(_Watching, then springing to meet them as they reel in._)
Abishai, what is it that you bring? Abiathar, up! answer!
(_He brings the water-skin. They drain it fiercely._)
What is it now so fevered from you stares, And breathing, too, abhorrence? Gasp it out.
_Abiathar._ I stifle--in a universe--he still-- Has breath in.
_Abiathar._ Ill scathe him! Scorpions Of terror and remorse sting in his soul!
_David._ If you have tidings, not in words so wild.
_Abiathar._ Then ask, and hate shall calm me.
_Abiathar._ Seek if prophecy Founts yet in Judah!
_Abiathar._ Is dead! Dead--and of tidings more calamitous.
_Abiathar._ Saul gloating to believe The priests who gathered sacredly at Nob, Plotted assisting you, hath had them----
_Abiathar._ Slain at the hands of Doeg--murdered, all!
_David_ (_gently_). Abiathar, my friend!... Appeaseless Saul!
_Abiathar._ Hear all, hear all! Thy father, too, and mother, Even thy kindred, out of Israel Are driven into Moab; and this king, Delirious still for blood as a desert pard, With Merab, whelp of him, and many armed, Is near us now--a-quiver at Engeddi For your destruction:
_David_ (_low_). No, but of Michal, tell me good at once, Lest unendurable this lot, I may---- Mounting o'er every oath into revenge.
_David._ She withholds her father's wrath?
_Abiathar._ Well, what? A woman who betrays?
_David._ Speak, not evade; And judge her when earth has no mystery.
_Abiathar._ Then from your craving put her--wide; she is Unworthy any tremor of your veins.
_David._ Dawn-lilies under dew are then unworthy, And nesting doves are horrible to heaven. I will not so believe. Your reason?
_Abiathar._ Saul Has given her--and she will wed him, aye-- To Phalti, a new lord.
_Abiathar._ Cry. Yet you will believe it.
_David._ Not until The parable of verdant spring is hushed Ever of bloom, to prove it. Never till Hermon is swung into the sea! until The last void of the everlasting sky--
(_Looking up, falters, breaks off, and is strangely moved._)
_David._ Falling here ... And beating against death unbuoyantly.
_David._ The arrow!--His! (_Starts back._) His and no other's! Quick, no delay. Efface all trace of us.
_David._ We are discovered--near On us is death. Open the secret chamber Within the cave, for from the bow of Saul Is yonder bleeding--from no other.