(Laughs.)
Merab. May it be their rending.
(The tumult near.)
But come, come, we must see; and show no frown.
(They go to look out. Shouts of "David! David!" arise, and timbrelers, dancing and singing, pass the tent opening; then priests with the Ark and its cherubim of gold. David, Saul, Jonathan, Ishui, and the court then enter amid acclamations. Before them the head of Goliath is borne on a charger, under a napkin. Saul darkly mounts the throne with Ahinoam, to waving of palms and praise.)
A Woman (breaking from the throng). Our little ones are saved! Hosannah! joy!
(She kisses David's hand.)
Jonathan. Woman, thy tongue should know an angel-word,
Or seraph syllables new-sung to God!
Earth has not any rapture well for this!
David, my brother!
David. Jonathan, my friend!
While life has any love, know mine for you.
Jonathan. Then am I friended as no man was ever!
And though my soul were morning wide it were
Helpless to hold my wonder and delight!
O people, look upon him!