"Saul"; a tragedy in three acts

Prologue To " Saul."

These two Tragedies — begun November first, last — and finished last night, in their order — are written with a view to carrying out, nowadays, what the great protector and guardian of Art and Letters — the Roman Catholic Church — did in the Middles Ages with her Miracle Plays and Mysteries — in a word — to borrow modern vernacular — putting the Bible on the boards.

These plays are written in the most reverent — even devout — spirit. The author believes the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. He therefore believes — in borrowing — as he does wherever the Sacred Text touches either of these Tragedies — from that Marvellous Storehouse of beauty, spirituality, and truth — that he is citing the precise and actual words of God. For that reason, he has refrained from changing one solitary line, or even one solitary word, in the greatest passages in the Scriptures, where said passages touch each Tragedy.

For example, in the Tragedy of "Saul." The marvellous, mysterious and awful words of the Prophet Samuel, when his spirit rises from the dead, at the call of the only bona fide Necromancer — save He of Nazareth — History holds record of — namely, the Witch of Endor — the awful words of the Prophet Samuel are embodied verbatim, in the text — and— strange to say — the lines are — with the exception of a solitary one, which is one syllable short of ten syllables — and now and then an Alexandrine — pentameters — tho' not iambic pentameters. The desire of the author has been to, so to speak, "strip" the Scriptures of every line and every word bearing on each Tragedy. Where there were groups of words — say three or four — which, of course, could not of themselves make up a line containing ten or eleven syllables — they were woven into the verse hy means of the addition of enough words to help out the line in question.

The dialogues between David and Jonathan are practically verbatim — with the above noted variation, when necessity required — and when necessity required only. The same is true of the dialogues between Saul and David, as well as

4 SAUL

between Saul and Jonathan and Saul and the Witch of Endor.

In the Tragedy of "Saul and David," the dramatic Scriptural account of the slaying of Goliath of Gath is put in almost verbatim. The wonderfully sad and wonderfully beautiful dialogue between Saul and David, at night, on the Hill of Hachilah, after David has made that dauntless descent by night into the very centre of the camp of the dreaded King, and taken as tokens of his presence the royal spear and cruse from beside the bolster of the sleeping monarch — is put in verbatim. Also, the dialogue between Saul and Ahimelech. Also, that wonderfully dramatic passage which shows Saul: "in Gibeah . . . under a tree in Kamah, having his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him ; Then Saul said unto his servants that stood about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, and make you all captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds." (I Samuel, XXII— 6-7.) Which royal and eloquent appeal moves the adamantine soul of the implacable Doeg, the Edomite — formerly the "Chief est of the herdmen" of Saul, now — risen with the fortunes of his mighty master — "set over the servants of Saul." The sole liberty f the author has taken with the Sacred Text— in either Tragedy — is the extension of the two following verses, into the Scriptural account of David's hasty stop at the City of p r i es ts — at Nob — when fleeing before the wrath of Saul: and his dialogue — verbatim — with the Priest Ahimelech, and request of him of the shewbread, and the sword of his former adversary, Goliath of Gath : I Samuel XXI, 1-9 : the said two verses to-wit : "Then answered Doeg, the Edomite, which was set over the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub. And he enquired of the Lord for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine."

In fact, the author has jealously sought to preserve the Sacred Text entire, wherever the laws of Prosody — stretched even to their widest limits— would tolerate it. In short, the awful tragedv of Saul and David— as portrayed in the First tSave where— in "Saul" Act I— Samuel says to David that he will appear to him no more on earth — save in a dream.

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Book of Samuel — is, in the aforesaid Tragedies, faithfully set forth.

In a word, these Tragedies are a work of love and reverence — upon the part of the author — for the Divine Book from whence they sprang: and, as a slight testimony of the help that Book has been to him, all through his life of fifty-three years — surely a stormy one — from the time his Mother — who died when he was a boy of twelve years — gave him the first book he ever possessed — a Bible.

JOHN AEMSTEONG CHALONEE,

"The Merry Mills"

"S A U L."

