Valentin Krasnogorov

Bathsheba

Drama in two acts

without interruption

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© Valentin Krasnogorov

VALENTIN KRASNOGOROV AND HIS PLAYS

Krasnogorov’s name is acclaimed by theatergoers in Russia and all over the world. His plays, which include The Dog, Premiere After Party, Small Tragedies, Let’s Have Sex!, The Delights Of Adultery, The Fall of Don Juan, Now or Never, Ladies by Ad, Love Medicine, Pelicans of The Wilderness, Several Hours From the Lives of a Man and a Woman, That Weak Gentle Sex, The Bride’s Room, The Cruel Lesson, and Visit of a Young Lady, et al. have been positively received by critics and audiences alike. The 60 plays he has written to date have been performed in more than 1600 theaters.

Krasnogorov’s plays have been directed by many prominent theater directors. The critical assessment that “Krasnogorov’s plays cross borders easily” is no empty praise: they have been translated into more than 30 foreign languages, and performed in Australia, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Great Britain, India, Mongolia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Turkey, Ukraine, the USA, and elsewhere. Plays from the Krasnogorov catalogue have received numerous awards for best drama at various theater festivals.

Krasnogorov’s theatrical mastery spans a wide range of unique talents and skills. It is the combination of biting satire, a keen sense of humor, the art of the grotesque and the absurd, tender lyricism, and a deep appreciation of human nature that makes Krasnogorov’s theater pieces so sought after, so delightful, so delectable. The conflicts in his plays are beautifully balanced out by their easy yet brilliant dialogue, lively dynamics, and gripping narratives. The author’s witty plots and paradoxical situations are quick to draw readers and audiences into the world created by his imagination.

In addition to drama, Valentin Krasnogorov has written novellas, short stories, and essays. His biography is included in the Marquis Who’s Who in the World (USA), the International Who’s Who of Intellectuals (Cambridge, England), and other publications.

"Basic of Dramaturgy. Theory, technique and practice of drama", Krasnogorov’s book on the essence of drama, has earned praise from notable figures in the theater. He is also the founder and first president of the Dramatists Guild of St. Petersburg.

32 translations of Krasnogorov's plays in English, French, and German are now available as Amazon e-books.

PREFACE

The biblical story of King David's sinful love for the beautiful Bathsheba (Second Book of Kings) is widely known. The unflagging interest in it is caused by the knot of moral problems raised in this story, which are actively discussed to this day and have not found a clear solution. In addition, since Bathsheba is the mother of the famous King Solomon and thus gave a continuation to the family from which, according to the Gospel, Christ came, her figure has attracted the attention of scholars, writers and artists for centuries.

Almost every major artist (Hans Memling, P. Rubens, J. Massys, K. van Haarlem, D. Guercino, A. Gentileschi, K. Drost, H. Rembrandt, F. Hayez, S. Ricci, P. Lastman, J.-L. Gérôme, Karl Bryullov, Alexander Ivanov, P. Cézanne, Marc Chagall, J. Ulan) dedicated his painting to Bathsheba. Naturally, her dramatic story is an attractive plot for a play.

CHARACTERS

DAVID, King of Israel

LAVAN, his confidant

NATHAN, high priest

URIA, warrior

BATHSHEВA, his wife

MESSENGER

The action takes place in the 10th century BC in the royal palace.

Annotation

The play is based on the famous biblical story of the Israeli king David and Bathsheba, whom he unjustly took from her husband (Second Book of Samuel, chapters 11 and 12, chapters 11 and 12). 5 (4) male, 1 female role. Interior.

Scene 1.

A spacious room in the royal palace, towering high above the city. Two doors: one for visitors, the other to the king's private chambers. One end of the room opens onto a wide balcony overlooking Jerusalem. Enter King David and his confidant LAVAN. David, without stopping, walks back and forth around the room.

DAVID: Lavan, what else do we have for today?

LAVAN. You have worked enough today, my king. You need to rest.

DAVID: I am concerned about the state of the army.

LAVAN: You have nothing to worry about. Yoab is an experienced commander, everything is going according to the plan.

DAVID: However, the siege of Rabbah [1] has been going on for a whole year.

LAVAN. Rabbah is a large and well-fortified city, not easy to take.

DAVID: Not easy, but important. If we don't destroy the Ammonite capital now, they will attack us again.

LAVAN. Joab has reported that he will soon achieve a decisive success. When the time for the assault approaches, I advise you to go to the army and take command. Otherwise, Joab will take all the glory of the victory for himself.

DAVID: Do you think so? (Continues pacing.) Perhaps I will.

LAVAN: Now rest, my king. You have had a hard day.

DAVID: It is not this day that has tired me. It is life itself that has tired me. Since I was sixteen I have been fighting continually. With the Philistines, the Amolalikites, the Arameans, the Moabites, the Philistines again, and so on without end. It is not easy.

LAVAN. Go out on the balcony, breathe in the fresh air, admire your city. After all, it was you who built Jerusalem and made it the capital. Look at the work of your hands, and your heart will feel lighter.

DAVID. (Going out onto the balcony, admiring the city.) When you look at such a view, you feel closer to God.

LAVAN. Yes. The Holy City.

DAVID. (Something has caught his eye. He leans over the balustrade and peers intently.) Look, what a miracle!

LAVAN. A woman.

DAVID. Naked. In the city center, right next to the palace.

LAVAN. She bathes in her closed yard. No one sees her.

DAVID: But we see it from above.

LAVAN: She doesn't realize it.

DAVID: How beautiful she is! And so young!

They both continue to watch with interest.

LAVAN. Here is a maid wrapping her in a towel.

DAVID: Too bad. You don't know who she is?

LAVAN: No. But I can find out. One of the guards, I believe, lives near her house.

DAVID: Then find out.

LAVAN: Good. I'll make inquiries tomorrow.

DAVID. (Without taking his eyes off the spectacle that captivated him, commandingly.) Not tomorrow, now.

LAVAN: Yes, my king. If that guard is on duty now, I'll know everything in a minute.

LAVAN goes out. David continues to watch, but after a while he slams his fist on the railing in annoyance: the girl has obviously disappeared into the house. David paces on the balcony, then rushes to the balustrade again and watches to see if the woman comes out again. LAVAN returns.

DAVID: Well? Did you find out?

LAVAN: Yes.

DAVID. Look, she came out again, this time in a dress. But she's wonderfully beautiful even dressed. So who is this girl?

LAVAN. Bathsheba, daughter of Eliam.

DAVID: Who is Eliam?

LAVAN: I don't know. He's somewhere far away. She has neither father nor mother with her.

DAVID: So she lives alone?

LAVAN. Now alone.

DAVID: What do you mean, "now"? In general?

LAVAN: Actually, she has a husband.

DAVID. Husband? (Darkening.) What a pity. (He glances at Bathsheba's house.) And where is this husband? Why isn't he with her?

LAVAN: He is in your army, fighting near Rabbah.

DAVID; What is his name?

LAVAN. Uriah. Of the tribe of the Hittites. You probably know him.

DAVID. Uriah the Hittite? Of course I know! We fought together many times. A brave warrior, one of my best centurions. Once he even saved my life. (He goes back to the balcony railing.)

LAVAN: Do you still need me today, or can I leave?

DAVID; (Absentmindedly) No, you can go.

LAVAN. Thank you. (Bows and heads for the exit.)

DAVID: Wait!

LAVAN stops.

I want to see her.

LAVAN. (Going to the edge of the balcony.) There she is. You see her.

DAVID; Bring her here to me.

LAVAN. But, my king…

DAVID: What's the matter?

LAVAN. After all, she is someone else's wife, and our morals are strict on this matter... There could be serious consequences...

DAVID: Don't let them bother you.

LAVAN: They should worry you, not me.

DAVID: I said bring her.

LAVAN: Well, I'll try to do it tomorrow.

DAVID: Not tomorrow. Now.

LAVAN. But…

DAVID: What "buts" can there be if the king commands?

LAVAN. None... But...

DAVID: Or is it too late? It's very close, right at the palace, not far to go.

LAVAN: Of course, but what shall I tell her?

DAVID: Just that the king wants to see her. Isn't that enough?

