"Yes," replied Claudia. "Oh, Naaman, my husband! this little maid of Israel hath told me most wonderful things. She claimeth that in Samaria there is a prophet called Elisha who hath power to heal thee of thy leprosy. Oh, my husband, thou must at once seek this man."
"I must first seek counsel of the king," said Naaman.
"Then go at once and tell to the king what the maiden sayeth," cried Claudia, and Naaman went from her presence to seek that of Benhadad, king of Syria.
Chapter IV.
"What is thy will with me, good Naaman?" asked Benhadad, king of Syria, with whom the Syrian general stood high in favor.
"I am come to seek counsel of thee, my lord," replied Naaman. "My wife hath a maid-servant who cometh from the land of Israel, and this maiden sayeth that in Samaria there is a prophet called Elisha, who hath done most marvelous things even to the raising of the dead to life. The maiden claimeth that if I seek the prophet, Elisha, he will heal me of my leprosy. What thinketh thou, my lord? dost thou believe that which the maiden sayeth be true?"
"I have never heard of this Elisha," replied Benhadad. "He is no doubt a magician, and, if what the maiden sayeth be true, his power far exceedeth that of any magician at my court. Thou shalt journey to Samaria, my Naaman, bearing a letter from me to Jehoram, king of Israel. This Elisha is perhaps attached to the court of Jehoram, but, if not, the king hath power to make his subjects do his bidding. Take with thee gold in plenty to reward this Elisha."