The House of Rimmon is a drama by Henry Van Dyke Jr., set in Damascus and Samaria around 850 BC. It draws on the biblical story of Naaman, a Syrian commander, and the prophet Elisha, exploring loyalty, faith, and the conflict between the worship of Rimmon and Israel's God. Its dramatic scenes make the ancient conflict vivid for listeners.
Dramatis Personae Benhadad, King of Damascus Rezon, High Priest of the House of Rimmon Saballidin, A Noble of Damascus Hazael, Courtier of Damascus Izdubhar, Courtier of Damascus Rakhaz, Courtier of Damascus Shumakim, The King’s Fool Elisha, Prophet of Israel Naaman, Captain of the Armies of Damascus Ruahmah, A Captive Maid of Israel Tsarpi, Wife to Naaman Khamma, Attendant of Tsarpi Nubta, Attendant of Tsarpi Soldiers, Servants, Citizens, etc., etc. Scene: Damascus and the Mountains of Samaria. Time: 850 BC.
Act I
Scene I
Night, in the garden of Nĵĵƽĵƿ at Damascus. At
the left, on a slightly raised terrace, the palace, with softly gleaming lights and music coming from the open latticed windows. The garden is full of oleanders, roses, pomegranates, abundance of crimson flowers; the air is heavy with their fragrance: a fountain at the right is plashing gently: behind it is an arbour covered with vines. Near the centre of the garden stands a small, hideous image of the god Rimmon. Back of the arbour rises the lofty square tower of the House of Rimmon, which casts a shadow from the moon across the garden. The background is a wide, hilly landscape, with a high road passing over the mountains toward the snowclad summits of Mount Hermon in the distance. Enter by the palace door, the lady TǪĵǡǙƗ, robed in red and gold, and followed by her maids, Kƒĵƽƽĵ and NǼœǵĵ. She remains on the terrace: they go down into the garden, looking about, and returning to her. ƒĵƽƽĵ
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