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Van Dyke, Henry, 1852-1933

"The Poems of Henry Van Dyke"


[Shouts of joy and applause.]
RUAHMAH: [Coming close to SABALLIDIN.]
But what of him who won it? Fares he well?
My mistress would receive some word of him.
SABALLIDIN:
Hath she not heard?
RUAHMAH:
But one brief message came:
A letter saying, "We have fought and conquered,"
No word of his own person. Fares he well?
SABALLIDIN:
Alas, most ill! For he is like a man
Consumed by some strange sickness: wasted, wan,--
His eyes are dimmed so that he scarce can see;
His ears are dulled; his fearless face is pale
As one who walks to meet a certain doom
Yet will not flinch. It is most pitiful,--
But you shall see.
RUAHMAH:
Yea, we shall see a man
Who dared to face the wrath of evil powers
Unknown, and hazard all to save his country.
[Enter BENHADAD with courtiers.]
BENHADAD:
Where is my faithful servant Naaman,
The captain of my host?
SABALLIDIN:
My lord, he comes.
[Trumpet sounds. Enter company of soldiers in
armour. Then four soldiers bearing captured
standards of Asshur.


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