_David._ And often since Have we not swayed and swept thro' happy hours, Far from the birth unto the bourne of bliss?
_David._ To-night you did not to the king Reveal my helpless chrism, give me to peril. Say but the reason!
_Michel._ And shall I, shall I? how this prophetess Miriam hath foretold----
_Michal_ (_springs up the throne, then down_). No, no! horror in me moans out against it. Wed me with destiny against my father? Dethrone my mother? Ah!
_Michal._ Then swear conspiracy upon its tide Never shall lift you!
_David._ Deeper than soul or sea, Deep as divinity is deep, I swear. If it shall come, the kingdom----
_Michal._ "If!" not "if." Surrender this anointing! Spurn it, say You never will be king though Israel Kingless go mad for it!
_David._ I cannot--and I must not. It is holy!
_Michal._ Then must I hate you--scorn you----
_Michal._ And will. But to reign over Israel you care, Not for the peace of it!
_David._ Thus all is vain; A seething on the lips, I'll say no more.... Care but to reign and not for Israel's calm? I who am wounded with her every wound?... Look out upon yon Philistine bold fires Lapping the night with bloody tongue--look out!
As God has swung the world and hung for ever The infinite in awe, to-morrow night Not one of them shall burn!
_Michal._ What is this strength! It seizes on me! No, I'll not believe; no, no, more than I would From a boy's breath or the mere sling you wear A multitude should flee! And you shall learn A daughter to a father may be true Tho' paleness be her doom until she die!
(_She turns to go. Enter_ JONATHAN _eagerly._)
_David._ My friend--my Jonathan! 'Tis you?
_Jonathan._ Great heart, I've heard how yesterday before The soldiers you.... But Michal's gone! No word?
_Jonathan._ And disdains Believing? tell me.
_David._ No, not now--not now. Let me forget it in a leap of deeds.
For there is murmur misty of distress, What is it? sprung of the Philistines? new terror? This sounding giant flings again his foam? Jonathan, I am flame that will not wait. What is it? I must strike.
_David._ Tell me, And do not bring dissuasion more, or pause.
_Jonathan._ With a spy who keeps Fiercely to silence.
_Jonathan._ David, you must cool from this. Determination surges you o'erfar. I will not see you rush on perishing, Not though it be the aid of Israel.