LAVAN. (Uncertainly.) Yes, of course. But the husband is the master of a woman, not the king.

DAVID: But you yourself said that she is alone now.

LAVAN: Yes, of course. Alone now.

DAVID: Then bring her! How many times do I have to repeat it?

LAVAN: I fear, sir, that this will be a mistake.

DAVID: Do as you are told.

LAVAN: Very well, sir. But what if she refuses to come?

DAVID: What do you mean, “will refuse”?

LAVAN: Do you want me to bring her by force?

DAVID: Of course not. But don't come back without her.

LAVAN: I'll try, but...

DAVID: Take a guard with you, just in case.

LAVAN: Why?

DAVID: Well... When she sees the guard with a sword in his hands, she will understand that it is better not to neglect the king's invitation. Go.

LAVAN goes out. David waits impatiently. Time drags on for him. Finally, LAVAN returns.

Are you alone? Where is she?

LAVAN. I left her outside the door. She is waiting for permission to enter.

DAVID: Why were you gone for so long?

LAVAN: She was not so easy to persuade.

DAVID: But she still agreed?

LAVAN. You could say that. But if it weren't for the guards...

LAVAN: Very well, let her in and leave us. But be somewhere nearby.

LAVAN brings Bathsheba in and, at a sign from David, goes out.

BATHSHEВA (Falling on her knees.) Great King!

DAVID. (He hurries to lift her up.) Get up. You have not come to the king, but to a friend's house.

BATHSHEВA How can a great king be a friend to a simple woman?

DAVID: I am a friend to all my subjects. Sit down. I am glad you agreed to come.

BATHSHEВA (Remaining standing, corrects the king.) They brought me.

DAVID: I hope Lavan didn't force you and was polite? If not, I'll punish him.

BATHSHEВA: No, there was no compulsion. Your nobleman invited me very politely, and very politely stood two guards, one with a sword, the other with a whip.

DAVID. Guards? Even two? But I never asked him to come with guards! I don't understand why he took them with him.

BATHSHEВA: Then they politely took me by the arms… And here I am.

DAVID. My Lavan has gone too far. I'll have to scold him. What are you standing there for? Sit down.

BATHSHEВA: Who am I that I should sit in the presence of the great king?

DAVID. You are my guest. Sit down. (He tries to make Bathsheba sit down. She steps back.)

BATHSHEВA. Thank you, I'll stand. I won't be long, will I?

DAVID: Are you afraid of me?

BATHSHEВA: No. I know that the great king will not offend a defenseless woman. Everyone praises your righteousness.

DAVID: Well, then sit down and let's talk. Here's wine, here's fruit. Help yourself. (He pours wine into glasses.) The rumors about my righteousness are exaggerated, but you have nothing to fear.

BATHSHEВA (Still standing.) Tell me why you called me, and I will go away, so as not to disturb the great king in his affairs of state.

DAVID: Well... I just happened to find out... Someone told me that your husband Uriah is with the army at the siege of Rabbah. And I'm just about to send a messenger there. So I thought: maybe you'd like to take the opportunity and send your husband a letter?

BATHSHEВA: Thank you, that is not necessary.

DAVID: You don't even want to send him greetings?

BATHSHEВA: He will be very surprised if I send him greetings through the king.

DAVID: I’ve known Uriah for a long time. A brave and loyal warrior. You could say he’s my friend.

BATHSHEВA: Then all the more reason for us not to hold evening conversations here.

DAVID: Why don't you eat or drink anything?

BATHSHEВA: I am not hungry. Allow me to retire, great king.

DAVID: Why do you always call me "great king"?

BATHSHEВA: Because you are a great king.

DAVID; I have a name.

BATHSHEВA. Only friends are addressed by name.

DAVID: Am I not your friend?

BATHSHEВA: What have I done to deserve this?

DAVID: With your beauty.

BATHSHEВA: Friendship has nothing to do with beauty.

DAVID: Unless we're talking about friendship with a woman.

BATHSHEВA. Such friendship is called by another name.

DAVID: I won’t argue. Let's call things by their proper names. It's love.

BATHSHEВA. Whose to whom?

DAVID: Mine to you.

BATHSHEВA: I fear my situation is worse than I thought.

DAVID; It's better than you could have dreamed.

BATHSHEВA: I dream of returning home as soon as possible.

DAVID: Is that all you can say in response to words of love?

BATHSHEВA How can you love me if you have never seen me?

DAVID; I saw you.

BATHSHEВA. When? Where?

DAVID: Today. Half an hour ago. When the maid was bathing you in your yard.

BATHSHEВA. That’s impossible! My courtyard is surrounded by high walls.

DAVID; (He leads Bathsheba to the balcony.) Look.

BATHSHEВA. (Seeing her yard, open as if in the palm of her hand.) God, how shameful! (Involuntarily covers her face with a shawl.)

DAVID; You have nothing to be ashamed of. Uncover your face. You are beautiful.

BATHSHEВA: You should be ashamed. Such behavior is not becoming for a king. You are not a street boy peeking through cracks.

DAVID: I'm ashamed, but I don't regret it at all. I repeat - you are beautiful.

BATHSHEВA. When you are very thirsty, even vinegar seems like sweet wine.

DAVID: You are the sweet wine.

BATHSHEВA: Let me go.

DAVID: Not now. How old are you?

BATHSHEВA. Nineteen.

DAVID: The best time for love. And I'm fifty-two.

BATHSHEВA: Then your best time is past.

DAVID; Why are you so unfriendly to me?

BATHSHEВA: I have great respect for the great king.

DAVID: The king is also a man.

BATHSHEВA: But first and foremost, a king. Wise and just. And therefore he will let me go.

DAVID: You have nowhere to hurry. After all, your husband is not at home.

BATHSHEВA: My husband is in the army now, fighting for the king. You shouldn’t forget that.

DAVID: I remember.

BATHSHEВA: When will this war finally end?

DAVID: Soon.

BATHSHEВA: Let me go.

DAVID. Tomorrow morning. (He tries to embrace her. Bathsheba avoids him.)

BATHSHEВA. You are a great king. Everyone praises you. Why do you want to tarnish your glory with a base act?

DAVID; The reason is simple: I fell in love with you.

BATHSHEВA: Just because you shamelessly saw me naked half an hour ago? And you call that “love”?

DAVID: Love can flare up in a second, and it is not in the power of a man.

BATHSHEВA: But you are a king, and you must rule yourself.

DAVID. The king is a symbol of power. But it is not the symbol that loves and wants you, but a person, a man.

BATHSHEВA: But to win me, you use not the charm of a man, but the power of a king.

DAVID: I am impatient, and this way is the shortest and fastest.

BATHSHEВA. And the most shameful.

David tries to embrace Bathsheba again, but she avoids it.

DAVID: Stop being stubborn.

BATHSHEВA: King, do you care what people say about you? For everyone will say, and if they don't say it, they'll think: What kind of a man rules us, if while we fight he seduces our women?

DAVID: But we won't announce our meeting to the people through a herald in the square. No one will know anything.

BATHSHEВA. That won't make your action any better. If you don't pity me, think of yourself. It won't do you any good.

DAVID: I have nothing to fear: my throne stands firm.

BATHSHEВA. The kingdom is not maintained by force and fear, but by justice and kindness.

DAVID: I will be kind to you. And one small misdeed, even if it is not very righteous, won’t change anything.

BATHSHEВA: You are mistaken. It is easy to step on an unrighteous path, but difficult to leave it. One action will lead to another, and that to a third… You’ll see, you yourself will regret it.

DAVID. Bathsheba, my desire for you may be unjust, perhaps my desire for you is unrighteous, but your beauty is to blame. Has anyone ever told you how incredibly beautiful you are? You are like a precious diamond. And a diamond needs the right setting. (He takes a sparkling necklace and tries to put it on Bathsheba's neck. She avoids it.) Don't you like this necklace?

BATHSHEВA: It does not suit my modest dress.

DAVID: Take it off, and I'll give you another, much more beautiful one. And more than one.

BATHSHEВA: I like mine.

DAVID: Don't refuse. It's just a gift from the heart.

BATHSHEВA. From the heart, but not a pure one. Better reward my husband for his faithful service than his wife for her infidelity.

