[The High Priest lifts his rod. Gongs and cymbals
sound. The curtain is rolled back, disclosing
the image of Rimmon; a gigantic and hideous idol,
with a cruel human face, four horns, the mane of
a lion, and huge paws stretched in front of him
enclosing a low altar of black stone. RUAHMAH
stands on the altar, chained, her arms are bare
and folded on her breast. The people prostrate
themselves in silence, with signs of astonishment
and horror.]
REZON:
Behold the sacrifice! Bow down, bow down!
NAAMAN: [Stabbing him.]
Bow thou, black priest! Down,--down to hell!
Ruahmah! do not die! I come to thee.
[NAAMAN rushes toward her, attacked by the priests,
crying "Sacrilege! Kill him!" But the soldiers
stand on the steps and beat them back. He springs
upon the altar and clasps her by the hand. Tumult
and confusion. The King rises and speaks with a
loud voice, silence follows.]
BENHADAD:
Peace, peace! The King commands all weapons down!
O Naaman, what wouldst thou do? Beware
Lest thou provoke the anger of a god.
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