him. Then tell what friends you can. Remember, Prophet, Hold to our former plans till I return. Now I must go.
EXIT JEHU.
PROPHET.
And we had better go Straight into hiding, while we have the time.
ASHOBAL.
No, we must keep to what is planned and do What Jehu tells us.
PROPHET.
I must see Pharmas, then; find Pharmas for me.
ASHOBAL.
I cannot yet. Pharmas is in attendance on the Queen.
PROPHET.
Why should he be with her, today of all days? He is the King’s attendant, not the Queen’s.
ASHOBAL.
True, but the Queen commanded him this morning To write at her dictation; he will be There until noon; but it is nearly noon.
PROPHET.
We are discovered by this Jezebel. And Pharmas has betrayed us.
ASHOBAL.
No, he is faithful to us. Five years since This Jezebel once chided him in public For breaking of a cup. He has remembered; He swore to be revenged and means to be. Now I say this: Come on the stroke of noon, Here, to have speech with Pharmas and myself. We may have news by then. If the worst happen, We shall have time enough for flight at noon.
PROPHET.
You may be right; pray Heaven that you be.
ASHOBAL.
Hark! there is someone coming through the court. By Heaven!
PROPHET.
Why, who is it? What has happened?
ASHOBAL.
It is the King, recovered from his brooding And dressed as for an audience with his peers. If Ahab be in health again, why, death----
PROPHET.
What shall we do? Oh, say!
ASHOBAL.
Be not found here. He’s coming hither with his man, Micaiah. Go quickly, quickly.
EXIT PROPHET. MICAIAH. Way for their Majesties! It is commanded That all avoid. Way for their Majesties! Avoid the room, Ashobal, for the King. EXIT ASHOBAL. ENTER AHAB. AHAB. Micaiah, put my staff into my hands. Go, now, desire the Queen to give me audience.
EXIT MICAIAH. Thus does the climber on a pinnacle. He stands exhausted on the peak and feels Nothing beneath him but the mist of cloud Hiding the precipice. I have my foothold; Around me, the sheer fall into the pit.
ENTER JEZEBEL. JEZEBEL. So, my good lord, at last I look upon you After these days of anguish. O my lord, What has afflicted you, that you 

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