Michal. David!
David. Farewell!
Michal. ... You must not!
David. Peace to you, peace and joy!
Michal. You must not go!
(He turns. She sways and reaches to him her arms. As they move together Doeg and Merab appear, but vanish from the curtains as Michal utters dismay.)
Michal. Merab and Doeg!
David (has sprung to her). Yet what matter, now!
Were it the driven night-unshrouded dead!
Under the firmament is but one need,
That you will understand!
Michal. But Merab! ah,
She's cunning, cold and cruel, and she loves thee;
Hath told her love to Ahinoam the queen!
And Doeg hates thee—since for me he's mad!
David. Then be his hate as wild, as wide as winds
That gather up the desert for their blast,
Be it as Sheol deep, stronger than stars
That fling fate on us, and I care not, care not,
If I am trusted and to Michal truth!
Hear, hear me! for the kingdom, tho 't may come,
I yearn not; but for you!