listen to me. You know me, whether I am mad or no. I am not mad; but Ahaziah’s spirit Came to me here, stood where his murderer stands, Less than an hour ago, denouncing him, His murderer, and traitor to yourself. I, knowing this, see to the soul of things, And cry, if you be man, attack this traitor, Tear out his wicked plottings and destroy him. 
AHAB. Let the Queen’s women come. I hear your charges Brought with more passion than with evidence. These are our friends, our proven soldier, Jehu, Our son, and this, the prophet of the spirit, Not what you think. See, here your women come. Tend the Queen’s majesty to her apartments. 
JEZEBEL. You think me mad, my inmost wisdom, mad. For the last time, for Ahaziah’s sake, For your sake, for the kingdom, for the crown, And for the sake of God who gives the crown, Believe what I have said against this Jehu. 
AHAB. I grieve that anyone should bring such charges. That you should bring them is an anguish to me. Go with your women hence, and try to rest. 
JEZEBEL. Prince Joram, will you give me your support? Thank you, my son. Since no one will believe, I, here, the Queen, must act alone. I will. 

(She snatches JORAM’S knife and tries to kill JEHU.) 
Die, murderer of my son! 
JORAM (catching her). I thought you’d try it. But I was ready for you. Come now, mother, You must go, rest. Come help her there, you women. 
(JEZEBEL is helped off.) 
It is my brother’s death that makes her thus. 
AHAB. It shakes us all. You understand, Duke Jehu, The cause of this, without my saying more. 
JEHU. My lord, I understand. But yet suggest some trial or enquiry Into my dealings. 
AHAB. Do not think of it. For these unhappy things which bruise men’s hearts Tear women’s hearts across. Let us proceed. I declare war against the Syrians For breach of treaty. We will march at once. 
JORAM. Though wounded, I will march, for I’ll repay The Syrians what I owe. Come, prophet, spread The news throughout the city. 
PROPHET. I will declare God’s wrath against his enemies. 
(JORAM and PROPHET go.) 
AHAB. Stay, Jehu, yet. You heard Micaiah’s dream. That was an evil omen for our war. 
JEHU. I do not think so. Why, what was the dream? That there should seem to be no King to-day. Was not that it? The meaning is apparent: That you should wear disguise.AHAB. Ha! Well suggested. JEHU. It is a wise precaution at the least.
Some traitor may be plotting to destroy you,
Some Syrian assassin may be here.
So take Micaiah’s hint and wear no purple. AHAB. A good interpretation. I accept it So. I will march disguised. JEHU. Much better so. AHAB. Micaiah did interpret for my death. JEHU. These thinkers are the enemies of war Because they are afraid. He wished to scare you, Let me unclasp the buckle of your cloak. 

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