DAVID: I’ll reward him if his wife behaves wisely.

BATHSABIA. You are a great king, you have created and strengthened the state, expanded the borders and conquered enemies. You have defeated the giant Goliath. Tell me, why do you need another victory - over a weak woman?

DAVID: I see that this weak woman has a strong character.

BATHSHEВA: How else can I defend myself?

DAVID: Do you love your Uriah so much?

BATHSHEВA: My relations with my husband are not a matter of state. They should not interest the great king.

DAVID. (Angrily.) Enough! (He pulls himself together.) Stop calling me the great king. I am David to you, do you understand? David!

BATHSHEВA: Yes, great king.

DAVID: And if you want to know, in childhood, I was a simple shepherd, the youngest of eight children. I tended sheep, and a crust of bread seemed like a delicacy to me.

BATHSHEВA: The whole country knows your story, David, but it was a long time ago.

DAVID. Aha, finally you called me David! That means I've already achieved something.

BATHSHEВA: I'll call you whatever you like, just let me go.

DAVID: No, I'll get you first. I have a strong character too. Do you think it was easy to be a shepherd in the desert? I fought bears and lions while protecting my sheep, even though I was just a boy. I fought and won.

BATHSHEВA: And now it seems you are going to conquer a lamb, and you are proud of it. How low have you fallen, king.

DAVID: You're too bold with your tongue. Be careful.

BATHSHEВA: When you were a shepherd, you protected the defenseless. Now that you are king, you look upon them as your prey.

DAVID: Yes, I am the king, and the king can not only ask, but also command.

BATHSHEВA: Sometimes you want me to call you by your name, not king, and sometimes you remind me that you are king. I don't forget that.

DAVID; (Struggling to control his irritation.) Do you really think that I am going to force you to submit? I am not like that. If you want to go home, go.

BATHSHEВA: Can I really go?

DAVID; This is not a prison. You are free. And take the necklace, it is yours. I do not take back my gifts.

BATHSHEВA: Keep it. I don't deserve it.

DAVID: Go away! Lavan will see you out.

BATHSHEВA: I can walk myself, my lord. My house is nearby.

DAVID: No, it would be rude to throw a guest out onto the street. Lavan brought you, and he will take you back.

DAVID claps his hands. LAVAN comes in at the call.

Take this girl home. (He approaches Lavan closely and says a few words to him in a low voice.)

LAVAN: I understand, sir.

DAVID. Goodbye, Bathsheba. Forgive me if I have offended you in any way. (He goes to his chambers.)

BATHSHEВA: So can I go? Right now?

LAVAN. Why are you in such a hurry?

BATHSHEВA: I'm in no hurry, but I feel uncomfortable here. I want to get home as soon as possible.

LAVAN: Is anyone here treating you badly?

BATHSHEВA: No.

LAVAN: What are you afraid of?

BATHSHEВA: I don't know. I'm just afraid.

LAVAN: Both I and the king, we wish you only good.

BATHSHEВA: I know.

LAVAN. We have caused you some inconvenience, and I would like to make it up to you somehow. (Puts a heavy purse in front of Bathsheba.) I have been to your house and I saw that you live quite modestly. With this money you will be able to buy yourself a new house. A very fine house.

BATHSHEВA: Money isn’t given for nothing. I won’t take it.

LAVAN. Take it, don't be shy. Money is money. It's always better with it than without it.

BATHSHEВA. A good name is worth more than money.

LAVAN: I'm very sorry, but forget about your good name. You've already been alone with the king in his chambers, and it can't be hidden.

BATHSHEВA (Astonished.) But you know, we were just talking!

LAVAN: Who will believe this?

BATHSHEВA: If I return quickly and you remain silent, no one will know about it.

LAVAN: The whole street saw you being led to the king.

BATHSHEВA: The whole street saw that I was being taken away by force.

LAVAN. What does this change? And who will confirm it?

BATHSHEВA: But everyone saw the guards!

LAVAN. Everyone saw how they guarded you. Everyone understood that you were going to the palace at the invitation of the king. And everyone understood why.

BATHSHEВA: But you yourself said then that I was only invited for five minutes, and that I shouldn’t dare to resist you.

LAVAN: Who heard this?

Bathsheba looks around helplessly. There is no way out of the trap.

BATHSHEВA: I want to go.

LAVAN: I’ll escort you.

BATHSHEВA: I'll get there myself.

LAVAN. You heard: the king ordered me to escort you. And any wishes of the king must be fulfilled. You understand – any.

BATHSHEВA: But I want to go back alone.

LAVAN: Fine, go.

Bathsheba, rejoicing at her release, goes out. However, after some time she returns.

BATHSHEВA: There are guards at the exit. They won't let me out.

LAVAN. I forgot to give them orders. (He goes out and returns a moment later.) You may go.

Bathsheba, not daring to believe him, takes a few hesitant steps toward the exit. LAVAN continues.

But first, listen to my advice. It's not difficult to come back. But have you thought about what happens next?

BATHSHEВA. (Stopping.) And what could happen?

LAVAN. Anything. What if someone destroys your house... There are plenty of bandits roaming around at night... Or someone kidnaps you and takes you away into slavery. You know, that happens often with beautiful women.

BATHSHEВA: What are you getting at?

LAVAN: I'm not getting at anything, I'm just thinking. Or, for example, your husband...

BATHSHEВA. What about my husband?

LAVAN. He is a soldier, and anything can happen in war. We all walk God’s hand/

Bathsheba freezes at the exit. LAVAN continues.

Why are you stopping? Go. But remember how the people treat unfaithful wives: they stone them. Such is the law and custom.

BATHSHEВA: But I am innocent, and you know it!

LAVAN. Of course, you are innocent. But who cares whether you are guilty or not? Needless to say, the punishment is disgusting, but many people like to watch it. And even more enjoy to participate in it.

Bathsheba returns and sinks into a chair, exhausted. LAVAN continues.

Of course, I'm not saying that all this will definitely happen. I'm just saying that it could happen. It all depends on various reasons, including your intelligence and ability to make the right decisions.

Bathsheba is silent. LAVAN continues.

There can be a lot of trouble. On the other hand, nothing bad can happen to those who are under the protection and patronage of the king. Because the king is the king, and those who have realized this never repent. They do not know poverty, they live in safety…

BATHSHEВA: Until now I also thought that I lived in safety.

LAVAN. (As if not hearing her, continues to think out loud.) And who are we to oppose the will of the king, before whom nations and whole kingdoms bow? All he has to do is lift a finger, and…

BATHSHEВA (Interrupting.) Enough, I understand. Call him.

LAVAN. (With slight irony, bowing.) Yes, queen. (He goes to the king.)

Bathsheba is left alone. Her pose expresses despair and hopelessness. David enters.

DAVID. (Feigning great surprise at Bathsheba's presence.) Are you still here? I thought you had gone long ago.

BATHSHEВA: No, I've changed my mind.

DAVID: But you are staying completely voluntarily, aren't you?

BATHSHEВA: Yes, of course. I came here voluntarily, accompanied by guards, and I remain here voluntarily. Lavan, at your command, explained everything to me very well.

DAVID: I didn't give him any orders. You know I let you go.

BATHSHEВA. Let me go to detain me. Don't be hypocritical, David. You didn't want to threaten me and order me around, so you let Lavan play the role so you could look kind and decent. The play was very well played. It's worthy of a great king.

DAVID. You blame me in vain. I am ready to let you go even now. You are free.

BATHSHEВA. Stop playing this comedy. I am not a fool, and I know I am in a mousetrap. Lavan will not let me leave anyway, and there are guards at the exit. I am packed and delivered. All that remains is for you to get me. So do your job.

DAVID: So you agree?

BATHSHEВA: I don't agree, but what choice do I have?

DAVID: Then shall we go?

BATHSHEВA: Let's go.

Both go to the king's chambers.

Scene 2. Two weeks later

At first the room is empty. LAVAN enters, holding several scrolls. He carefully arranges them on the table. David emerges from his private chambers.

LAVAN. Good evening, king.

DAVID. (Cheerfully.) This is a really wonderful evening! What are you doing?

