Stefan Zweig

SCENE SIX

Evening cometh and the shadows lengthen. Jeremiah, VI, 4.

SCENE SIX

King Zedekiah’s bed-chamber, large and stately. It is dimly lighted, so that details are scarcely visible. What light there is comes from a lamp hanging in a golden bowl, and from the soft moonbeams which stream in through the casement. This is widely open and commands a view of the town. In the foreground stands a large table surrounded by broad seats. The curtained bed occupies the center of the background. Zedekiah is standing motionless at the window, looking down on the moonlit city. Joab, a young spearman, enters, and stands respectfully waiting for the king to notice him. Zedekiah pays no heed, but continues to gaze out of the window.

The Lad

[After a pause ventures to speak] My Lord King! [Zedekiah turns with a start] It is midnight, O King. This is the hour at which thou orderedst me to summon the council.

Zedekiah

Are they all here?

The Lad

All, at thy command.

Zedekiah

Have they come unseen by the people and by the palace servants?

The Lad

Unseen, Lord King. By secret ways I led them hither.

Zedekiah

Where is the spy? Hast thou kept him apart?

The Lad

He tarries with the doorkeepers.

Zedekiah

Let him tarry. Summon the council.

[The Lad bows, and disappears through the doorway]

Zedekiah

[Strides to and fro, and then returns to the window. He soliloquizes] Never have I seen the stars shine so brightly. They stand confusedly in rows, like letters on the dark background of heaven, a writing which no man can read. In Babylon, they say, are interpreters and priests who serve the stars, conversing with them by night. Other kings can talk with their gods; they have shrines on their towers where they can learn the will of heaven when their hearts are troubled. Why have I no soothsayers who can tell the future? It is terrible to be the servant of a god who is always silent; whom no one has ever seen! [A pause while he contemplates the city] They are all asleep, those over whom I rule; they rest beside their wives or beside their weapons; in me is centered their need and their wakefulness. I must counsel others, but who shall counsel me? I must lead others, but who shall lead me? I am exalted over others, but over me is exalted one whom I cannot see. Below is sleep; above is silence.

[The Lad draws aside the curtain; and the five councilors enter noiselessly. They are Pashur, the high priest; Hananiah, the prophet; Imre, the oldest burgher; Abimelech, the general; Nahum, the steward. Zedekiah turns to receive them. They bow]

Zedekiah

I summoned you by night that our talk might be private. I demand from you a pledge of secrecy. Lay your hands within the priest’s hands; he will answer for you to the Most High. [Silently they raise their hands in adjuration, and each in turn lays his hand in Pashur’s] I swear by Almighty God that I will show no anger against any who opposes me. [He lays his hand in Pashur’s] Now let us take counsel. [He waves them towards the table, and all take their seats] We are in the eleventh month of the siege. The vines are green once more. Nebuchadnezzar has been unable to take Jerusalem, but we on our part have not been able to force him to raise the siege. His sword against us beats the water, but so likewise does ours beat the water against him. We have left nothing undone that might bring aid. I have sent envoys to the king of the Medes; I have sent to the princes of the east, asking their help against Ashur. The missions were fruitless. We stand alone.

Hananiah

[Fiercely] God is on our side.

[The others say nothing]

Zedekiah

[Quietly] God is on our side. He has set up his tabernacle upon this hill, and my own roof stands in the shadow of his holy house. But God sends trials upon his own people. Those who swore faith to us, betrayed us; the Egyptians abandoned us; we are alone. Let us take counsel together, how to fight out our quarrel with Nebuchadnezzar, or whether we can find a means to end it.

Hananiah

Let us pray to God for a miracle. Let our hearts overflow with prayer, our altars smoke with sacrifices. What we have done once hitherto, let us now do twice over.

Nahum

There is nothing left to sacrifice, neither bulls nor rams.

Hananiah

It is false. I have heard the lowing of the cattle which you refuse to deliver up to the sacrifice.

Nahum

The last we have. They are milch cows to provide food for nursing mothers and the sick.

Hananiah

Such thrift is impious where God is concerned. Let the sick starve and the breasts of the women run dry, so long as God receives due meed of sacrifice.

Pashur

[Earnestly] God requires no gifts to make him aware of our distresses.

Hananiah

Naught is sweeter to the Lord than the gifts of the needy. We should give to the uttermost, tearing the morsels from our own mouths.

Pashur

I know the customs. It is not for you, Hananiah, to teach me my duty, which I know better perchance than you know God’s word and God’s will.

Hananiah

Who sacrifices grudgingly, who sacrifices with a cold heart, is but a slaughterman, and no true servant of the Lord. Lo, I say unto you unless ye give of your uttermost need, ye are unworthy to stand in the light of his countenance.

Zedekiah

[Passionately] Hold your peace. Your words are past bearing. But a few grains of sand have run through the hour glass, and already you rail against one another. We do not meet to discuss what it is fitting we should render unto God. We meet to consider our pressing need, and how we can relieve it. We are in the throes of war, and to you therefore I turn first for counsel, Abimelech, general of my army.

