Wicked Judge (gathers up his rolls of parchment, shrugging): I will not bow before him, I! And he but a beardless youth! (Passes out.)
(The Second Woman crouches low, weeping and praying; First Woman regards her.)
First Woman (laughing): Pray, aye, pray! The child will call me "Mother." He will throw his little arms about my neck and hail me. For three pieces of ruddy gold have I bought him, and thy prayers shall never win him from me.
Second Woman (fiercely): As there is a God in Israel, to whom men pray, I yet shall have my child.
First Woman: A God in Israel? (Shrugs.) As there is god-head in gold, which men worship, lo, I shall keep thy child. (She makes a sweeping bow and passes out.)
Second Woman: O God, God, give me my child, my son. Thou knowest the child is mine, thou knowest, thou knowest. Thou sawest when in the dark of the night-time she crept into my chamber and stole him from me. She cradleth him, and I am desolate.
Shouts Without: King Solomon! King Solomon, all hail! Hail to King Solomon, the son of David!
(The Second Woman looks about wildly, then crouches in a dim corner. The Children enter dancing; they carry palms; they sing.)
Song: "Hail to the Monarch" (Cantata of Esther)