O God, Thou God of my early youth, hear my prayer. Let Thine eyes, which alone see...

King David: [Following the defeat of Absalom's army by his own, David retires to the Temple of Jerusalem. He enters the forbidden Holy of Holies, and kneels before the Ark of the Covenant] O God, Thou God of my early youth, hear my prayer. Let Thine eyes, which alone see clearly, fall upon Thy worthless servant. In all things have I failed Thee. My life is a waste; my crimes are many, and terrible. To my sons I have bequeathed the evil that is in my blood. I have led my people into misery and want. I have used Thee with ingratitude, and betrayed Thy trust. I have been a faithless shepherd. I am dust in Thine eyes. I am less than the meanest creature crawling on the earth. And yet, O God, I am also Thy creation. Thy Holy Spirit abode with me in the wilderness. I ask nothing for myself, O God; for, by my sins, I have put myself beyond the compass of Thy forgiveness. But lift Thine hand from Thy people, who suffer for my crimes. Forgive them the sin that is not theirs, but mine. Let the land Thou gave their fathers flow once more with Thine abundance. And let Bathsheba live, to praise Thy name, that she may testify to Thy mercy. Show her the loving kindness of Thy heart. Cleanse her from sin. Let Thy punishment fall upon Thy servant, who has earned it. Look not on the sinner, who comes before Thee; but on the boy he was, who loved Thee, and who would have died for Thee. Make my heart as his. Let the boy live again, in his innocence. Grant him Thy mercy, and take this David's life. [Still kneeling, he reaches out and lays both hands on the Ark -- as a suicide attempt. Instead, a rainstorm begins outside... ending the drought that has been plaguing Israel. The unharmed David stands up and turns to leave the Temple]