Absalom, My Son

Absalom, son of his dead wife Maacah, has wronged his father before, but in his love David has always forgiven him. Now he is driven to battle with this son. He cannot bear to take the field himself but instructs his captains and begs them to treat all captives of Absalom's age with clemency. Particularly does he lay this injunction of Joab his much-loved friend as well. The spirit of Macaah comes to plead for her son but David can offer her little comfort. Soon messengers arrive from the battlefield; David's army is victorious but Absalom is dead - killed by Joab as he hung from a tree, caught up by his long hair. Agony of mind and anger war within David; his son has been killed in a defenceless moment by the captain he held most dear. When Joab comes to the tent of his king he knows the extent of his crime but he also kbows that for the safety of David and the kingdom Absalom had to die. He offers his sword to the king for his execution but David ignores it and draws his own knife; he cannot, however, kill the man whom he knows have been right in his actions. Together they go out to mourn Absalom.