Hannah: Ah, sir, that shall be my task—to lead him in the love of God.
Eli: Ai, 'tis there that I have failed. (He raises his hands and blesses her.) Go thou in peace, and the Lord grant thy petition.
Hannah (bowing): May thy servant find grace in thy sight. (She and Elkanah go.)
Eli (prays): O Lord God, O let this, thy servant, find grace in thy sight. Forgive thou the iniquity of my sons. For who shall follow after me, O Lord? Who shall be judge of Israel, if not my sons? Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give unto me an answer of peace. (He bows his head and passes out.)
(The Prologue reenters.)
Prologue: Now many years have passed. Eli is still the priest and judge of Israel, though he is blind; and his sons continue still in evil. Yonder come Hannah and her husband to give thanks for the gift of the child Samuel, and to give him to the Lord. (Prologue goes.)
(Enter Hannah and Elkanah leading the child Samuel.)
Hannah (caressing child): See thou, this is the very spot on which I prayed the prayer which brought me thee.
Samuel (roguishly): God heard thy prayer, and sent thee a little son to boast of. (He smiles up at her.)
Elkanah (rumpling Samuel's hair): Nay, an imp of mischief!