Ruahmah:
What matter where he sends? No god is he
To slay or make alive. Elisha bids
You come to him at Dothan, there to learn
There is a God in Israel.
Naaman:
I fear
That I am grown mistrustful of all gods;
Their secret counsels are implacable.
Ruahmah:
Fear not! There's One who rules in righteousness
High over all.
Naaman:
What knowest thou of Him?
Ruahmah:
Oh, I have heard,—the maid of Israel,—
Rememberest thou? She often said her God
Was merciful and kind, and slow to wrath,
And plenteous in forgiveness, pitying us
Like as a father pitieth his children.
Naaman:
If there were such a God, I'd worship Him
Forever!
Ruahmah:
Then make haste to hear the word
His prophet promises to speak to thee!
Obey it, my dear lord, and thou shalt find
Healing and peace. The light shall fill thine eyes.
Thou wilt not need my leading any more,—
Nor me,—for thou wilt see me, all unveiled,—
I tremble at the thought.
Naaman:
Why, what is this?
Why shouldst thou tremble? Art thou not mine own?
Ruahmah: [Turning to him and speaking in broken words.]
I am,—thy handmaid,—all and only thine,—
The very pulses of my heart are thine!
Feel how they throb to comfort thee to-day—
To-day! Because it is thy time of trouble.
[She takes his hand and puts it to her forehead and her lips, but before she can lay it upon her heart, he draws away from her.]