PATER COELESTIS. I constitute thee a king over Israel,
And thee preserved from Saul, which was thy enemy.
Yea, in my favour so much thou didst excel,
That of thy enemies I gave thee victory.
Philistines and Syrians to thee came tributary.
Why hast thou then wrought such folly in my sight,
Despising my word against all godly right?
DAVID REX PIUS. I have sinned, Lord; I beseech thee, pardon me.
PATER COELESTIS. Thou shalt not die, David, for this iniquity,
For thy repentance; but thy son by Beersheba
Shall die, for as much as my name is blasphemed
Among my enemies, and thou the worst esteemed.
From thy house for this the sword shall not depart.
DAVID REX PIUS. I am sorry, Lord, from the bottom of my heart.
PATER COELESTIS. To further anger thou dost me yet compel.
DAVID REX PIUS. For what matter, Lord? I beseech thy goodness tell.
PATER COELESTIS. Why didst thou number the people of Israel?
Supposest in thy mind therein thou hast done well?
DAVID REX PIUS. I cannot say nay, but I have done indiscreetly,
To forget thy grace for a human policy.
PATER COELESTIS. Thou shalt of these three choose which plague thou wilt
have
For that sinful act, that I thy soul may save:
A scarceness seven years, or else three months' exile,
Either for three days the pestilence most vile,
For one thou must have: there is no remedy.
DAVID REX PIUS. Lord, at thy pleasure, for thou art full of mercy.