A Tragedy In Three Acts.

DRAMATIS PERSONS.

Saul. King of Israel.

Samuel. The Prophet. Former Judge of Israel. Jonathan. Son of Saul, and Heir-Apparent to the Throne

of Israel.

David. The Son of Jesse.

Doeg. The Edomite, Formerly Chief Herdsman of Saul.

Now Head of Saul's Body-Guard.

Abner. Commander of the Army of Saul, and Saul's

Cousin.

The Witch or Endor.

Rizpah. Saul's Queen and Concubine. Michal. Princess of the House of Saul. Later, Wife of

David.

Place: Palestine.

Act I. Scene I. Time; An hour before sunrise

(The Royal Palace in Gibeah of Saul. Saul's bedroom. This room is large and lofty. The only door in the room is at the rear. At the right of the stage is Saul's bed. A wide low couch having over it hangings of silk, of Tyrian purple. As the curtain rises Saul is discovered tossing uneasily on his couch. The coverings of said couch are merely soft dark green stuff resembling blankets but much lighter in texture. The night robe of Saul differs only from his Kingly robe in being simpler in design — the cut is the same namely reaching to the feet and slightly open at the neck. The texture is the finest lamb's wool dyed a deep red. There is a hanging lamp of antique pattern, of solid silver suspended by a silver chain in the centre of the room depending from the rafters of the ceiling. Saul's spear is at his couch's head by his right hand. His sword is suspended from a post at his left. His shield rests by the spear. In a corner is seen his helmet and breastplate. His clothing is thrown in a confused mass upon a smaller couch across the room. After tossing uneasily for a few moments the King awakes with a start and gazes wildly about him. He breathes heavily and almost instantly grasps his spear, leaping out of bed at the same time and gazing with fierce penetrating glances into every comer of the room which is bare of all furniture except what has been described').

Saul. By Almighty God my soul in torment is!

The Spirit from the Lord doth torment me The Spirit foul sent at Jehovah's word To punish me for sparing Amalek — For harkening unto the people's wish That I spare Agag and his mighty herds

S A U L

Of sheep and oxen fat as Bashan's bulls To make a sacrifice unto the Lord In place of killing everything that breathed As Jah ordained byth' mouth of Samuel. From that day forth am I a haunted man ! Haunted by this foul Demon from the Pit Which preys upon me when I wake or sleep. Anon It goes and I am Saul again Saul King of Israel — afraid of naught ! Anon It swoops upon me like a vulture foul And drags my soul unto the depths of Hell — Where it is smothered in a sea of woe — Unnerves my courage and unmans my soul Making me fearful as a timid maid Afraid to see her shadow in the dusk — When only stars are out and moon there's none. Anon It tortures me and makes me fierce — Fierce to shed blood — and shed it out of hand — That instant — while the mood doth prey on me. Nought can I do to master the vile Thing — Save that I will not let It make me kill. Would to the Lord It would take human shape That I might grapple It and take Its life Or pierce it with my spear and see It die And rid me of Its Hellish tyranny. Mine health is sound in body as in mind / knoio what aileth me and thus am sane And that this 111 will go — (a sombre pause) but —

come — again. (After a pause) I'll call me Doeg the stout

Edomite His stolid countenance doth hearten me To face the worst Jehovah e'en can send. Ho! Doeg. Thou Benjamite — come to thy King. (Enter Doeg in full armour, with a spear in his right hand, and a shield on his arm — his sword at his side. Doeg is a powerful man of sullen and forbidding countenance. In the prime of life. He has a scar running across his shaven face from the left eye-brow, dotvn his left cheek and across his chin made by a sivord

• SAUL 9

stroke in tattle. His voice is a low harsh gutter al. He bows low to the King and says) : Doeg. An 't please the King his servant stands at hand.

Saul. Well come stout Doeg. G — d ! my soul's in Hell

Tossing and tumbling in her waves of flame — I dreamed I'd lost the crown — and then awoke. Doeg. (Smiling grimly) Dreams go by contraries, my

mighty liege Dismiss the dream and be thyself once more — That self that is the Host of Israel's pride! To follow into battle at thy call — To hear thy clarion voice wild sound the charge As thou dost leap upon the sons of Amalek As leaps a leopard on a mountain ram !

