Chapter II: Prologue: This is the tent of Abraham, the father of his people,

where he lives with Sarai, his wife, and his son, Isaac, whom he
loves above all else.

I am the servant of Abraham.

Lo, Abraham enters now with Isaac. (_The_ PROLOGUE _goes._)

(ABRAHAM _enters, leaning on_ ISAAC.)

ISAAC (_pointing_): My father, behold the lambs yonder!

ABRAHAM: Aye, my son, they are for the sacrifice. I offer them up to
God for a thank-offering that he hath given thee to me, O my son.
(_Seats himself._)

ISAAC (_clinging close to him_): Dost thou love me more than the
little lambs?

ABRAHAM (_embracing him_): I love thee more than all that is in
heaven or earth.

ISAAC (_struggling_): My father, let me go; I would go play with the
lambs.

ABRAHAM (_releasing him_): Then go, my son.

(ISAAC _runs out._ ABRAHAM _remains seated; then suddenly he starts,
rises, and stands with arms uplifted in prayer._)

ABRAHAM: Here am I, Lord. (_He listens with strong emotion._) O Lord,
Lord, what is this thou dost require of me? Must I give up Isaac to
thee, Isaac the joy of mine old age? (_There is a pause while he
prays silently; then he speaks humbly._) Nevertheless, not my will, O
Lord, but thine be done. (_There is another pause; then he calls._)
Isaac! Isaac!

(ISAAC _runs in._)

ISAAC: Here am I, father.

ABRAHAM: Get ye wood for a burnt-offering, and saddle ye the ass, for
I will go up upon the mount to sacrifice.

ISAAC: Aye, father, and shall I go with thee?

ABRAHAM: Thou shalt indeed go with me, thou and the servant. Get thee
gone. (ISAAC _runs out._) Not my will, O Lord, but thine! O Lord, I
will trust in thee.

(ISAAC _enters, carrying a bundle of fagots._)

ISAAC: My father, all is ready. The ass is saddled, and I have here
wood for the burnt-offering.

ABRAHAM (_placing his arm about him_): Come, my son. (_They go slowly
out._)

(_The_ PROLOGUE _or_ SERVANT _enters._)