(Watching, then springing to meet them as they reel in.)
Abishai, what is it that you bring?
Abiathar, up! answer!
Abiathar. Water!
David. Up!
(He brings the water-skin. They drain it fiercely.)
What is it now so fevered from you stares,
And breathing, too, abhorrence? Gasp it out.
Abiathar. I stifle—in a universe—he still—
Has breath in.
David. Saul?
Abiathar. Ill scathe him! Scorpions
Of terror and remorse sting in his soul!
David. If you have tidings, not in words so wild.