LAVAN: I'm preparing your meeting with the Egyptian ambassador. (Pointing to the scrolls he brought.) Here are the treaties. You need to look them over before you sign them.

DAVID. I’m not in the mood for work right now. (Goes out onto the balcony.) Look, what a beautiful sunset!

LAVAN: I am glad that the king is in a good mood.

DAVID: Because I'm happy, Lavan. I've never been so happy in my life!

LAVAN: To tell you the truth, when I brought her here two weeks ago, I thought you would only need her for one night. But here we are, two weeks have passed, and you are hardly ever apart from her.

DAVID. And I will never part with her. From the first minute I saw her, I thought I was in love. But in reality, I only wanted her. And now I can't live without her.

LAVAN: But she speaks to you coldly, comes reluctantly and never by her own free will.

DAVID: Everything will change, I'm sure. And, you know, she's not only beautiful, but she's also damn smart. You won't believe it, but I'm learning from her how to run a state.

DAVID: Do you think she's smarter than your advisers?

DAVID: Since I became the "great king", they stopped telling me the truth. And she is the only one in the whole kingdom who is not afraid of me.

LAVAN: What does she advise you?

DAVID: Well, she doesn't really give any advice. It's just that listening to her makes me realize my mistakes.

LAVAN: What mistakes are you talking about?

DAVID. I was a darling of fortune from my youth. Unexpectedly and relatively quickly, I became a king from a shepherd. I won several battles. They began to call me a winner, a liberator, a savior, and so on. And I believed it.

LAVAN: But it is true!

DAVID: That may be true. But it is not the whole truth. The days when I slept on the bare ground, hid from the rain in caves and marched in the front ranks of the army are long gone. Now I have several palaces, and I have no idea how ordinary people live. People like I once was.

LAVAN: So what advices does she give you?

DAVID: None, I told you. I got used to having my wishes fulfilled without question and have forgotten how to restrain and control my desires. And gradually I forgot that first of all I am the king of my people. And it is them I must think about and care for first and foremost—even for my own benefit. Is greatness in closing yourself off from them in a palace surrounded by guards?

LAVAN: You are slandering yourself.

Enter Bathsheba.

DAVID. (Joyfully.) I can't believe my eyes! Usually I have to bring you to me almost by force, and suddenly you’ve come on your own, without being called. Could it be that you missed me?

Bathsheba is silent.

Fine, don't answer. The main thing is that you came. And I missed you.

BATHSHEВA: We saw each other yesterday.

DAVID: Yes. But it seems to me that it was a long time ago.

BATHSHEВA: I want to talk to you.

LAVAN. (Hastily.) Sir, in a few minutes you have a meeting with the Egyptian ambassador.

BATHSHEВA (Insistently.) King, I must speak to you. And I do not wish to postpone this conversation.

LAVAN: The meeting is very important. The ambassador will be offended if you cancel it.

DAVID: There is nothing more important to me than meeting Bathsheba.

LAVAN. (Resignedly.) What shall I say to the ambassador?

DAVID: Whatever you want. (He dismisses LAVAN with a gesture.)

LAVAN exits.

Well, what were you going to tell me? I hope something very good?

BATHSHEВA: Yes. Very. And at the same time very bad.

DAVID: Tell the bad news first, then the good news.

BATHSHEВA: I bring not two pieces of news, but one: you will have a son.

DAVID: This is wonderful!

BATHSHEВA: Are you glad?

DAVID. I'm not glad, I'm happy! Aren't you?

BATHSHEВA: To give birth to a new life is a great joy. But what shall I tell to my husband?

DAVID: No need to say anything. He'll think it's his son.

BATHSHEВA: Do you want your son to be considered not yours?

DAVID; (After a pause.) I didn’t think about that.

BATHSHEВA: I think about this and many other things. The trouble is that Uriah will not believe in his paternity. And no one will.

DAVID: Why?

BATHSABIA. And how can he believe it? When we first met you asked me what my relationship with my husband was like. Now I’ll answer. I first saw him on our wedding day. That was a year ago. We spent five days together, after which he went off to the army to gain glory for his king. I have never seen him since. All my neighbors know this.

DAVID; (Amazed.) You haven't seen your husband for a whole year?!

BATHSHEВA: I might as well say I never saw him at all.

DAVID: To be honest, I'm glad about it.

BATHSHEВA: Yes, of course. Why should a king think of anyone or anything but himself? And what will become of me? My husband has been gone for a year, and his wife has a child. Have you forgotten that by law a woman is stoned for fornication?

DAVID: The man too.

BATHSHEВA. But sentences against men are never carried out. And especially not against kings. So don't worry about yourself.

DAVID: Don't worry either. I won't let anyone hurt you.

BATHSHEВA. It is easier to promise than to fulfill. And what will become of my husband? He will lose his honor, his wife’s fidelity, his military glory. Did you think of all this when you sent guards to fetch me?

David, confused and alarmed, remains silent.

And you too may not escape consequences. Uriah is loved in the army. Can you imagine how outraged the army will be when they find out what "feats" you are performing here in bed while they are dying under the walls of Rabbah?

LAVAN. (Entering.) Sire, the Egyptian ambassador…

DAVID; (Interrupting.) To hell with the ambassador! Get out!

LAVAN disappears.

Bathsheba, calm down, everything will work out. We'll think of something.

BATHSHEВA: What can you come up with here?

David walks restlessly around the room, wondering how to find a way out of this unpleasant situation.

DAVID: Here’s what we’ll do: I'll write to Joab and tell him to send Uriah here immediately on some errand.

BATHSHEВA: And then what?

DAVID: Your husband will spend two nights with you, and then I will send him back. And when you have a child in nine months, no one will be able to say that you have not seen your husband.

BATHSHEВA: So you push me into his arms? After all the declarations of love?

DAVID; (Embarrassed.) But he is still your husband.

BATHSHEВA: You finally remembered it.

DAVID: And you don't have to sleep with him. You absolutely don't have to! The important thing is that everyone knows he spent a few nights at home.

BATHSABIA: So I must tell him: "Sorry, dear husband, you have come from the army, you have not seen me for a year, you are homesick, but the king has forbidden me to share your bed." Right?

DAVID: Well, I don’t know… You’ll say that you’re sick… Or something else…

BATHSHEВA: Stop pretending that it will be so. You know very well how I will have to meet my husband when he returns from the war.

DAVID: But the thought of you being together is unbearable to me.

BATHSHEВA: You yourself suggest this trick.

DAVID: Because I see no other way out. The only way to save you from shame.

BATHSHEВA: And yourself from the scandal.

DAVID: We’ll have to go along with this plan.

BATHSHEВA (Bitterly.) Now I know your worth. However, I am no better myself.

DAVID: It's not your fault. If anyone is to blame, it's me.

BATHSHEВA: But others will have to pay for your guilt.

Scene 3. Five days later

The same hall. LAVAN enters and carefully knocks on the door of the king's private chambers.

LAVAN. Great king!.. David! (Knocks again.)

DAVID; (Coming out at the call.) What's the matter?

LAVAN: Sorry to bother you.

DAVID: Did something happen?

LAVAN. No, nothing. (After a pause.) Uriah has arrived.

DAVID. Already? So soon? Where is he?

LAVAN. He sits and waits in the reception area. He says he didn't even go home. He went straight to the palace.

DAVID: That's good.

LAVAN: Should I call him?

DAVID: Wait. First, order some wine and food. The best.

LAVAN. (Pointing to the richly laid table.) The table is already set.

DAVID: Very good. It would be nice to bring a dancer too.

LAVAN: It's late, but I'll try to look.

DAVID: Give me the crown, please.

LAVAN hands the king a crown and throws a gold-embroidered robe over his shoulders. David sits down and assumes a majestic appearance.

DAVID: Now you can let him in. And while we're talking, get Bathsheba out of here. Through the other exit.

LAVAN. I understand. (Goes to the visitors' door, opens it, and calls Uriah.) Uriah, come in!

Uriah enters and bows low before the king.

URIA: Great king!

DAVID; (Graciously) Come here, Uriah. What is your purpose in coming to us?

URIAH: Joab has given me your command to appear.

DAVID. (With feigned surprise.) My command? But I gave no such order at all!

