Herald (with curiosity): What is in the king's mind? Will he slay yonder woman for bearing lying witness?
(First Soldier returns with sword.)
Solomon: I cannot judge between you; let God judge. (To Soldier.) Take thou the sword; divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half unto the other.
(The Second Woman crosses hastily to the left as though to flee; the First Woman darts between her and the Soldier and stands ready, with clinched fists, to defend the Baby. The Second Soldier throws her aside and takes the Baby from the other woman.)
Herald (laughing): O clever judge! O mighty son of David!
Second Woman (bowing low): I bow, lord king, to thy decree. Let the child be neither mine nor hers, but divide it.
First Woman (with a little panting cry, throws herself before Solomon): O my lord, my lord, give her the child, give her the living child, and in nowise slay it. Let the child live, even though it be within her arms—lord—lord—
Herald: O prince of wisdom! Through thee indeed the Lord hath spoken. Who would have thought to see such mighty judgment, yea in a beardless youth? Thy wit hath showed the truth and made this lying woman eat her lies.
Children (swarming about Second Woman and bowing to her): Hail, mother of the child!