Scene.—The royal tent of Saul pitched on one hill of the battlefield of Ephes-Dammin. The tent is of black embroidered with various warlike designs. To one side on a daïs are the chairs of Saul and Ahinoam; also David's harp. On the other side, toward the front, is a table with weapons. The tent wall is lifted along the back, revealing on the opposite hill, across a deep narrow valley, the routed camp of the Philistines; before it in gleaming brazen armour lies Goliath slain. Other hills beyond, and the sky above. By the small table, her back to the battlefield, sits Merab in cold anger. Ahinoam and several women look out in ecstasy toward David, Saul, Jonathan, and the army, returning victorious, and shouting.
First Woman. See, see, at last!
Second Woman. They come!
Third Woman. An avalanche!
Over the brook and bright amid hosannas!
Second Woman. And now amid the rushes!
First Woman. And the servants!
Goliath's head high-borne upon a charger!
The rocks that cry reverberant and vast!
The people and the palms!
Third woman. Yea, all the branches
Torn from the trees! The waving of them—O!
Second Woman. And David, see! triumphant, calm, between
The king and Jonathan!... His glory
All the wild generations of the wind
Ever shall utter! Hear them—
(The tumult ascends afar.) "David! David!"
O queen! a sea of shouting!
Ahinoam. Which you crave?
Then go and lave you in this tide of joy.
(The women go rapturously. Ahinoam turns.)