l pleads
with him to remain, offering the hand of his daughter Merab as an
inducement. David (whose part is sung by a contralto) replies in a
beautiful aria, in which he attributes his success to the help of the
Lord alone. In the next four numbers the friendship of Jonathan and David
is cemented, which is followed by a three-verse hymn ("While yet thy Tide
of Blood runs high"), of a very stately character, sung by the High
Priest. In a few bars of recitative Saul betroths his daughter Merab to
David; but the girl replies in a very powerful aria ("My Soul rejects the
Thought with Scorn"), in which she declares her intention of frustrating
the scheme to unite a plebeian with the royal line. It is followed by a
plaintive but vigorous aria ("See with what a scornful Air"), sung by
Michal, who again gives expression to her love for David.

The next scene is entitled "Before an Israelitish City," and is prefaced
with a short symphony of a jubilant character. A brief recitative
introduces the maidens of the land singing and dancing in praise of the
victor, leading up to one of Handel's finest choruses, "Welcome, welcome,
Mighty King,"--a fresh, vigorous semi-chorus accompanied by the
carillons, in which Saul's jealousy is aroused by the superiority of
prowess attributed to David. It is followed by a furious aria, "With Rage
I shall burst, his Praises to hear." Jonathan laments the imprudence of
the women in making comparisons, and Michal suggests to David that it is
an old malady which may be assuaged by music, and in the aria, "Fell Rage
and black Despair passest," expresses her belief that the monarch can be
cured by David's "persuasive lyre."

The next scene is in the King's house. David sings an aria ("O Lord,
whose Mercies numberless"), followed by a harp solo; but it is in vain.
Jonathan is in despair, and Saul, in an aria ("A Serpent in my Bosom
warmed"), gives vent to his fury and hurls his javelin at David. The
latter escapes; and in furious recitative Saul charges his son to destroy
him. The next number is an aria for Merab ("Capricious Man, in Humor
lost"), lamenting Saul's temper; and Jonathan follows with a very
dramatic recitative and aria, in which he refuses to obey his father's
behest. The High Priest appeals to Heaven ("O Lord, whose Providence") to
protect David, and the first part closes with a powerful chorus,
"Preserve him for the Glory of Thy Name."

The second act is laid in the palace, and opens wit