(Saul sighs deeply and begins to pace the chamber in long stately strides carrying his javelin at arm? s length, grasped in the middle — the muscles of his powerful wrist standing out like cords, as he grips the spear — the arm rigid as though about to spring into a relaxed attitude and hurl the weapon.) Saul. Thy words, stout Doeg, do recall the joy

I ever feel when battle's in the wind. But I would speak with Rizpah — call my Queen I long to gaze upon her dauntless face — That face as proud as it is beautiful That face that facing Death would smile in scorn And bid the King of Terrors do his worst. Doeg. (Bowing loio) I go my liege to notify the Queen.

(Exit).

Saul. Now shall my sombre spirit find repose.

(Pacing slowly up and down the apartment, but far less tragically. His arm relaxed. The spear carried at a trail. He has hardly taken three turns of the room before Doeg enters and, bowing low says in a low subdued voice) — Doeg. My mighty liege — the Queen.

(There is a soft rustling sound heard and Rizpah enters clothed in a loose dark gown hastily thrown on. (Exit Doeg.) She is a tall, stately woman of a beautiful but stern countenance.

SAUL

Her hair is hanging loosely about her shoulders, and is as dark and lustrous as her eyes. Her gait is slow and stately characterized by an undulating feline movement suggestive of a panther in its grace and, reserve force. She somewhat hastens her usually slow, dignified movement as she enters the chamber and says — after crossing her hands upon her breast and bowing her head slightly as she advances — in slow low tones which have an arresting quality — a quality which suggests coldness and cruelty concealed under a mask of steel. At the same time there is a lurking vibration in the timbre of her voice which suggests depths of passion when the occasion appeals to her heart. Eizpah. My lord did send for me and I am here.

(Saul sighs happily and striding hastily to the couch places the spear in its usual position at its head. He then approaches the Queen with his arms extended. She notes the gesture and with a lithe sinuous movement springs swiftly toward him throwing her arms about his neck as she rests her head upon his breast. Saul sighs again profoundly and strokes her dark hair with his hand for a few moments. He then raises her face to his and kissing her long and passionately upon the lips says — after she has returned the caress with passionate tenderness — straining him to her bosom — and wrapping her arms about him— Saul. Daughter of Aiah — Eizpah — thoirrt well named

My passion-stone thou warm'st my frozen soul ! Eizpah. My King ! My glory ! I am ever here To do thy bidding be it what it may ! Saul. There spoke my bride — there spoke my soul's de-

light !

My love — my dove — my lily of the field ! Sweet as the honeycomb are thy rich lips Whose sweetness drowns the bitterness of life As dripping honey kills the sting in wine !

SAUL

Give me thy lips again, they soothe my soul As oil and unguents lull a throbbing wound.

{Embraces her once more long and passionately. Upon releasing her the Queen steps back a pace and regards Saul attentively. As she does so her face hardens and a look of deadly malignity gradually, slowly, spreads over her beautiful face driving away all hint of the passion which had but recently adorned and softened it. Slowly she hisses out in a low deadly whisper) : Hizpah. Th 1 accursed Thing hath been at thee again!

(Saul starts violently. Swiftly recovers himself and with it his natural air of haughty sternness. He says nothing for some moments. Meanwhile Rizpah continues to gaze upon him — her wonderful eyes dilating in their eagerness to pierce the mask of coldness which has instantly — upon hearing Rizpah's words — spreads itself over Saul's handsome but ominous countenance. Finally Saul says in icy tones) : Saul. Woman dar'st thou transgress my strict command

Dar'st touch upon this dark forbidden Thing! (The Queen shrinks before Saul's fierce glance and icy stern tones. She bows her head and crossing her hands across her beautiful breast, which has become slightly displayed by the ardour of Saul's and her own embrace, owing to the haste with which the loose robe — covering her full beautiful figure — had been thrown on, says in low subdued tones in which her recent anger is submerged in fear and humility) : Rizpah. My lord forgive thine handmaid ! I did err.

