his spear ready to hurl it at the intruder, upon recognizing Gad drops his spear and spreading out his arms in a gesture of apology and sup- plication of pardon on the ground of his deep regret — says hastily) : David. Father forgive me — I did know thee not. Gad. Ask mercy of the Lord — thou froward youth Not from an humble vessel of His wrath ! David. Father I am alone — and lonely am. Gad. It will not be for long — thou froward youth My Prophet's ear doth hear 'mongst beetling crags And by the edge of dizzy precipice The tread of armed men approaching here. (David starts suddenly. And lays firm hold on his spear, at the same time darting to the mouth of the Cave which is at the rear of the stage, and applying his ear thereto). I said my "Prophets" ear — stripling perverse! Not ear of vilest man — not ear of man ! David. {Returning to the fire by the side of which the Prophet has seated himself upon the stone formerly occupied by David, pulling a second large stone from, several others piled at the side of the Cave, and, to the fire, seats himself thereon with a somewhat crestfallen air. Gad SAUL AND DAVID regards him with an eye as unrelenting and inhuman as that of a stone Idol — after a min- ute and prolonged dissection of David's coun- tenance, during which David — so soon as a hasty glance at the Prophet's impregnable countenance has apprised him of what is in progress — namely a reading of his soul by the fiery but implacable eye of his visitant — invol- untarily slightly shrugs his shoulders and gases sombrely into the bright flames. When it has pleased the Prophet to conclude his scrutiny the latter says in the cold harsh high- pitched but thoroughly masculine tones char- acteristic of his fiery and indomitable nature) : Gad. Hark ye, young man unto my pungent words. (David conceals a smile and raises his eyes to- wards the large and fiery orbs of the Pro- phet) . Rebellion is a thing despised by God A stench within His nostrils odorous! The stench of all vile stenches most detest. But Revolution, on the other hand Is the grand mystic wheel which turns the world From stinking cesspool of stagnation damned To purlitig pellucid stream — joy of the world ! One thing alone doth differentiate The stinking cesspool from the purling stream — One thing beside the stench— of course we mean — And that one thing's Success — thou hopeful youth ! (David fails to conceal this time the broad smile which like sunshine from time to time over- spreads his otherwise extraordinarily stern countenance — extraordinary in one so young and inexperienced in the way of the world*). David. I smile, my Father, that thing practical A thing so practical as mere success — So baldly worldly as is mere success — Should be the engine of Almighty God. Gad. {Starting, while a ferocious glare springs into his fiery eyes as he involuntarily grasps his formidable staff and half lifts its ponderous SAUL AND DAVID length in his brawny and hairy hand) — Thou paltry little wretch! Thou stripling vile! Dar'st thou e'en criticize the ways of God! David. (By a violent effort conceals a smile, and says in humble tones, trembling someiohat with sup- pressed amusement at the frightful violence and suddenness of the Prophet's moods — even surpassing — if that be possible — those of Saul in said respect). Forgive me Father — 'twas not my intent To criticize Jehovah's awful plan By which He rules the world in mystery But 'twas the thought that nothing ethical — Nothing of virtue — nought of justice e'en Doth sever and divide these two dread things Doth Revolution from Rebellion mark— Nought but Success and not a thing beside! 'Twas at the thought of that, that I did smile. Gad. Fools smile where wise men weep my youthful friend. But time doth press — the marching tread draws near. So with a single wrench I'll drag away The veil which now with folly blinds thine eye! Know that Success is ever from the Lord. 'Tis He that holds the Scales within His hand — That all things in this world conform to Him ! That e'en the Devil bows his stubborn crest — That haughty Satan bows his iron will-r- Unto the glorious will of the Most High. And not a single act doth Satan do — Nor one of the fierce Fiends that serve his will — Until — that — act — permitted — is — by — God! (David starts in amazement). Each act of Satan is an act of God. Satan but tries the souls of men on earth According to the plans laid down by God — The Book of Job doth show the procedure — To take the task of testing off God's hands. Until a soul's been tested nothing's known Of what said soul will do — or good or bad. SAUL AND DAVID God sees no soul is tested past its strength. After this life then Satan throned in Hell Doth purge the soul of sins commit on earth. Thus purging and thus punishment are one! There is a Science dread beneath all things That find a being in this breathing world. That two and two are four is part of God — Part of His Godhead — part of Verity — Coexistent with Deity — one with. God could not make two and two any more Nor any less than they are — which is four. For if He did He'd not be God of Truth. This principle so simple runneth through The motions of a gnat and those o'th' spheres. The Universe is bound by certain Laws Co-equal with the Lord and part of Him. Both are eternal — fixed — immutable/ Such being so, the hardships which you see Dreeing their weird on earth and causing woe Permitted are because the earth's a pot — Vast smelting-pot for th' trying o' the soul. Lastly, sin hath a nature deep — mysterious. It scars the soul and doth the soul corrupt. Like a fell leprosy it scars the soul And covers same with blotches foul to see. So after death the flames of Hell are used To purge away said scars and make souls clean. The pain is awful — and hence punishment Inevitably follows upon crime. "Vengeance" saith the Lord, lo ! "vengeance is mine." 