He reigns in secret and his will is law;
We read his will, by our most ancient faith,
In omens and in signs of mystery.
Must we not hearken to his high commands?

BENHADAD: [_Sinking hack on the throne, submissively._]
I am the faithful son of Rimmon's House.
Consult the oracle. But who shall read?

REZON:
Tsarpi, the wife of Naaman, who served
Within the temple in her maiden years,
Shall be the mouthpiece of the mighty god,
To-day's high-priestess. Bring the sacrifice!

[_Gongs and cymbals sound: enter priests carrying an altar on which a
lamb is bound. The altar is placed in the centre of the hall. TSARPI
follows the priests, covered with a long transparent veil of black,
sewn with gold stars; RUAHMAH, in white, bears her train. TSARPI
stands before the altar, facing it, and lifts her right hand holding a
knife. RUAHMAH steps back, near the throne, her hands crossed on her
breast, her head bowed. The priests close in around TSARPI and the
altar. The knife is seen to strike downward. Gongs and cymbals sound:
cries of "Rimmon, hear us." The circle of priests opens, and TSARPI
turns slowly to face the King._]

TSARPI: [_Monotonously._]
_Black is the blood of the victim,
Rimmon is unfavourable,
Asratu is unfavourable;