Part 52 (1/2)

[Gongs sound. REZON comes in from the side, followed by a procession of priests in black and yellow. The courtiers bow; the King rises; REZON takes his stand on the steps of the throne at the left of the King.]

BENHADAD: Where is my faithful servant Naaman, The captain of my host?

[Trumpets sound from the city. The crowd on the steps divide; the chain is lowered; NAAMAN enters, followed by six soldiers. He is dressed in chain-mail with a silver helmet and a cloak of blue. He uncovers, and kneels on the steps of the throne at the King's right.]

NAAMAN: My lord the King, The bearer of thy sword is here.

BENHADAD: [Giving NAAMAN his hand, and sitting down.]

Welcome, My strong right arm that never me failed yet!

I am in doubt,--but stay thou close to me While I decide this cause. Where are the envoys?

Let them appear and give their message.

[Enter the a.s.syrian envoys; one in white and the other in red; both with the golden Bull's head embroidered on their robes. They come from the right, rear, bow slightly before the throne, and take the centre of the hall.]

WHITE ENVOY: [Stepping forward.]

Greeting from Shalmaneser, a.s.shur's son, Who rules the world from Nineveh, Unto Benhadad, monarch in Damascus!

The conquering Bull has led his army forth; The south has fallen before him, and the west His feet have trodden; Hamath is laid waste; He pauses at your gate, invincible,-- To offer peace. The princes of your court, The priests of Rimmon's house, and you, the King, If you pay homage to your Overlord, Shall rest secure, and flourish as our friends.

a.s.syria sends to you this gilded yoke; Receive it as the sign of proffered peace.

[He lays a yoke on the steps of the throne.]

BENHADAD: What of the city? Said your king no word Of our Damascus, and the many folk That do inhabit her and make her great?

What of the soldiers who have fought for us?

WHITE ENVOY: Of these my royal master did not speak.

BENHADAD: Strange silence! Must we give them up to him?

Is this the price at which he offers us The yoke of peace? What if we do refuse?

RED ENVOY: [Stepping forward.]

Then ruthless war! War to the uttermost.

No quarter, no compa.s.sion, no escape!

The Bull will gore and trample in his fury n.o.bles and priests and king,--none shall be spared!

Before the throne we lay our second gift; This b.l.o.o.d.y horn, the symbol of red war.

[He lays a long bull's horn, stained with blood, on the steps of the throne.]

WHITE ENVOY: Our message is delivered. We return Unto our master. He will wait three days To know your royal choice between his gifts.

Keep which you will and send the other back.

The red bull's horn your youngest page may bring; But with the yoke, best send your mightiest army!

[The ENVOYS retire, amid confused murmurs of the people, the King silent, his head, sunken on his breast.]

BENHADAD: Proud words, a bitter message, hard to endure!

We are not now that force which feared no foe: Our old allies have left us. Can we face the Bull Alone, and beat him back? Give me your counsel.

[Many speak at once, confusedly.]

What babblement is this? Were ye born at Babel?

Give me clear words and reasonable speech.

RAKHAZ: [Pompously.]