David. I understand.
(Motions.) So, without any blame, go—to content.
(The Second, faltering, goes.)
(Quietly.) A desolation left, of rock and air,
Of barren sea and bitterness as vast.
Thou hast bereft me, Saul!... and Michal, thou!
(He moves up cliff, gazes off, then kneels as to pray.)
My flesh cries for oblivion—to sink
Unwaking away into the night ... where is
No tears, but only tides of sleep....
No, crieth
Not for oblivion and night, but for
Rage and revenge! Saul! Saul!... My spirit, peace.
I must revenge's call within me quell
Though righteously it quivers and aflame.
As pants the hart for the water-brook, so I!
(He bows his head.... Michal enters in rags with the lad. She sees David rise and wander into cave, right.)
Michal. This is the place, then, this?
Lad. Yes, princess.
Michal. Here
So long in want and sickness he hath hid?
Under the livid day and lonelier night?
Lad. I brought him water, often.