CHARACTERS
| Saul | King of Israel. |
| Jonathan | Heir to the throne. |
| Ishui | His brother. |
| Samuel | The Prophet of Israel. |
| Abner | Captain of the Host of Israel. |
| Doeg | An Edomite; chief servant of Saul, and suitor for Michal. |
| Adriel | A Lord of Meholah, suitor for Merab. |
| David | A shepherd, secretly anointed King. |
| Abishai | A follower of David. |
| Abiathar | A priest and follower of David. |
| A Philistine Spy. | |
| Ahinoam | The Queen. |
| Merab | Daughters of Saul and Ahinoam. |
| Michal | |
| Miriam | A blind prophetess, and later the "Witch of Endor." |
| Judith | Timbrel-players of the King. |
| Leah | |
| Zilla | |
| Adah | Handmaiden to Merab. |
| A Chorus of Women. A Band of Priests. Followers of David. Soldiers of Saul. People of the Court, &c. |
DAVID
ACT I
Scene: A Hall of Judgment in the palace of Saul at Gibeah. The walls and pillars of cedar are richly carven—with serpents, pomegranates, and cherubim in gold. The floors are of bright marble; the throne of ivory hung with a lion's skin whose head is its footstool. On the right, by the throne, and on the left are doors to other portions of the palace; they are draped with woven curtains of purple and white. In the rear, which is open and supported on pillars, a porch crosses a court. Through the porch, on the environing hills, glow the camp-fires of the Philistines, the enemies of Israel. Lamps in the Hall burn low, and on the floor Judith, Leah and Zilla are reclining restively.
Judith (springing to her feet impatiently). O for a feast, pomegranate wine and song!
Leah. Oh! Oh!
Zilla. A feast indeed! the men in camp!
When was a laugh or any leaping here?
Never; and none to charm with timbreling!
(She goes to the porch.)