Ho, David, tend my sheep for me;
I make me ready to fight the Philistines.
And see thou that no lion enter in,
Else 'twill go hard with thee.
(The sounds of a shepherd's pipe, or of a harp are heard, receding in the distance. Jesse enters and speaks mildly and with remonstrance.)
Jesse:
My son, this night the first new moon arises of the new year;
My son, this night we feast,
And make our sacrifices on God's altar.
My son, first be thou reconciled with thy brother David.
Eliab (impatiently): I have done him no wrong.
Jesse:
Thou and thy brothers are too harsh with him.
He is a tender lad; be thou more gentle.
(Lays hand on Eliab's arm.)
Eliab (shaking off hand): He is a babe, fit only to tend sheep.