Pater Cœlestis. I constitute thee a king over Israel,
And thee preserved from Saul, who was thine enemy.
Yea, in my favour, so much thou didst excel,
That of thine 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. I have sinned, Lord, I beseech thee, pardon me,
Pater Cœlestis. Thou shalt not die, David, for this iniquity,
For thy repentance; but thy son by Bathsheba
Shall die, forasmuch as my name is blasphemed
Among my enemies, and thou the worse esteemed.
From thy house for this the sword shall not depart.
David. I am sorry, Lord, from the bottom of my heart.
Pater Cœlestis. To further anger thou dost me yet compel.
David. For what matter, Lord? I beseech thy goodness tell.
Pater Cœlestis. Why didst thou number the children of Israel?
Supposest in thy mind therein thou hast done well?
David. I cannot say nay, but I have done indiscreetly
To forget thy grace for a human policy.
Pater Cœlestis. 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,
If not, for three days a pestilence most vile,
For one thou must have, there is no remedy.
David. Lord, at thy pleasure, for thou art full of mercy.