(Eli enters, groping blindly. Samuel regards him in ame.)
Samuel: There cometh the priest in raiment. (He shrinks away.) Ai! Why walketh he in such fashion?
Hannah: He is become blind. (She advances to him.) Sir—O Eli—
Eli: Woman, thy voice is known to me—and yet—who art thou?
Hannah: O sir, I am that woman who stood here praying, these many years ago. For a child I prayed, and the Lord hath granted my petition. (She leads Samuel to Eli, who passes his hands delicately over the child's head.) Therefore I also have given the child to the Lord. As long as he liveth he is granted to the Lord. (She turns to Samuel.) Kneel thou, my son, before this holy man and beseech him to take thee into the service of the Lord.
Samuel (pulls Hannah away and puts his lips to her ears): Hark'ee, dear mother, I would fain go home with thee again.
Hannah: Nay, little son, night approacheth; we must leave thee.
Elkanah: Come, say, "Farewell." (Samuel goes to him.)
Hannah (prays, as though facing the altar of the Lord):