'Tis His — for He alone may purge the soul — And purging is a process — ominous! My youthful friend having the Veil of Fate Removed from off thy young and doting gaze No more hope I to hear from out thy lips Wonder expressed that Success is from the Lord. David. I thank thee Father for thine homily Vouchsafed to such unworthy wight as I Upon the question vast of Life and Death. The Devil then is not the foe of man? SAUL AND DAVID Gad. Not of good men who've undergone his tests And proved thereby superior thereto. Them doth he welcome with a gladsome hand As from the Lake of Flames they dread emerge. Proving by their emergence that they're true — Brave souls and true — and worthy of their God. For if they're false they sink within the Lake — And only do emerge in bitter woe. But to conclude and fit thee for thy task. The Lord ordains that thou shalt succeed Saul Upon the Koyal Throne of Israel. An army must thou have for this thy task. That army is the one whose tread I hear. (David starts eagerly.) 'Tis small at first — 'tis but four hundred men — But time will swell their number to a host. With this small force shalt thou contend with Saul — David. (Starting violently.) With Saul at th? head oHh'' Hosts of Israel! Gad. With Saul at th' head o'th' Hosts of Israel. (Gad pauses to view the effect of his words. David gazes into the flames like one absorbed, almost like one in a trance of dread and hor- ror. Gradually a look of exalted calm spreads itself over his beautiful features heretofore contracted in a spasm of pain, dread and horror at the utter desperation of the prospect thus bluntly shoved into his face by the terrible and ruthless Prophet — and looking from the fire into the stony gaze of Gad he says) : David. Jehovah lives/ And rules this stormy world! If God support me I fear not the world! If God support me I will fight dread Saul With a mere handful of determined men ! (The sombre countenance of the Prophet relaxes slightly at these bold words', and he says in someiohat less harsh and repellant tones than those habitual to him.) Gad. Thou hast well said young man, thou hast well said — 10 SAUL AND DAVID I e'en commend thy faith and fortitude. A few brief words and then shall I be gone. The Revolution that thou now dost start — Called by Saul Rebellion and nought less — Will place thee on the Throne of Israel. 'Tis not ordained that thou shalt slay the King. The Lord will stir up Achish King of Gath And by his warriors shall dread Saul fall. His troops shall worst the armies of the Lord And after that shalt thou reign o'er the land. But a dread interval doth now impend In which shall Saul hunt thee as — he — hunts — game — This Cave is thy Headquarters in this war Which thou and thy small force shalt wage with Saul. The nature of the country greatly aids Thee in thy combats with the dreaded King. The country admits not that a great force Be brought here by the King to harry thee — It scarce supports the wild goats harbouring here. So the main problem at the outset's solved — 'Saul cannot bring a force can surround thee. Be active, vigilant, and swift of foot And thousand thine shall e'er escape his net. David. Of what's made up this force — who are the men Who thus do venture on a thing so desperate — If I my Father may be bold to ask? Gad. Thou may'st my son. A Band of desp'rate men Is that whose feet my Prophet's ear doth hear. A Band of debtors fierce — hitter of soul — At war with Order and Authority Distressed in habit and distressed in heart — Filled with unrest and discontent are they — And ready for adventures desperate! Bold as the lion, surly as the bear Impatient of command, hating all rule — By Jah ! My son this Band will bring to hand Primeval passions dread as dangerous! It is Jehovah's purpose thee to try And discipline thee in the School of War SAUL AND DAVID 11 And discipline thee in the rule of men To fit thee for the work the Future holds. Be stern but just, and thou shalt rule these men As the resistless wind doth rule the waves! Farewell (Rising abruptly and about to stride out of the Cavern. David springs to his feet and kneeling reverently before him says in tones resonant toith emotion) : David. Bless me dread Prophet — once — before we part. Gad. (With something approaching a look of satisfaction swiftly stealing over his rugged countenance as he shifts his formidable staff from his right hand to his left, and placing his powerful hand upon David's bowed head, says in tones far lower than any he has yet used and entirely