URIAH: (Confused.) Great king… I… Joab…

DAVID: I simply asked him to send me a messenger with a report on the state of the army and to choose a good warrior for this. After all, being a messenger to the king is a great honor. According to custom, he receives a gift, he is given the opportunity to stay at home for a day or two, to rest with his family…

URIAH: King, I really don’t know… Joab…

DAVID: It's all right, Uriah, don't be embarrassed. I'm glad that Joab chose you, my best centurion, for this mission.

URIA: Thank you, sir.

DAVID; How quickly you arrived. I wrote to Yoav only five days ago, and here you are.

URIA: I rode day and night. I even wore my horse out.

DAVID: That is commendable, but there was no need to be in such a hurry. You have exhausted both yourself and your horse.

URIA: How could I do otherwise? After all, I was going at the king's summons.

DAVID: You always had a strong sense of duty. (To LAVAN.) Lavan, go and find a gift for Uriah worthy of him.

LAVAN: Yes, sir.

DAVID. And see that the best horse from my stable is given to Uriah for his return journey. (He makes a discreet sign with his hand to LAVAN.)

LAVAN. (Nodding understandingly.) Yes, sir. (He goes out through the door leading to the king's private chambers.)

DAVID. Probably not only the horse, but you too have not eaten all the way. Sit down here, at this table, and let us strengthen ourselves together.

URIA: But I'm all covered in dust... Forgive me for this appearance... I just came from the road.

DAVID: A soldier who has just galloped back from the front should look like that. You’re not some perfumed courtier whose only occupation is trying on luxurious outfits. Sit down, don't be shy.

URIA: It is not fitting for a simple soldier to sit at the same table with the king.

DAVID: Leave off this idle talk. Have you forgotten how we shared bread with you when we hid from the Philistines in the desert?

URIA: But you were not king then.

DAVID. What difference does it make? I am still the same, Uriah, I am still the same David and your friend as before. Or do you no longer consider me your friend? Was it not you who once saved me from a flying arrow?

URIA: Even now I am ready to give my life for you.

DAVID: I know, Uriah. Sit down.

URIA: (Still standing.) This is the message from Joab, my lord.

DAVID. (Takes the report and puts it aside.) We will read it later. Why should I read a letter when I have a living eyewitness sitting before me?

David leads the messenger to the table. Both sit down. David pours wine for Uriah.

To your health, friend!

URIA: Thank you, King.

DAVID: How is the siege of Rabbah progressing?

URIA: The city has very strong walls, and the besieged have large supplies of water, food and weapons. But we have them in a vice.

DAVID: When do you think the city will fall?

URIA: Everything is ready for the decisive battle. But many more of our people will die at the walls.

DAVID: I intend to join the army soon and lead the assault.

URIA: You have no right to expose yourself to danger. You have military leaders.

DAVID: But I don't want to sit safe in the palace while my men risk their lives. Eat, Uriah.

At the discretion of the theater, an episode with a dancer performing an erotic oriental dance can be inserted here. David hopes to facilitate the implementation of his plan with this. LAVAN returns an, bowing, hands David a richly embroidered purse.

LAVAN: Here is the gift that is prepared for the messenger.

DAVID; (Takes the heavy purse and hands it to Uriah.) Take it, my friend. I know you deserve better, but I hope we’ll still reward you properly for your faithful service.

URIA: Thank you, king, but I don't need anything.

DAVID: Take it, don't be shy. That's the custom.

URIA. (After some hesitation, takes the purse.) Thank you. I will share the reward with my comrades.

LAVAN. (To David, pointedly.) And the horse you spoke of is already waiting for Uriah.

URIA: (Stands up. To David.) I am ready to carry your response letter to Joab at your command.

DAVID. Don't be in a hurry, Uriah. Why gallop off at night? I'll have the answer ready by tomorrow morning. In the meantime, go home, wash your feet, and rest. Your wife is probably waiting for you, and you're missing her too. Come tomorrow, and I'll give you a letter for Joab. (Rises.) Tomorrow morning you can tell me how your wife received her hero after such a long separation. Goodbye, Uriah.

URIA. Until tomorrow, my lord. (Exits.)

LAVAN. They will spend the night together, as planned. Are you satisfied?

DAVID; (Grimly) If they spend the night together, I'll kill them both. Let him dare touch her!

LAVAN: But she is his wife!

DAVID: It doesn't matter.

LAVAN: You yourself called him to do what needed to be done. And you yourself sent him now to his wife!

DAVID: Yes, I did. Because I had no other choice. And I curse myself for it.

LAVAN. Calm down and try to get some sleep. Tomorrow, you’ll see things differently.

DAVID; Do you think I'll sleep even for one minute tonight?

LAVAN: Is it worth torturing yourself like this? After all, Bathsheba is just a woman.

DAVID: Yes, but she is a woman I can’t live without.

Scene 4. The next morning

David, without his crown or formal attire, stands on the balcony by the railing, looking toward Bathsheba's house. LAVAN enters.

LAVAN. Good morning, sir. Have you rested well?

DAVID: Didn't sleep a wink.

LAVAN: I have news for you.

DAVID: Tell me tomorrow. I don't want to do any work today.

LAVAN. At least one thing must be done. Uriah is waiting for permission to enter.

DAVID: Already? So early? I didn't see him leave his house.

LAVAN: He didn't even come in there.

DAVID: How can this be?

LAVAN: He did not go to spend the night with Bathsheba.

DAVID: What do you mean "didn't go"? Where did he sleep?

LAVAN: Below, with your servants.

DAVID: It can't be! Are you sure?

LAVAN: My men were watching him. However, special surveillance was not necessary. Everyone saw that he did not leave the palace for a minute.

DAVID; (Frowning.) What does this mean?

LAVAN. Ask him yourself. Invite him?

DAVID. Wait. (He tidies himself up, puts on his crown and robe.) Now call.

LAVAN. (Opening the front door.) Uriah, come in. The great king awaits you.

Uriah enters and bows deeply.

URIA. Peace to the great king!

DAVID. (Very amiably.) Hello, my friend. Glad to see you. Sit down and have a glass of wine. How did you sleep?

URIA: Thank you, very well.

DAVID: How did your wife receive you yesterday after a long separation?

URIA: I was not at home, sir.

DAVID: You weren't? Where did you sleep?

URIA: Here, in the basement of the palace, with the servants of my master.

DAVID. You arrived yesterday from a long, dusty, and tiring journey. You needed care and rest. Why didn't you go home?

URIA: There is a war going on, my comrades are left at the walls of Rabbah, they are risking their lives, suffering hardships, dying. Even my lord, our commander Joab, is sleeping on the ground now, covered with a cloak. How could I enter my house to eat and drink, and sleep with my wife on a soft bed?

DAVID. Your love for your comrades deserves respect, but you did not leave the army by your own free will, you did not flee from the war, but were sent here by the commander with an errand. You have the right to rest a little. There is nothing shameful in that. Stay with me for this day, we will feast and enjoy life, and tomorrow I will let you go back to the army.

URIA: No, sir. I am a soldier, and my place is in the army. Let me return.

DAVID: But the supreme command of the army is mine. And I allow you to rest at home with your wife. At least for half an hour. Moreover, I order it.

URIA: No, my king. I swear by your life and the life of your soul that I will not do this. I must be with my comrades. Let me go.

David falls into deep thought.

DAVID: Very well, since you do not wish to take advantage of my hospitality I will send you back to the army this very day. But first I must prepare a letter for Joab. Return in an hour, receive the letter, and then you can set out.

The king leaves in anger. Uriah also wants to leave, but LAVAN stops him.

LAVAN. Uriah, wait. Are you really going to leave without even going home and seeing your wife?

URIA: She will understand me.

LAVAN: Perhaps you had a quarrel with her?

URIA: There is no reason for this.

LAVAN: Or perhaps you were troubled by some rumors?

URIA: My wife and I are above all rumors.

LAVAN: Maybe you should go see her then?

URIA: I'm sorry, but I don't have time. I have to get ready for the trip.

LAVAN. Maybe you're upset with her for something? Or maybe you even gave her a divorce?

URIA: I am not at all offended by her. Bathsheba is a wonderful wife, and I have nothing to reproach her for. But if I divorce her, people will think badly of her.

