SHUMAKIM:
A fool, master, just a plain fool; and there is hope of thee for that
reason. Embrace me, brother, and taste this; but not too much,--it
will intoxicate thee with sobriety.

[_The hall has been slowly filling with courtiers and soldiers: a crowd
of people begin to come up the steps at the rear, where they are halted
by a chain guarded by servants of the palace. A bell tolls; the royal
door is thrown open; the aged King crosses the hall slowly 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 of my brother king,
The Son of Asshur. Are my counsellors
At hand? Where are the priests of Rimmon's House?

[_Gongs sound. REZON comes in from the rear, 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