The soldier stood abashed, but in his eyes there dawned a something which was akin to reverence and more. The girl, catching the look quite accidentally, flushed as prettily as the sky they had been watching and fled instinctively, even as she wondered why she did these things. Yet she did not seek explanations of anyone.
With armament resplendent and an obsequious group of soldier-attendants, as befitted the importance of the mission, Isaac was dispatched to the palace. Having passed the gatekeeper and been conducted across two or three courtyards to the entrance of the king’s residence proper, the guard suddenly stood at attention while Isaac found himself in the presence of the chief officer of the palace.
Each bowed to the ground, exclaiming, “Peace be unto thee.” Three times this was repeated.
Each then put his hand to his heart, which was meant to say, “My heart meditates upon thee.”
Each next put his hands to his lips as if to say, “My lips speak well of thee.”
Finally, each put his hand to his forehead, which conveyed the flattering intelligence, “My intellect delights in thee.”
Lastly they fell upon each other’s neck and embraced fervently.
These civilities over, they stooped and rested in the comfortable Oriental fashion while they held converse. My lord high officer inquired for his visitor’s grandfather. Instead of replying truthfully that he was long since dead, diplomacy required that Isaac relate a tale of courage and honor, whether true or untrue, which he ascribed to the other’s grandfather.
Well pleased with the compliment, my lord high officer inquired for Isaac’s father, with the same result. Next, my lord high officer inquired for Isaac’s master and attributed to him deeds of valor which Isaac entirely disclaimed for Naaman, pronouncing blessings upon the other’s master, the king.