LAVAN. People may think bad things about a single woman in any case.

URIAH: Just not about Bathsheba.

LAVAN: You have angered the king.

URIA: I'm very sorry.

LAVAN: You even dared to disobey his orders. The punishment for this is death.

URIA: This order is not given in war and does not apply to the army. Good day, sir.

Uriah exits. David enters.

DAVID: He left?

LAVAN: Yes.

DAVID: Still wants to return?

LAVAN: Yes.

DAVID: What to do?

LAVAN: We need to think about it.

Nathan, the prophet and high priest, a tall, stern old man in black robes, enters quickly.

NATHAN: David, I need to talk to you.

LAVAN. The king is busy now, Nathan. And no one comes to the king without an invitation. This rule is obligatory for everyone.

NATHAN: But not for the High priest.

LAVAN: And yet the king is busy.

DAVID; (Politely) Nathan knows the palace is always open to him.

NATHAN: I appeal to you as to the supreme ruler and judge of my people. Help me resolve one matter. I rely entirely on your judgment.

DAVID: Speak, I'm listening to you.

NATHAN. Once upon a time there lived two men, a rich man and a poor man. The rich man had great flocks, but the poor man had only one little ewe lamb, which he had bought when little and nursed. And it grew up with him, together with his children; it ate of his bread, and drank of his cup, and slept in his bosom, and was to him like a daughter. And a stranger came to the rich man, and it was necessary to prepare a dinner, but the rich man was sorry to take any of his own sheep. He took the poor man's only lamb and slaughtered it for the man who had come. What does he deserve?

DAVID: As the Lord liveth, the man that hath done this shall surely die; and he shall restore fourfold for the lamb, because he hath done this, and because he had no compassion. This is the law.

NATHAN. You are the man! God anointed you king, and if that were not enough for you, He would have added more to you. Why then have you done evil in His sight? You have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite as a concubine, and you want to take her away. God will strike your house forever for this evil. What you have done in secret I will make public before all the people and before the sun, and you will be cursed!

David remains silent, embarrassed.

LAVAN. Nathan, don't be so quick to curse. No one has taken anything from anyone yet. Bathsheba lives in her own house, her husband is the king's favorite, there's no reason to make a fuss.

NATHAN. Lavan, do you think I am deaf and blind? Don't I know who is carried into the palace every day in a closed litter? Don't I hear the whispers of the servants? Don't I see the grins of the guards? Don't the people know what is happening before their eyes? After all, the king is in full view; everyone sees both his good and evil deeds.

LAVAN. Why should we care who smirks and who whispers what? Is anyone ready to testify to this sin? Is anyone willing to accuse the king of this?

NATHAN. I know where you are going. But let me be deaf and blind, and have neither seen nor heard. Let all the people be deaf and blind. You can hide evil from men, or make them keep silent, but you cannot hide evil from God, or, if you prefer, from your own conscience. The king is great, but God and the law are above him.

DAVID: Trying to hide a sin leads to another sin. So I won't hide anything, Nathan. I'm guilty. But I love this woman.

NATHAN: So what if you love? Today you liked someone else's wife, tomorrow you'll like someone else's house - do you think you have every right to take everything you like?

DAVID: But I am the king. Surely the king must have some rights that ordinary people do not have? Otherwise, how can he rule?

NATHAN. You are doubly guilty precisely because you are a king, and others follow your example. And what example do you set? From your high throne you take away the wife of a warrior who is at that time fighting our enemies. Is that because you were given power? And do you think the people will tolerate this?

DAVID: What kind of power is it if it is subject to prohibitions?

NATHAN: You think you're standing at such a height that you can get away with it? But is there a height from which it's impossible to fall? It's the opposite: the higher you are, the more dangerous the fall will be.

DAVID: Stop blaming me. It's hard enough as it is. Better help me find some way out.

NATHAN: There can be only one way out: both of you - Bathsheba and you - have committed the grave sin of adultery, and you both must pay for it.

DAVID: Pay? How?

NATHAN: You know.

DAVID: Do you mean to say, Nathan, that Bathsheba should be sentenced to be stoned?

NATHAN: That's the law.

DAVID: Then I too must undergo the same execution.

NATHAN (A little embarrassed.) I didn't say that. I just want judgment to take place.

LAVAN: Isn't that too much to ask?

Silence.

Nathan, no one is allowed to curse the king - it is a state crime. I repeat - no one. Not even the High priest. The death penalty is prescribed for this, and you know it.

NATHAN: Well, I'm not exactly cursing... I'm accusing.

LAVAN. That's better. Let's sit down and discuss everything calmly. Whom and of what do you accuse?

NATHAN: Bathsheba and the king in adultery.

LAVAN: Can you prove it?

NATHAN: Everyone knows that.

LAVAN: What do you mean, "everyone"? Everyone means no one. Or does anyone know for sure that Bathsheba was in bed with the king? Did anyone see it? Is anyone prepared to testify it under oath?

NATHAN: No, but…

LAVAN: Aha, then no.

NATHAN: But David himself does not deny it.

LAVAN: So be it. But confession is not proof. Sometimes people confess to things they haven’t done.

NATHAN: Even if no one else knows about this, you, David, will be judged by God and your conscience.

LAVAN: Since you so want to judge David, let us discuss the character of the accused together.

NATHAN: It is not the man that should be discussed, but his deeds.

LAVAN: It is precisely about his deeds that I wish to speak. Tell me, was it not David, in his youth, who defeated the Philistines and thus saved our people from slavery?

NATHAN: David, but...

LAVAN. (Interrupting.) And did not David subdue the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Syrians, the Amalekites, and the rest of our enemies?

NATHAN: It was David, but…

LAVAN: (Interrupting.) Was it not David who united our people into one kingdom?

NATHAN. (Reluctantly .) David.

LAVAN: And did he not organize a rational management of the state and the army, which did not exist before?

NATHAN (Reluctantly) Why are you asking me about something everyone knows?

LAVAN. Everyone knows, but you seem to have forgotten. Now tell me, don't we call our capital "the city of David"? Didn't he build Jerusalem?

NATHAN: Yes, he did.

LAVAN: So you admit that David is the best possible ruler?

NATHAN: That cannot be denied.

LAVAN. Indeed, no one would dare deny that. It is not for nothing that it is predicted that the Messiah will come from his line. But he is not a god, but only a man, and, like any man, he is not without weaknesses.

NATHAN: And because he’s a man, he is subject to judgment.

LAVAN: Merely for loving a woman?

NATHAN: Not a woman, but someone else's wife.

LAVAN: And isn't another man's wife a woman? And isn't she often more attractive than one's own?

NATHAN: He has enough wives of his own.

LAVAN. The devil puts a spoonful of honey in another man's wife. And you want to curse him for it forever?

NATHAN: It is not I who want it, but God. It is He who speaks through my lips. For it’s said in the Tenth Commandment: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor your neighbor’s house, nor his field, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.” And what does the Seventh Commandment say? “Thou shalt not commit adultery”!

LAVAN. By the way, about the Commandments. Who moved the Ark with the Ten Commandments to Jerusalem and thus made it a holy city?

Nathan is silent.

Answer, Nathan!

NATHAN. (Reluctantly .) David.

LAVAN: And whom did he make guardian of the ark?

Nathan is silent. LAVAN continues.

You, Nathan! And you get a generous share of the sacrifices there, don't you? And for all he has done for the country and for you, you want to repay him with ingratitude?

NATHAN: It was not David, but God who appointed me guardian of the Ark of the Covenant.

LAVAN. Very well, so be it. Let God, by the hands of David, place you at the Ark. But how can we know God's will? It may well be that tomorrow God will wish to place someone else in this place.

Nathan is silent.

LAVAN. Now answer, Nathan, who united the priests and appointed a high priest over them? (And since Nathan is silent, LAVAN continues.) Answer, Nathan!

NATHAN. David.

LAVAN. And whom did he appoint as the High priest? Forgive me, I misspoke - whom did God, through the mouth of David, appoint as high priest?

NATHAN (Reluctantly .) Me.

LAVAN. Give thanks to God for that, and now think about this: nothing lasts forever under the moon. Today you are the High priest, and tomorrow it may be someone else. Everything is in God's hands.