Abimelech

Stout are the walls of Jerusalem, O King, but stouter still is my heart.

Zedekiah

And your men, old stalwart; are they, too, stout-hearted? Rarely do I hear them raise exultant cries. When I pass among them, no longer do they strike their shields. They turn away their faces.

Abimelech

War makes men silent, but it steels their hearts. No longer, indeed, do they shout with delight, for that they can use their swords freely. Custom stales all joys. But they watch and wait; strong as brass are they, guarding the walls of Jerusalem.

Zedekiah

But what if the moons still wax and wane; what if the second year of the siege begins? There is no help coming from outside.

Abimelech

The siege will last as long as God pleases, and we shall last as long as the siege.

Zedekiah

May the Lord fulfil thy words. [To the others] Are ye all of the same opinion?

Pashur

We must be steadfast, enduring patiently until the end.

Zedekiah

What sayest thou, Hananiah?

Hananiah

Never shall Nebuchadnezzar overthrow us. Woe unto all faint-hearts. Did it rest with me, I would put them to the sword.

Imre

Mine eyes are dim with age, but being old, I saw the days when Senaccherib was arrayed against Israel, and I saw his men lying dead in heaps around our walls. Never were the jackals so fat as in the year when Jerusalem was encircled by the enemies of the Lord. The same may happen again to those who now besiege us. Let mine eyes not be wholly darkened ere this day dawn. Jerusalem endureth for ever!

Abimelech, Hananiah, Pashur

Jerusalem endureth for ever!

[A pause]

Zedekiah

Thou sayest nothing, Nahum. Wherefore art thou silent?

Nahum

Gloomy are my thoughts, Lord King, and bitter will be my speech. He thrusts not himself forward, to whom joy is lacking.

Zedekiah

I summoned you in council, one and all. Welcome is the bearer of good tidings, but no less welcome he who brings wise warnings. Speak freely.

Nahum

Shortly before you called me to the council, I was visiting the storehouses, and having the grain measured, bushel by bushel. They were full when the siege began, but now they are almost empty. No longer can we provide a whole loaf for the day’s ration.

[All sit in dismayed silence]

Zedekiah

Was there not ample provision of grain from the villages? Was not an abundance of milch cows and other beasts driven within the walls?

Nahum

Forget not that the siege has lasted nearly a year, and that there are many mouths to feed.

Zedekiah

[After another pause] We can reduce the rations yet further. Let nothing be wasted.

Nahum

Long have we been careful to avoid waste. Yet the storehouses gape with emptiness. Time is a mighty eater.

Zedekiah

How long, then, thinkest thou, ere famine is upon us?

Nahum

[In low tones] Three weeks, Lord. No more.

[A pause]

Zedekiah

Three weeks … And then?

Nahum

How can I answer thee, O King? God alone knows the answer. [Renewed silence]

Hananiah

[In great excitement] Cut the loaves in half. Cut them in three, and let that suffice for the day. Too long have they lived riotously, they and their concubines; let them grow lean, now, fighting the Lord’s fight.

Abimelech

My soldiers must not have their food cut down. No man can fight on an empty stomach.

Hananiah

We must all share and share alike, the soldiers as well as the others. Jerusalem is at stake.

Abimelech

My men must have their strength kept up. Let the useless mouths go hungry, the windbags and the prattlers.

Nahum

You talk folly. What would it avail to pinch ourselves unduly, seeing that there are an hundred thousand within the walls. There is food to last us three weeks. If we slaughter the beasts reserved for the temple, we can hold out a fortnight more.

Pashur

Let us keep the peace among ourselves. Ye rail against one another like enemies. Let us stand united against Nebuchadnezzar and likewise against our own people. Neither he nor they must know aught of our need.

Zedekiah

What if he know it already?

Nahum

None can know it. Daily I set my seal on the doors of the storehouses. Neither the people nor Nebuchadnezzar can be aware of our distress.

Abimelech

God be praised. Nebuchadnezzar would show us no mercy if he knew.

Zedekiah

[After a pause] I have called you in council, elders of the people. Wars are not ended by the sword alone. I have summoned you to ask whether I should send an envoy to Nebuchadnezzar, praying him that there should be peace between our nations.

Hananiah

No peace with the blasphemers of the Almighty!

Abimelech

Let him make the first offer.

Pashur

I think it would be dangerous for us to begin. Should we open the parley, he would seek to make slaves of us.

Zedekiah

I hold other views. Though as yet he knows nothing of our desperate plight, it can remain hidden for a few days only. We must turn these days to account.

Nahum

True are thy words, O King. We must seek mercy of Nebuchadnezzar before he triumphs over us with the sword.

Abimelech

[Bitterly] Sue for mercy! Death were better!

Pashur

We need God’s mercy, not man’s.

Hananiah

[To Nahum] Coward and traitor!

Imre

[Wearily] When will you cease quarreling? The king’s words are true. It would be folly to wait till the last hour. Let us seek parley while we can still show a bold front.

Abimelech

It is too late. The dead lying before the walls will cry reproach on us.

Pashur

It is too late. The war has heaped up such mountains of hatred.

