"Go thou into the house of Elisha and say to him that Naaman, general in the Syrian Army, high in favor with Benhadad, king of Syria, doth desire speech with him."
The servant passed into the house of Elisha. In a short while he came forth alone.
"Is not the prophet, Elisha, within?" asked Naaman, impatiently.
"Yes, my lord," was the answer, "but I saw him not. The servant of Elisha did carry the message to his master."
"And what answer sendeth Elisha?" asked Naaman, with eagerness.
"Elisha desireth to know, my lord, what is thy will with him," replied the servant.
Naaman's brow darkened with displeasure.
"Is it thus that the great and rich Naaman of Syria is received by the poor and humble Elisha?" he cried. Then, remembering the errand upon which he had come, he controlled his indignation, thinking, "I must humor this man if I would have my will of him: Go thou again into the house of Elisha," he said, "and bid the servant say to his master, that Naaman of Syria hath journeyed from Damascus that Elisha may heal him of his leprosy."
The servant turned away and passed into the house. In a few minutes he returned with the servant of Elisha who, approaching Naaman, said: