Prophet of Israel, arise! Not in
The name of Baal, Amon, Ashtoreth,
Dagon or all the deities that dream
In trembling temples of Idolatry,
But of Jehovah! of Jehovah! rise!
(An elemental cry is heard. Then wavering forms rise, vast, out of the earth, in continuous stream. Miriam, with a curdling shriek, sinks moaning to her knees.)
Saul. Woman, I cannot—dare not—look upon it.
Utter thy sight.
(The Spirit of Samuel begins to take shape through the phantoms.)
Miriam. I see ... ascending
Forms as of gods in swaying ghostliness,
Dim apparitions of a dismal might,
And now is one within a mantle clad,
Who looketh——
Saul. Samuel!
Miriam. Who looketh with
Omniscience in his mien, and there is chill
And cling about him of eternity!
His eyes impale me!
Saul. Spirit, give me word!
(He falls heavily to the ground.)
Samuel (as afar). O evil king! and wretched king! why hast
Thou brought me from the quietness and rest?