s consecrated, bound, and doomed
To sacrificial death; but thou art sworn
To live and lead my host,--Hast thou not sworn?

NAAMAN:
Only if thou wilt keep thy word to me!
Break with this idol of iniquity
Whose shadow makes a darkness in the land;
Give her to me who gave me back to thee;
And I will lead thine army to renown
And plant thy banners on the hill of triumph.
But if she dies, I die with her, defying Rimmon.

[_Cries of "Spare them! Release her! Give us back our Captain!" and
"Sacrilege! Let them die!" Then silence, all turning toward the
King._]

BENHADAD:
Is this the choice? Must we destroy the bond
Of ancient faith, or slay the city's living hope!
I am an old, old man,--and yet the King!
Must I decide?--O let me ponder it!

[_His head sinks upon his breast. All stand eagerly looking at him._]

NAAMAN; [_Holding her in his arms._]
Ruahmah, my Ruahmah! I have come
To thee at last! And art thou satisfied?

RUAHMAH: [_Looking into his face._]
Beloved, my beloved, I am glad
Forever! Come what may, the only God
Is Love,--and He will never part us.

***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HOUSE OF RIMMON***

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