O could you heal him and forever heal.

DAVID

Then would I be—!

[He breaks off with a gesture of great desire, takes the harp and seats himself.]

AHINOAM

At once, for he will come.

[David begins; a strain of wild sadness. Saul enters and with him Doeg, Ishui, Jonathan—others. He pauses, his hand to his brow, and goes slowly, enspelled of David’s playing, up the dais.]

AHINOAM

My lord, shall David sing—to ease us?

SAUL