All these with their bright spears these women took.
All these, and men, for even to be seen
By men, these hunter-women thought unclean.Madam, the soldiers have brought the farmer, Naboth; they have him in the guard-room, waiting for your orders.

Were you set upon as you brought him through the city?

No, Madam, but a crowd followed, which is now at the palace gates.

Is it threatening?

No, Madam, but uneasy.

Thank you, Micaiah. What standing has this Naboth?

He lives in the city, but has this vineyard and some other ground outside the walls. He is a small farmer, strict in religion. Nothing but religion will move him.

I will try whether that be true. Go now, without, and bring me Ashobal and Pharmas.

I will, Madam. [_Exit._]

If I can persuade this man to sell his land, then this gathering will lose all purpose. If he will not sell, as I doubt he will not, then, how then?

Madam, your servant waits for your commands.

Thank you, Micaiah. Keep in presence here. You are that Naboth of the South-west Precinct? [_Naboth nods._]

Our calling of you here may come untimely. You are at feast, or going to a feast?

I’m here; you’ve caught me; do the worst you can, But do not mock me.

I mock no one, Naboth. I sent for you because I wished to speak About the purchase of your vineyard near The city wall.

Why do you want my vineyard, tell me that?

I do not want it.

Well, your husband does.

He does not, Naboth. Listen, all of you. There is a false suspicion spread abroad That we, the King and Queen, have coveted This land of Naboth’s. It is wholly false. We do not want it, never wanted it, But bid for it, on public grounds, because Lord Jehu, captain of the bodyguard, The overseer of the 

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