y
Over all foes! Thou shalt no longer fear
The host of Asshur, for thy throne shall stand
Encompassed with a wall of dauntless hearts,
And founded on a mighty people's love,
And guarded by the God of righteousness.

BENHADAD:
I feel the flame of courage at thy breath
Leap up among the ashes of despair.
Thou hast returned to save us! Thou shalt have
The maid; and thou shalt lead my host again!
Priest, I command you give her back to him.

REZON:
O master, I obey thy word as thou
Hast ever been obedient to the voice
Of Rimmon. Let thy fiery captain wait
Until the sacrifice has been performed,
And he shall have the jewel that he claims.
Must we not first placate the city's god
With due allegiance, keep the ancient faith,
And pay our homage to the Lord of Wrath?

BENHADAD: [_Sinking hack upon his throne in fear._]
I am the faithful son of Rimmon's House,--
And lo, these many years I worship him!
My thoughts are troubled,--I am very old,
But still a King! O Naaman, be patient!
Priest, let the sacrifice be offered.

[_The High Priest lifts his rod. Gongs and cymbals sound. The curtain
is rolled back, disclosing the image of Rimmon; a gigantic and hideous
idol, with a cruel human face, four horns, the mane of a lion, and huge
paws stretched in front of him enclosing a low altar of black stone.
RUAHMAH stands on the altar, chained, her arms are bare and folded on
her breast. The people prostrate themselves in silence, with signs of
astonishment and horror._]

REZON:
Behold the sacrifice! Bow down, bow down!

NAAMAN: [_Stabbing him._]
Bow thou, black priest! Down,--down to hell!
Ruahmah! do not die! I come to thee,

[_NAAMAN rushes toward her, attacked by the priests, crying "Sacrilege!
Kill him!" But the soldiers stand on the steps and beat them back. He
springs upon the altar and clasps her by the hand. Tumult and
confusion. The King rises and speaks with a loud voice, silence
follows._]

BENHADAD:
Peace, peace! The King commands all weapons down!
O Naaman, what wouldst thou do? Beware
Lest thou provoke the anger of a god.

NAAMAN:
There is no God but one, the Merciful,
Who gave this perfect woman to my soul
That I might learn through her to worship Him,
And know the meaning of immortal Love.
Whom God hath joined together, all the Powers
Of hate and falsehood never shall divide.

BENHADAD: [_Agitated._]
Yet she i