(Saul noting the sincere fear spreading over her countenance relaxes slightly his fearful sternness of look and tone and says in milder voice) : Saul. Thou knowest that's a subject ne'er's t' be broached.

(The Queen bows once more in humility, but his

12 SAUL,

new tones have eased the spasm of fear which had at his first outburst paralyzed her feelings. Saul once more .op ens his arms and once more she springs into their powerful and passionate embrace. After a long kiss the King raises his head and- begins once more to stroke her raven tresses. Suddenly he ceases to caress her and starting backward a pace says involuntarily — hissing the words from between clinched teeth — ras his eyes blaze with a deadly wrath and his right hand opens and shuts as though tightening its hold upon an invisible spear) — 'Tis come again! The Spirit seizeth me! And shooting a cold chill adown my spine Invades my heart and grasps each ventricle Prohibiting the egress of the blood !

(As he speaks he gasps for breath. The Queen starts back aghast and gazes upon his tortured visage with an expression in which the emotions of terror, hatred, passionate tenderness and dread, chase each other across her beautiful and delicately refined and chiselled features. Her bosom rises and falls in stormy waves of emotion as she does so. She finally clasps her hands upon her bosom and murmurs almost inarticulately) — Kizpah. O ! Ashtarothf Queen of the Heav'nly spheres Queen of the moon and all her countless stars Spouse of the mighty Baal list to me ! Prove now thy power o'er the dark God Jah — Prove that thou ruls't the world and doth rule

Him..

Save now my hero in his hour of woe!

(Saul rouses himself from the semi-stupor of horror and dread into which he has fallen upon the arrival of the Spirit from the Lord and listening avidly to her words gazes upon tThe plural and more euphonious form is here used in place of Ashtoreth — the singular.

SAUL 13

her in amazement in which fear and admiration commingle. The Queen pauses upon concluding her prayer as though to observe its effect upon the King. During this pause Saul regards her face with tender solicitude. Suddenly he bursts forth in an exultant shout as he dashes toward her and clutches her to his breast with spasmodic and hungry force) — Saul. By my victorious crown thy pray'r's been heard !

The Spirit doth take flight and leaves me free! {The Queen struggles away from her husband's passionate embrace, and falling upon her knees and raising her hands aloft says in broken accents, in which joy at the result of her prayer and awe of a Power which could so conquer the express emissary of the Lord of Hosts struggle for the mastery) : Eizpah. Hail Queen of Heaven ! Hear my thankful cry ! Thy power hath saved the King in direst need. Henceforth I worship thee — Thee sole for aye! The creed of Baal henceforth is my creed. Watch o'er my mighty Lord and 'fend his soul From ought the Lord of Hosts may aim to do Prosper his footsteps t'wards ambition's goal And cast thy divine shield over us two. Prosper our house and strengthen Saul's grand

reign Guard e'er our children from destruction's blight — Render Jehovah Jah's stern acts but vain — And hover over same when in the fight. Ashtaroth! Queen of Heaven! Hear my prayer And save thy daughter's heart from this dread care

(Saul who during this passionate prayer has stood as tho' > riveted to the floor by admiration and dread — admiration for her self-neglectful audacity and devotion in his behalf to thus brave the crimes of blasphemy and idolatry for his sake and in the desperate hope that Ashtaroth might prevail in the proposed contest with Jehovah — dread at the possible con-

14 SAUL

sequences to her and thereafter to himself. As she concludes the prayer he assists her to her feet and embraces he,r. with a tenderness and reverence in which no hint of his former passion is to be found. She returns his caresses in the same calm awed spirit. Finally he says in loio hushed tones — as different from his usual resonant clarion-like tones as the tvhisper of a breeze at sunset differs from the shriek of a storm at midnight) — Saul. My soul's delight! I fear thy dreadful words

Will bring destruction from Jehovah Jah. He is a Jealous God — He hath said so. Rizpah. What could be worse, my lord, than what He's sent — This Hell-malevolent — this fiendish Thing That shakes thy buttressed soul unto its base ! I've waited patiently in hopes 'twould cease Before I gave allegiance to strange Gods. But what moulds' t thou, my lord, we've but one life To spend within the mazes of this world And so I've shot nry bolt and th'issue bide Or good or ill my words do I stand by. Saul. My Queen and comrade in ambition's race.

