Ahinoam. He's driven still.
And hither comes again, and must be calmed.
The harp take you, and winds of beauty bring,
And consolation, as of valley eves
When there is ebb of sorrow and of toil.
Oh, could you heal him and for ever heal!
David. Then would I be——!
(Breaks off with great desire. Takes the harp and seats himself.)
Ahinoam. At once, for he will come.
(A strain of wild sadness brings Saul, and many, within. He pauses, his hand to his brow, enspelled of the playing; then slowly goes up the daïs.)
Ahinoam. My lord, shall David sing—to ease us?
Saul. Let him.
David (with high sorrow).
O heart of woe,
Heart of unrest and broken as a reed! (Plays.)
O heart whose flow
Is anguish and all bitterness of need! (Plays.)
O heart as a roe,
Heart as a hind upon the mountain fleeing
The arrow-wounds of being,
Be still, O heart, and rest and do not bleed!
(Plays longer with bowed head.)