And so we left her and retraced our steps,
    Like faithless hounds, to sleep beside the fire.” 
    Did Naaman forsake his soldiers thus
    When you went forth to hunt the Assyrian Bull? 
    Your manly courage is less durable
    Than woman’s love, it seems.  Go, if you will,—­
    Who bids me now farewell?

SOLDIERS: 
                              Not I, not I!

SABALLIDIN: 
    Lady, lead on, we’ll follow you forever!

RUAHMAH: 
    Why, now you speak like men!  Brought you no word
    Out of Samaria, except that cry
    Of impotence and fear from Israel’s King?

SABALLIDIN: 
    I do remember while he spoke with us
    A rustic messenger came in, and cried
    “Elisha saith, bring Naaman to me
    At Dothan, he shall surely know there is
    A God in Israel.”

RUAHMAH: 
                      What said the King?

SABALLIDIN: 
    He only shouted “Go!” more wildly yet,
    And rent his clothes again, as if he were
    Half-maddened by a coward’s fear, and thought
    Only of how he might be rid of us. 
    What comfort could there be for him, what hope
    For us, in the rude prophet’s misty word?

RUAHMAH: 
    It is the very word for which I prayed! 
    My trust was not in princes; for the crown,
    The sceptre, and the purple robe are not
    Significant of vital power.  The man
    Who saves his brother-men is he who lives
    His life with Nature, takes deep hold on truth,
    And trusts in God.  A prophet’s word is more
    Than all the kings on earth can speak.  How far
    Is Dothan?

SOLDIER: 
                Lady, ‘tis but three hours’ ride
    Along the valley southward.

RUAHMAH: 
                                Near! so near? 
    I had not thought to end my task so soon! 
    Prepare yourselves with speed to take the road. 
    I will awake my lord.

[Exeunt all but SABALLIDIN and RUAHMAH.  She goes
toward the tent.]

SABALLIDIN: 
                          Ruahmah, stay! [She turns back.]
    I’ve been your servant in this doubtful quest,
    Obedient, faithful, loyal to your will,—­
    What have I earned by this?

RUAHMAH: 
                                The gratitude
    Of him we both desire to serve:  your friend,—­
    My master and my lord.

SABALLIDIN: 
                            No more than this?

RUAHMAH: 
    Yes, if you will, take all the thanks my hands
    Can hold, my lips can speak.

SABALLIDIN: 
                                  I would have more.