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 host is weakened, and our old allies

Have left us. Can we face this raging Bull

Alone, and beat him back? Give me your counsel.