VOICES. An Assyrian! An Assyrian! (_Men spring at_ Ingur.)
HAGGITH. Let him alone; he is my bondman and I have tamed him.
OZIAS. Shut the gates, for I will enquire into this matter.
HAGGITH. There are yet ten other Assyrians outside the gates, carrying
gourds for me.
OZIAS. Ten other Assyrians! It is a trick!
HAGGITH (_proudly_). By my command they are chained by their necks, neck
to neck. Fetch in the gourds, men, and give the people to drink.
(_The gourds are brought in amid cries and excitement. They are taken
off, L_.)
OZIAS. Shut the gates, I say.
FIRST SOLDIER. And the ten Assyrians, great lord?
OZIAS. Let them await my enquiry where they stand.
FIRST SOLDIER. Lord Ozias, if they flee?
HAGGITH. Hold thy mouth, gaby! Wouldst _thou_ flee with thy neck chained
to nine necks? Moreover, where will they flee? For the camps of the
Assyrians are broken, and in their terrible confusion the Assyrians fall
one upon another.
(_The gatemen talk among themselves and stare at the Assyrians outside,
who cannot be seen by those within the city. The gates remain open a
little_.)
OZIAS (_impatiently_).
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