Thy beauty and thy courage are as one —

{Knocking heard. Saul starts angrily and exclaims in stern tones as he steps back a pace from the Queen — who hastily arranges her attire, and pushes back her lovely and, lustrous hair from her face).

Who dares disturb the quiet of the King! Doeg. (From without. In tones in which fear has soft-

ened the usual brutal gruff ness and surliness) — An't please the King the Prophet Samuel Doth stand within the room in which I stand Saying he comes upon an errand which Brooks not delay — so near't regards the King. (As Doeg delivers his message Rizpah shrinks back aghast and turns pale. Saul also starts in concern and glances hastily at the Queen. He has scarcely done so when the deep stern

SAUL 15

tones of the Prophet Samuel — tones in which the judicial severity of his former office of Judge of Israel are blended with the dreamy accents of the mystic — penetrate the room). Samuel. Saul, son of Kish. I'd speak a word with thee. Rizpah. {Starting in cold scorn in which surprise is swallowed up in hatred) — Dares he address the King of Israel thus!

(Saul who has also started angrily at the tinwonted language to Majesty — instantly recovers himself and says in a low tone to the Queen) : Saul. Pardon his bluntness. He forgets himself,

His age and station merit our respect I'll ne'er forget 'twas he anointed me.

( The Queen appears somewhat appeased # at Saul's words and resumes her haughty calm — the calm habitual with her unless roused by passion of whatever nature. So soon as Saul sees that the Queen has recovered herself he says in calm tones in which his Kingly dignity unites with a note of veneration and friendliness ) — Be welcome Samuel, and enter straight.

(The door of the apartment is thereupon thrown open by Doeg and Samuel slowly and with majestic dignity enters the room. Samuel is a tall man with beard and hair snow-white. But possessing the vigour which all the Prophets possessed. His dress is a cross between a judicial robe and the rougher mantle of the Prophet. lie halts as he reaches the centre of the room and scrutinizingly surveys the face — first of the King then that of the Queen. Saul does not flinch under his penetrating glance. Neither does the Queen, tho^ each receives the look differently. Saul receives the glance with steady calm,, tempered with respect. Eizpah with haughty calm blended with animosity. Samuel notes the said various expressions and continues silent as though

16 SAUL

waiting to be addressed. Saul rouses himself with an effort and, inclining his head slightly says in gracious tones) : 'Tis long since I have gazed upon thy face It glads my heart to see that thou art well.

(Samuel stands motionless as these words leave Saul's lips, and remains motionless and silent for several moments. Finally he says in low cold tones in which there is no least trace of reverence or respect for Saul's high office, nor the least evidence of affection — or even friendliness) : Samuel. I come in time to save thee from a crime.

(Saul in spite of his mighty power of self-control starts violently at this evidence of the Prophetic power of the Prophet of the Lord. Bizpah turns pale and involuntarily glances upwards as though in prayer to Ashtaroth. Samuel notices both acts and drawing himself up to his full height says in tones of thunder as he fixes his large eyes — which in spite of his years — blaze with the fire of manhood — upon the calm but unequivocally hostile countenance of the Queen) : "Thou shalt have no other gods before me!" (As these terrible words leave the lips of the Prophet the Queen shrinks and cowers before him — though bravely maintaining a show of self-respect and even defiance. It is as though a swimmer — struggling valiantly feels himself carried away by the undertow. Saul starts once more and once more glances in deepest and tenderest sympathy towards the Queen. Samuel notes the effect of Us toords and after a pause, during tohich the Queen has made shift to recover her haughty calm — or at least brave remnants of it — says in lower but no less stem tones looking fiercely at the Queen as he speaks) :

SAUL

So thou dost love the harlot Ashtaroth The idol of the foul Sidonians !

