Third Fol. And Saul
Has driven us from waste to waste—pressed us
Even unto the Philistines for shelter,
And now unto this crag. And is not David's
Thought but of Michal, not of smiting him
And, with a host, of leaping to the kingdom?
(David stirs to rise.)
First Fol. He moves; peace!
Third Fol. Let him.
Second Fol. Peace.
David (sufferingly). Men—men, we must have news. Perpetual,
Implacable they stare unto each other,
This rock and stony sky.... We must have news.
(Rises and comes down to them. They are silent.)
Longer is death. 'Tis over many days
Of sighing—and remembered verdancy;
Nor any dew comes here or odour up.
Who will go now and bring us word of Saul?
Third Fol. Have not Abishai, Abiathar,
And others gone?