SOLDIER:
Not so, for these are enemies; they march
In haste and silence, answering not our cries.

RUAHMAH:
Our enemies? Then hold your ground,--on guard!
Fight! fight! Defend the pass, and drive them down.

[_Exit soldier. RUAHMAH draws NAAMAN'S sword from the scabbard and
hurries out of the tent. Confused noise of fighting outside. Three or
four soldiers are driven in by a troop of men in disguise. RUAHMAH
follows: she is beaten to her knees, and her sword is broken._]

REZON: [_Throwing aside the cloth which covers his face._]
Hold her! So, tiger-maid, we've found your lair
And trapped you. Where is Naaman,
Your master?

RUAHMAH: [_Rising, her arms held by two of REZON'S followers._]
He is far beyond your reach.

REZON:
Brave captain! He has saved himself, the leper,
And left you here?

RUAHMAH:
The leper is no more.

REZON:
What mean you?

RUAHMAH:
He has gone to meet his God.

REZON:
Dead? Dead? Behold how Rimmon's wrath is swift!
Damascus shall be mine: I'll terrify
The King with this, and make my terms. But no!
False maid, you sweet-faced harlot, you have lied
To save him,--speak.

RUAHMAH:
I am not what you say,
Nor have I lied, nor will I ever speak
A word to you, vile servant of a traitor-god.

REZON:
Break off this little flute of blasphemy,
This ivory neck,--twist it, I say!
Give her a swift despatch after her leper!
But stay,--if he still lives he'll follow her,
And so we may ensnare him. Harm her not!
Bind her! Away with her to Rimmon's House!
Is all this carrion dead? There's one that moves,--
A spear,--fasten him down! All quiet now?
Then back to our Damascus! Rimmon's face
Shall be made bright with sacrifice.

[_Exeunt forcing RUAHMAH with them. Musical interlude. A wounded
soldier crawls from a dark corner of the tent and finds the chain with
NAAMAN's seal, which has fallen to the ground in the struggle._]

WOUNDED SOLDIER:
This signet of my lord, her amulet!
Lost, lost! Ah, noble lady,--let me die
With this upon my breast.

[_The tent is dark. Enter NAAMAN and his company in haste, with
torches._]

NAAMAN:
What bloody work
Is here? God, let me live to punish him
Who wrought this horror! Treacherously slain
At night, by unknown hands, my brave companions:
Tsarpi, my best beloved, light of my soul,
Put out in darkness! O my broken l