The House of Rimmon: A Drama in Four Acts

by Henry Van Dyke

The hour of royal audience is come.

I'll hear the envoys of my brother king,

The Son of Asshur. Are my counsellors

At hand? Where are the priests of Rimmon's House?

[Gongs sound. REZON comes in from the rear, 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: