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._]
Welcome,
My strong right arm that never failed me yet!
I am in doubt,--but stay thou close to me
While I decide this cause. Where are the envoys?
Let them appear and give their message.

[_Enter the Assyrian envoys; one in white and the other in red; both
with the golden Bull's head embroidered oh their robes. They come from
the right, rear, bow slightly before the throne, and take the centre of
the hall._]

WHITE ENVOY: [_Stepping forward._]
Greeting from Shalmaneser, Asshur's son,
The king who reigns at Nineveh
And takes his tribute from a thousand cities,
Unto Benhadad, monarch in Damascus!
The conquering Bull has come out of the north;
The south has fallen before him, and the west
His feet have trodden; Hamath is laid waste;
He pauses at your gate, invincible,--
To offer peace. The princes of your court,
The priests of Rimmon's house, and you, the King,