 | Saul |  |
124
SCENE THE FOURTH.
Saul, Michal, Abner, with a few fugitive Soldiers.Ab.
Oh wretched king! ... Now whither dost thou fly?
This is a dreadful night.
Sa.
But whence this battle?
Ab.
The foe assail'd us unawares: we are
Wholly discomfited ...
Sa.
Discomfited?
And liv'st thou, traitor?
Ab.
I? I live to save thee.
Now, now perchance thy foes rush hitherward:
We are compell'd to shun the first attack:
Meanwhile the day will dawn. Thee will I lead,
With a few followers, to yon upland copses ...
Sa.
Shall I then live, while all my people fall?
Ab.
Ah come! ... advance ... the tumult waxes louder.
Sa.
My children ... Jonathan ... do they too fly?
Do they abandon me?
Ab.
Oh Heaven! ... Thy children ...
No, no; they fled not ... Ill-starr'd progeny! ...
Sa.
I understand thee: they are all destroy'd ...
Mi.
Alas! ... My brothers? ...
Ab.
Thou no more hast sons.
Sa.
What now remains for me? ... Thou, thou alone,
But not for me, remainest.—In my heart
Have I been long time finally resolved:
And now the hour is come.—Abner, the last
125
Guide to some place of safety.
Mi.
Father, no;
Around thee will I twine myself: the foe
Will never aim a sword against a female.
Sa.
Oh daughter! ... say no more: compel me not
To weep. A conquer'd king should never weep.
Save her, oh Abner; go: but if she fall
Within the enemy's power, say not, oh no,
That she's the child of Saul, rather assure them
That she is David's wife; they will respect her.
Go; fly ...
Ab.
She shall, I swear to thee, be safe,
If I can aught avail; but thou meantime ...
Mi.
Oh! ... father ... I will not, I cannot leave thee ...
Sa.
I will it; and I yet am king. But see,
The armed bands approach: Abner, fly hence;
Drag her by force with thee if it be needful.
Mi.
Oh father! ... and for ever? ...
| Saul | |