(The Queen starts fiercely at this and says in fierce swift tones hissing out her words between her clinched teeth) : Eizpah. Old man beware ! Thou speakest to a Queen.

(Saul shrinks slightly at her boldness but a look •of admiration for it mingles with the concern spreading rapidly over his stern features. Samuel starts in anger and once more raising his voice thunders) : Samuel. Beware the anger of Jehovah Jah!

(The Queen shrinks palpably at these words but preserves her dauntless mien. Saul who has once more shrunk at the mention of the Lord, again regards the Queen loith a look of mingled admiration and concern. The Queen contents herself with fixing on Samuel a look of silent contempt. Samuel once more raises his voice and thunders forth) : Thy seed shall feed the ravens for this thing ! (Both Saul and the Queen shrink backwards and retreat a pace in horror and dismay at these sinister words. Samuel continues in the same thunderous tones) : Armoni and Mephibosheth shall die —

(The Queen shrieks out at this, and throioing

her hands and outstretched arms in Samuel's

direction falls on her knees before him and

gasps out as tears stream down her cheeks) —

Eizpah. Unsay those words my lord and I shall yield

And bow my will unto Jehovah Jah.

(Saul although less affected by Samuel's awful words also falls upon his knees and raises his hands in supplication towards Samuel as he gasps out in broken accents) : Saul. Spare these my sons my lord spare for my sake —

The sake of him whom thou hast crowned King ! (Samuel notes the effect of his words and continues in lower tones but no whit more friendly and no whit less stern) :

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Samuel. Bebellious pair I speak the words of God It is not what / will but what He will. It is not I that speak but 'tis the Lord Who thro' His Spirit thus inspireth me. I could not or I would not change thy doom. The day is past for change in each of you. The day hath been when I would weep full sore To say the words which but now left my lips. That day is gone and dead as the ' Dead Sea. I know the souls of each of ye toth' core Each is Ambition's slave and serves nought else. Each lusts for power and for nought beside Save in thy passion each doth lust for each. But 'tis not to speak thus have I now come I bear a Message from Jehovah Jah —

(At this both the Queen and Saul start in alarm. Samuel observes this and says in his usual tones of veiled disapproval) : The Lord is merciful — long-suffering. His Throne is mystery His Heart is love. He sent His Spirit to thee (turning to Saul who shrinks in spite of his heroic fortitude at the mention of this dread and mysterious visitation which has blasted his souVs repose) for thy* crime Thy flat rebellion at His expressed word That thou should'st slay and spare not Amalek. The Lord did honour thee and chose thee out To be the Sword of Vengeance in His name To drench the crime of Amalek in blood When Amalek did plot and lie in wait To slay and spoil the seed of Abraham When Israel was weak and he was strong. Jehovah then did sware a mighty oath The name of Amalek He'd blot from earth When in good time his dread hour doomed should

come.

That hour did dawn with thee the chosen man. And how dids't thou repay this honour done Unto thy name and fame by our dread God ! You feared your people but you feared not God.

SAUL

Rizpah.

Samuel.

You chose the people and you spurned the Lord Hoping t'increase thy popularity With sinful man in lieu of serve thy God. Because of this the Lord withdrew from thee And sent in's place a Spirit terrible That should supply the fear that thou dost lack Toward thy God but givest unto man. But as I've said the Lord is merciful And tho' thy doom is sealed He yet would have Thy life on earth as free from woe's may be. Hence am I come to show thee the one way Thou may'st combat the spirit haunteth thee — (Both Saul and the Queen start in joyful amazement at these unexpected -words. Samuel notes their effect and continues in a milder tone) : Music alone may soothe thy haunted breast And banish from thee thy dread Visitant. And I have now at hand a comely youth Who plays the harp with cunning unsurpassed. Him do I bring as gift fro' th' Most High God To soothe thy pilgrimage along the world.