NATHAN: What does this have to do with adultery?

LAVAN. None. But you claim that God speaks through your mouth. How do you prove it? Do you have a power of attorney from God? Can you show it to us?

NATHAN: But it's obvious.

LAVAN: It’s not at all obvious to us. You have declared yourself a prophet and decided that you can curse the king. Now, suppose that tomorrow another priest - or will it be another high priest, who knows - imagines himself a prophet, claims that God speaks through his mouth, and curses you and demands that you be stoned. Which of you should we believe?

Nathan is silent. LAVAN continues.

Nathan, it is easier to fight for holiness than to be a saint yourself . So let's hold off on the curses. Do you agree with me?

NATHAN. (Reluctantly .) Yes.

LAVAN. You may think that David has committed a grave sin. But remember, Nathan, you are not only the high priest, you are also a citizen of this country, and your well-being and safety depend on the well-being of the country. Do you realize what harm you will do to your state and to yourself if, through your fault, the good name of the great king is damaged?

NATHAN (Yielding.) The state is as dear to me as it is to you.

LAVAN: We are glad to hear it. After all, everyone knows that you are not bloodthirsty.

NATHAN (Not so confidently.) I have nothing against the king, but the laws must be observed.

DAVID. (Decidedly.) Of course. No one else stands so firmly for the observance of moral and ethical laws as I do. I admit that I made a mistake, but a mistake is not a crime.

NATHAN: Mistakes must be paid for too.

LAVAN: The situation is difficult, no one denies that. But you must not only stop cursing the king - let's forget about that, we both agreed on that, didn't we?

Nathan makes a vague gesture of agreement.

You must help him. You are wise, Nathan, the people listen to you, you know the laws well. Let us think together about what can be done for the common good. Of course, without breaking the laws.

NATHAN. But the law has already been broken.

LAVAN. First we must firmly establish this, and then draw conclusions. The king cannot break the laws, because the king is the law. You just haven't started thinking yet. We are waiting for your advice on how to act. Within the framework of strict legality.

NATHAN: First of all, the king must end this criminal relationship and part with Bathsheba.

DAVID: I don't want to. And it's too late. It won't help anything.

NATHAN: Why?

DAVID; She's expecting a baby.

NATHAN: Is she expecting a baby?

DAVID: Yes. I'm going to have a son. How can I give him up?

NATHAN: That complicates things.

LAVAN. And if the king does reject Bathsheba, it will not lead to anything good. Think for yourself what awaits her. Her husband has been away from home for a whole year, and she is pregnant. Then she will definitely be stoned. If her husband does not kill her first.

DAVID: And my son along with her.

NATHAN: Since she is not your wife, the child will not be considered your son.

DAVID: I'm ready to marry her.

NATHAN: But you can't marry someone else's wife.

DAVID: This is the question that needs to be resolved.

NATHAN: Now, if she had not been Uriah's wife, then there would have been no adultery.

LAVAN: But she is his wife.

DAVID: Is there no way out? Think about it, Nathan.

NATHAN. (After much thought.) Suppose she was married off very young, say at 12, and had not yet had marital relations with her husband. If she remained a virgin, her marriage could be considered void.

DAVID; She got married at 18.

LAVAN: And in any case, she is no longer a virgin.

NATHAN: Let's consider another option. It is quite possible that Bathsheba is not Uriah's wife, but a slave, and Uriah bought her from her father or from another person. Then she cannot be considered a wife. At best, a concubine.

LAVAN: I checked. Unfortunately, her marriage to Uriah was performed with all proper rituals and in the presence of many witnesses.

DAVID: So she is his wife.

NATHAN (Mysteriously) Maybe she is, or maybe she isn’t.

DAVID: Why “isn’t” if she is his wife?

NATHAN: This statement can be considered absolutely true only at the time of marriage, but not today.

DAVID: What has changed since then?

NATHAN. You know that a soldier's widow has no right to remarry unless there were witnesses to his death in the war, and it is proven that he died. Otherwise, she remains in limbo—neither a wife nor a widow.

LAVAN: We know that. So what?

NATHAN: That's why men, when they go to war, usually give their wives a divorce letter, a purely formal one. If the husband ret the wife can build a new life.

DAVID: We know that too. What next?

NATHAN: What if Uriah also gave her a divorce paper before leaving for war?

DAVID and LAVAN exchange glances.

LAVAN: This would be a way out of the situation.

NATHAN: The wife is considered divorced from the moment the letter of divorcement is given to her. Then Bathsheba is not Uriah's wife, and the king cannot be accused of having relations with a married woman.

DAVID: But Bathsheba doesn’t have a divorce letter.

NATHAN: Is that true?

DAVID: Yes. I asked her.

NATHAN: In that case, she committed adultery.

LAVAN: Let's assume that there was a divorce letter. It just got lost.

NATHAN: No, we need a document.

LAVAN: We can write a bill of divorcement for Uriah ourselves.

NATHAN: I will not participate in the forgery.

LAVAN: It's easy to be perfect when it costs you nothing.

NATHAN: Let Uriah confirm that he wrote such a letter, or write a new one.

LAVAN: I talked to him, he doesn’t want a divorce.

DAVID: So it's not my fault. It's Uriah's fault. He should’ve given his wife a divorce.

NATHAN: But he didn't.

LAVAN. Think, Nathan, think. After all, we can't allow the slightest shadow to fall on the king's reputation. Find or invent the necessary law. There must be other options.

NATHAN. What options can there be if Bathsheba is another man’s wife? (After a pause.) Unless… she were a widow.

DAVID: But she's not a widow.

LAVAN: Yes, she is not a widow… yet.

NATHAN: Uriah is a soldier, and there is a war. And in war, anything can happen…

LAVAN. I understand you, Nathan. It seems, my king, that you should increase the share of the funds that you allocate for the maintenance of the sacred Ark of the Covenant. A wise keeper of the Ark will know how to use them to good advantage.

DAVID: You’re right, Lavan. I will give orders to the treasurer this very day.

NATHAN: Thank you, great king. And permit me to retire.

DAVID: Your company is always a pleasure, but we won’t hold you back. I understand you have duties awaiting you.

Nathan bows and exits.

LAVAN. Nathan has clearly explained how to untie the knot you have tied. Now it is up to you.

DAVID; What do you mean?

LAVAN: I think you understood his advice perfectly.

DAVID: He advised to wait until Bathsheba became a widow.

LAVAN: No, not to wait, but act, and act quickly.

DAVID: But what can I do?

LAVAN: You know what you must do.

DAVID: And why the hurry?

LAVAN. Very soon your affair with Bathsheba will be impossible to conceal. You will be disgraced, and she will be stoned for betraying her husband, who is fighting at the walls of Rabbah. You must bring her openly into your house now, within the next few days. Then the birth of the child in about nine months will appear legitimate and natural, and he will be recognized as your son. Otherwise, you will both be considered adulterers.

DAVID: But for the child to be considered mine, she must become a widow right now.

LAVAN: That's exactly what Nathan explained to you.

DAVID; I have to think about it.

LAVAN: There's no time to think. Uriah is probably sitting in the reception hall, waiting for you to hand him the letter to Joab. Should I call him?

DAVID: Wait. This is a tough decision.

LAVAN: Each of us sometimes has to make tough decisions.

DAVID: I can't.

LAVAN: You have no other choice.

DAVID: Uriah is a great warrior.

LAVAN: That's why we need to send him to the front lines.

DAVID: He once saved my life.

LAVAN: It is the duty of every soldier to save the life of the king.

DAVID: Maybe we can come up with something else?

LAVAN: The fate of Uriah was decided on the day you ordered Bathsheba to be brought to you.

David paces the room nervously. Then he sits down and picks up a pen, but does not write.

DAVID: You know what? Write it instead of me.

LAVAN. (Surprised.) I’ll write a letter to Joab? No. He does not obey me.

DAVID: On my behalf.

LAVAN: No.

DAVID: I beg you.

LAVAN. Excuse me, but this is your matter. However, do as you wish, and I’ll go and invite him. (Exit.)

The king, after a long hesitation, takes up his pen, but still does not dare to write. Uriah enters.

