Gallery

Innocent, untroubled and unaware of what the future holds, David rests his head on Saul’s lap in this stained glass panel by German artist Otto Dix (1891–1969). King Saul turns away, a vertical blue streak darkening his face, creating an air of sorrow and regret.

In the poem “Portrait of Saul” (1978) by Australian Thomas W. Shapcott, the king mourns his loss of youth, represented by his son, Jonathan, and his successor, David:

Yes, but to remember them for their love

is to remember them for their youth: laughter,

not a covert whispering; the noisy clatter

of playingfield and bodies so alike they move

in a teamwork: do not suppose that what they give

each other is theirs to hold or withhold. Bitter

and old I watch how they embrace each other

free with the one gift I no longer have.

The strings of David’s harp are bars of a cage,

a sour taste corrodes through his sweet song.

I am afraid. The desires of a King

are comfortless: my Palace holds me hostage.

And, if I had him, what then could I, Saul,

do but mortify, condemn, despoil?