Awful and sceptre-ruined lord of men?

An impotence, a shriveling to fear,

Avenging ere thou shed offenceless blood?

[Saul’s hand drops.]

Is this thy love, the love of Saul the king?

Who once was kindlier than kindest are.

For but a woman’s wantonness of word

And idle air, my life?

AHINOAM

Saul, Saul—!