de- void of the menacing ring characterising his accents) : Jehovah Jah, Thou mighty Man of War Look down upon this youth and arm his soul For the fierce trials that do now impend. Strengthen his arm when he hath need to strike So that dread Death may issue on the blow. Inform his mind so that authority May breathe from out his lips — flame from his eye ! Inform his mind so that his judgment's just Fair and impartial as it's fierce and stern. Inform his mind with th' cunning of the fox So that these desperate men he may outwit — These lawless spirits fearing nor God nor man Whose only god is Self — enthroned — alone. Inspire his tongue with eloquence from Thee To charm these spirits turbulent and fierce. Endue him with a spirit bold and free So that his words these spirits fierce may pierce Armour his spirit with steel-like control That shall his passions hold as in a vice. So that when Passion's waves in's Band do roll He may o'ermaster them — and in a trice. Hold firm his faith in Thee in good and ill. And set a watch o'er his bold spirit's pride. So that he shall the post of Captain fill 12 SAUL, AND DAVID And shall his little Band to victory guide Keep his aim centred on the Future World When round his soul the waves of Life are curled. (Upon concluding his prayer the Prophet stalks from the self sword-first upon the nearest Foe — and before his slower-moving An- tagonist is aware of what is happening — the Philistine has received the sword of the King full in his face — between his very teeth — and falls back dead. Quicker than thought the King applys the same lohirlioind-like swift- ness and force of thrust to the face of his sec- ond Adversary — who follows the example of SAUL. AND DAVID the first Foe slain and falls hack dead. The King then glances towards Doeg and sees that his stout Follower is somewhat overmatched by his Gigantic Opponent. Doeg— lacking the terrible swiftness of action marking Saul's least movement — when fighting to the death — is at a loss how to combat the vast bulk of his Adversary. Saul instantly turns his attention to Doeg's Opponent and hurling himself upon him, first ham-strings him with one stroke — like the tongue of a vast serpent — of his sword — and then as he totters thrusts his blade through his neck. The Philistine falls back an inert mass, and Doeg and Saul have only one more Opponent to face. Together they breast him and he too soon follows his predecessors to the Land of Spirits. Saul wipes his sword upon the tunic of his fallen Foe and smiling joyfully says to Doeg) : Ne^er did I have a bout I liked more! {The Philistine Chieftains aghast at such havoc in so short a space of time, again whisper or- ders—and twenty men of unusual height ap- pear for the next struggle. Saul and Doeg know that their time has come. Saul turns to Doeg and says in tones as joyful and reson- ant as before his first encounter that day) : To-night we twain will sup with Samuel! (Doeg shudders as he remembers the prophecy — since fulfilled — of Samuel — but swiftly recov- ers his sang froid — and murmurs with an at- tempt at a friendly smile which is really a grin of amused saturnine humour) : Doeg. Our fare — my Liege — can scarce be toorse than here! Saul. Well said! — Stout Doeg! — I'm fully of thy mind! (The on-coming Philistines soon bear down upon them, and both are engulfed in a sea of swords. On emerging from the melee Saul says smiling grimly) : SAUL AND DAVID 67 I'm still of thine opinion on Hell's fare. (Both Saul and Doeg are severely wounded in more than one place. The Philistines how- ever are afraid to approach them — so costly is this last encounter with the dreaded King and his sturdy Supporter. The Philistine Chief- tain thereupon, once more whispers a Com- mand,' and this time a Band of Archers come forth, and prepare to draw their bows and shoot the wounded Monarch and his faithful Follower to death — at a safe distance. Saul — bleeding profusely as he is — nevertheless in- stantly grasps the new turn of events. He thereupon 'says in a low hoarse voice — hoarse with baffled fury at being thus estopped from dying in action and at close quarters as he had hoped — to Doeg — hurriedly and before the arrows shall have time to so wound himself and Doeg as to render self-slaughter impos- sible) : Draw thy sword and thrust me through therewith — lest These uncircumcised come and thrust me through And abuse me! (But Doeg shrinks from that. Therefore Saul takes his sword and falls upon it — and his mighty spirit leaves its earthly frame. Doeg — seeing that his Lord is dead — falls likewise upon his sword and dies with him). The End. PUBLISHER'S NOTICE. These are the last plays Mr. Chaloner proposes to pub- lish — though not the last he will write — by any means — until his suit to recover his property — his case of iChaloner against Sherman — now pending before the Supreme Court of the United States — reaches a hearing — on or about June first, nineteen hundred and seventeen. PAUMETTO PRESS, Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, December 10, 1915. JSSbBBS ■-■"■"'■••■'■■■.' ■; ''■>■'' ■ ■-'■' M» ; v" •'■■ UHK23 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS vm 018 603 768 6