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Van Dyke, Henry, 1852-1933

"The Poems of Henry Van Dyke"

A bell tolls; the royal door
is thrown open; the aged King totters across the hall
and takes his seat on the throne with the four tall
sentinels standing behind him. All bow down shading
their eyes with their hands.]
BENHADAD:
The hour of royal audience is come.
I'll hear the envoys. Are my counsellors
At hand? Where are the priests of Rimmon's house?
[Gongs sound. REZON comes in from the side, 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:
My lord the King,
The bearer of thy sword is here.
BENHADAD: [Giving NAAMAN his hand, and sitting down.


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