Saballidin:
Lady, lead on, we'll follow you forever!
Ruahmah:
Why, now you speak like men! Brought you no word
Out of Samaria, except that cry
Of impotence and fear from Israel's King?
Saballidin:
I do remember while he spoke with us
A rustic messenger came in, and cried
“Elisha saith, bring Naaman to me
At Dothan, he shall surely know there is
A God in Israel.”
Ruahmah:
What said the King?
Saballidin:
He only shouted “Go!” more wildly yet,
And rent his clothes again, as if he were
Half-maddened by a coward's fear, and thought
Only of how he might be rid of us.
What comfort could there be for him, what hope
For us, in the rude prophet's misty word?
Ruahmah:
It is the very word for which I prayed!
My trust was not in princes; for the crown,
The sceptre, and the purple robe are not
Significant of vital power. The man
Who saves his brother-men is he who lives
His life with Nature, takes deep hold on truth,
And trusts in God. A prophet's word is more
Than all the kings on earth can speak. How far
Is Dothan?
Soldier:
Lady, 'tis but three hours' ride
Along the valley southward.
Ruahmah:
Near! so near?
I had not thought to end my task so soon!
Prepare yourselves with speed to take the road.
I will awake my lord.
[Exeunt all but Saballidin and Ruahmah. She goes toward the tent.]
Saballidin:
Ruahmah, stay! [She turns back.]
I've been your servant in this doubtful quest,
Obedient, faithful, loyal to your will,—
What have I earned by this?