THE JUDGMENT OF SOLOMON
(The Wicked Judge is seated on the High Place, judging the two women. The First Woman, at his right, holds the Baby. The Second Woman kneels at his left, with imploring gestures.)
Wicked Judge (with a sweep of his hand): No more! No more, I say! I will hear no more. Am I not judge in the king, his place? (Points at First Woman sternly.) You say yonder woman's child died in the night-time, and she wants yours. (Points at Second Woman.) You say—stop sniveling—(Second Woman shrinks away from him.) You say 'twas her child died and that she hath stolen your child. I say, if you had minded your brats properly, there would not be this to-do. (A pause.) What were you doing when one of you stole the other's child? Gadding about the streets? Eh?
Second Woman: O sir, sir, she stole him while I slept.
First Woman: Most gracious Judge, I did not steal.
Second Woman (turning on her): But thou did'st!
Wicked Judge: O you women! Lo, all the troubles of this kingdom flow from this, that women do not properly observe the affairs of their households. As King Solomon remarks, with rather more wisdom than he usually manifests, "Who can find a virtuous woman?"
Both Women (together): Sir! Most gracious Judge! Only hear me—