URIAH (Bowing.) Great king!

DAVID. (Leaving a letter.) Come, come, Uriah. My home is your home.

URIA: I am ready to carry out your order.

DAVID: Help yourself, my friend.

URIA: I'd better go right away.

DAVID: Very good grapes.

URIA. The journey ahead is not short. I must leave early.

DAVID; How did you spend this hour?

URIA. Getting ready for the journey.

DAVID: And you were never home?

URIAH: ’ll enter my home when my comrades and I return victorious together. You mentioned a letter to Joab.

DAVID. It's not ready yet. You eat and drink, and I'll finish it. (He goes to the table , takes up the pen, but stops, hesitating.) Uriah, why aren't you eating?

URIA: I have just eaten, sir.

DAVID: So you don't want to stay with us a little longer? Just one day.

URIA: They are waiting for me in the army.

DAVID. (Having made up his mind, he begins to write quickly, continuing the conversation.) How is the siege of Rabbah going? Is the resistance strong?

URIA. The Ammonites are successfully defending themselves, not allowing us to approach the walls. They throw stones from them, shower us with arrows. They make sorties, sometimes very dangerous. But we are on guard.

DAVID: Very well. I’ll join the army soon, and we’ll meet again there. (He finishes the letter and seals the scroll.) Here is the letter to Joab. I know that I am giving it to a reliable messenger.

URIA: Don't worry, it will be delivered straight into his hands.

Uriah takes the letter. David sees his centurion off, friendly patting him on the shoulder.

DAVID. Have a nice trip. I wish you luck. Take care of yourself.

URIA: Thank you, my lord.

Uriah bows and heads for the exit. David calls out to him.

DAVID: Wait!

Uriah stops.

Give me the letter.

Uriah returns the letter to the king in surprise. David takes it, turns it over in his hands hesitantly, takes it back to the table, then, after a long hesitation, returns it to Uriah.

No, nothing. Farewell. (Goes to his chambers.)

Uriah wants to leave, but LAVAN stops him.

LAVAN. Uriah, wait. Let me give you some advice. Stay for another day or two. You are a brave warrior, your courage and nobility are known to the whole army. Do not incur the king's anger, do not reject his hospitality. Go home, and come here to the feast in the evening.

URIA: My lord, let us not beat about the bush. I’ll shame myself if I go to bed with my wife at his command.

LAVAN: What shame are you talking about? He invited you into his palace, sat you beside him at his table. Even kings weren’t always given that honor.

URIA: I’m glad to hear it, but tell me, why has he suddenly given me such an honor?

LAVAN: Because he considers you a good warrior and his friend.

URIA: When I was the first to climb the walls of enemy fortresses, he did not seat me at his table. When I stopped our fleeing army and turned it towards the enemy, he did not offer me food and wine. And even when I shielded him with my body from a flying arrow, I was not granted with the honor he offered me today.

LAVAN: It is not for us to discuss and condemn the intentions and actions of the great king.

URIA: I'm not discussing it. I just want to go back to the army.

LAVAN. What's the hurry? What awaits you there?

URIA: We both know what awaits me. So let's not waste words.

LAVAN: How should I understand your words?

URIA: Let me go, sir.

LAVAN: Well, go. I am not your superior, and I will not hold you back. Farewell

Uriah leaves.

Scene 5. A week later

The same setting. David and Bathsheba.

DAVID; You don't look well, Bathsheba.

BATHSHEВA: Since he left, I can’t find peace.

DAVID: Stop thinking about it. You haven't been yourself this whole week.

BATHSHEВA: He didn’t even enter the house once.

DAVID; I know.

BATHSHEВA: I didn’t even see him.

DAVID: I was told.

BATHSHEВA. The neighbors know he spent the night in town, but not with me. They are surprised.

DAVID: What business is it of yours to deal with your neighbors?

BATHSHEВA: They’re the ones who will pick up stones at the right moment.

DAVID: Everything will work out somehow.

BATHSHEВA: I am ashamed and afraid.

DAVID: Calm down. Trust me. I am the king.

Enter LAVAN.

LAVAN. Forgive me for disturbing you. A messenger from the army has arrived. Shall you order him in? Or should he wait?

DAVID: Let him in.

LAVAN comes out.

BATHSHEВA: I will go into another room. I cannot be seen here.

DAVID: Stay. I don't want you to go.

LAVAN introduces the Messenger.

MESSENGER (bows low.) Great King!

DAVID: Come here. What have you come with?

MESSENGER. With a message from my lord Joab.

DAVID: Lavan, take the message.

MESSENGER: It is in words, great king.

DAVID. Speak.

MESSENGER. The general asked me to tell you that all is well. We are closing the siege ring around Rabbah ever more tightly. The city will soon fall. Joab asks you to come to the army to take the glory of victory.

DAVID: Lavan, reward the messenger for bringing good news.

MESSENGER: Sire, unfortunately, not all the news is good.

DAVID: What happened?

MESSENGER. Joab sent a small force to storm the city. A fierce battle ensued right at the walls. The enemy threw stones and poured hot tar from above. And some of your soldiers fell.

DAVID. (Angrily.) How could Joab make such a mistake? I have told him dozens of times not to engage in battle right at the walls! And why he sent such a small squad to attack? It was clear that it would not take the city.

MESSENGER: And when the enemy made a sortie, the detachment suddenly fled, leaving their commander behind.

DAVID: I will remove Yoav for such negligence!

LAVAN. Yoab is an experienced commander. Remember his past achievements.

DAVID: Achievements don’t excuse gross mistakes. He’s brought shame on my army and will be punished. And have the messenger flogged.

MESSENGER: Additionally, Joab asked me to tell you that your centurion Uriah was killed in this battle. He was the commander of the detachment. Joab is in despair and begs for forgiveness.

Everyone exchanges glances. BATHSHEBA screams and runs out of the room into the king's chambers.

DAVID. (After a long silence. To the messenger.) So say to Joab: "We all make mistakes. Do not let this matter disturb you, for the sword sometimes devours one, sometimes another. Strengthen your siege against the city and destroy it."

MESSENGER. Yes sir.

DAVID: Tell him I'm not angry with him.

MESSENGER. Yes sir.

DAVID: Lavan, the messenger is not to blame for the bad news. Reward him and send him back to the army.

LAVAN: Yes, sir.

LAVAN and the MESSENGER bow and leave the hall. David remains alone. His face expresses relief, guilt, joy, remorse, and sorrow. BATHSHEBA enters.

BATHSHEВA. Well? Are you satisfied?

DAVID: Don't ask me anything.

BATHSHEBIA: I knew Uriah would be killed. He was doomed from that day on. Because he stood in the king's way.

DAVID: I didn't kill him.

BATHSHEВA. Kings don’t commit evil deeds with their own hands. They have plenty of helpers for that.

DAVID: Kings are allowed to do what ordinary people cannot.

BATHSHEВA: Allowed by whom? By the king himself? Is not the Commandment "Thou shalt not kill" obligatory for all? I told you on the very first day: it is easy to set out on an unrighteous path, but difficult to leave it.

DAVID; He died in battle.

BATHSHEBIA: You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. Don't be a hypocrite again. You gave orders to Joab, and Joab carried them out, and you were innocent. But we both know the truth. I feel that our child is cursed. If he is born, he will not live a week.

DAVID: But now you’re not in any danger, I can now take you as my wife. Do you agree?

BATHSHEВA: What choice do I have? Remain alone, without means, without help, without support, with a fatherless child, under the scornful glances of the neighbors? I have no choice either way.

DAVID; Then stay here. Right now. You will be queen now, your place is in the palace.

BATHSHEВA. No, I’ll return home to mourn my husband’s death and my guilt before him. Send for me when the days of mourning are over. (Exit.)

DAVID. ( Alone. After a long silence.) Have mercy on me, o God, according to the greatness of Your mercy; and according to the multitude of Your compassions blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my transgression, and cleanse me from my sin; for I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me .

END

EPILOGUE

Bathsheba lived with David until his death. Their first son died seven days after his birth. But later they had another son; he became David's successor to the throne and went down in history as King Solomon, who became famous for his legendary wisdom and justice.

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[1]Rabbah is modern Amman.