Crying and laughing through tears.
You have again wrenched my soul from the jaws of sin, Nullius. On the day of rejoicing I appeared mournful before the people, on the day of the people's exultation I did not raise my eyes to Heaven, but lowered them to the ground,—bad old man that I am. Whom did I want to deceive with my insincerity? Do I not live by day and night in raptures of joy, and do I not draw love and happiness with full hands? Why have I feigned sadness?... I do not know your name, woman; give me your child, the one that is laughing when everybody is crying, because he alone is sensible.
Smiling through tears.
Or are you perhaps afraid that I will steal it like a gypsy?
The woman kneels and holds out her child.
WOMAN.
Take it, David! Everything belongs to you,—we and our children.
SECOND WOMAN.
Take mine, too, David!
THIRD WOMAN.