Zedekiah

Nay, it is not too late. [He pauses for a moment] An envoy has already passed between Nebuchadnezzar and me.

[The councilors spring excitedly to their feet]

Nahum

Thou hast received an envoy from Nebuchadnezzar? Blessed be the hour.

Hananiah

Traitor! Thou holdest parley with the enemy!

Abimelech

No treaty without our consent! Thou hast forgotten.

Pashur

Thou hast held parley, King, without consulting us? Why then are we summoned in council?

Zedekiah

Peace, peace. Can ye not wait till I have finished? Ye snap at my first word like a pack of hungry hounds. [A pause. He continues more quietly] A messenger has come from Nebuchadnezzar. I have not yet heard the message. Is this to hold parley? Is this treachery? Answer!

[All are silent for a while]

Pashur

I crave thy pardon, King. It is hard to weigh one’s words when so much hangs in the balance.

Zedekiah

It is for you to decide; for you to hear the envoy, or to send him away unheard.

Nahum

Our position is desperate. We must hear him.

Imre

We can listen to his message, and be cautious about accepting it.

Abimelech

We can hear him, and can settle afterwards whether we will let him return. He may be sent only to spy out the land.

Zedekiah

What say ye, Pashur and Hananiah?

Pashur

Let us hear him.

[Hananiah is silent and averts his face]

Zedekiah

Since no one opposes, we will hear the message. [Going to the doorway he calls out] Joab, fetch the envoy. [Zedekiah returns to the table] Let each ask what questions he will. But our answers must show one mind.

[Baruch is ushered in by Joab. The latter passes out again, replacing the curtain. Baruch bows before the king]

Dost thou bring a message to Israel from King Nebuchadnezzar?

Baruch

He has sent me with a message to thee, O King.

Zedekiah

These are my councilors. Who speaks to me speaks to them also, for they and I, Israel and Israel’s king, are at one by God’s will. [Turning to the others] Question him.

Hananiah

[Scornfully] What grace does the king of the heathen vouchsafe…

Abimelech

[Interrupting] Let us consider practical matters first! What is your name?

Baruch

Baruch, son of Zebulon, of the house of Naphtali.

Abimelech

Are you then of our blood?

Baruch

I am a servant of the one God, and was born in Jerusalem.

Abimelech

Does anyone here know this man?

Pashur

I know his father, a just man, and a faithful servant of the Lord.

Abimelech

How did you fall into the enemy’s hands?

Baruch

I was drawing water from Moria well when they seized me.

Abimelech

What proof have you that you are an envoy? Have you a letter, signed and sealed?

Baruch

Nebuchadnezzar gave me his signet ring, that I might pass the sentries going and returning. [He shows the ring on his finger.]

Abimelech

I have no more questions to ask. Let him deliver his message.

Baruch

When the Assyrian soldiers waylaid me, they took me to the king’s tent. Nebuchadnezzar has kept me under guard these eleven months. Sending for me yesterday, he said: “Wilt thou take my message to King Zedekiah?” Standing before him without fear, I answered: “I will.” Then spake Nebuchadnezzar: “Eleven months have I laid siege to this town. I have sworn that not again will I lie with woman until the gates of Jerusalem have been opened. But I will wait no longer. Should King Zedekiah wish for terms, let him hasten. Never has an enemy withstood me more stoutly. To none will I be more gentle than to him, should he hasten to sue for mercy.”

Abimelech

Nebuchadnezzar is a great warrior. It is an honor to have held out against him for eleven months.

Baruch

He said further: “If ye open the gates and humble yourselves ere the moon be full, I will grant you your lives. Every man may dwell in safety under his vine and under his fig tree. Though ye have shed our blood, I seek not yours, but only victory and renown. It is my will that from sunrise to sunset the nations should learn the news that none can withstand my sword; that there is no king but shall bow before me, the king of kings. I need but a sign, and your city shall be safe, your days long in the land.”

Nahum

Methinks the terms are easy.

Pashur

Too easy for me to trust them.

Zedekiah

But the sign! What sign does Nebuchadnezzar demand?

Baruch

He said: “Zedekiah, who has taken up arms against me, must abase himself. When I enter the city, let him walk to meet me, from the gates of the temple to the wall, carrying his crown in his hands, and wearing a wooden yoke on his neck…”

Zedekiah

[Drawing himself up] A yoke?

Baruch

“A yoke that all men may know his stubbornness is broken and his pride humbled. I will meet him, will lift the yoke from his neck, and replace the crown on his head.”

Zedekiah

Never shall the man wear a crown whose neck has borne a yoke. Never! [He rises to his feet]

Abimelech

I could not endure it! [He also rises][The others remain seated and silent. After a long pause, Nahum speaks meditatively]

Nahum

From the gates of the temple to the wall?

Pashur

It is barely an hundred paces.

Imre

No more than seventy, I think. No more than seventy.

Zedekiah

[Turning fiercely upon them] Ye reckon up the paces I am to take, with my neck yoked like an ox drawing the plough? Are ye all mad to think that I shall so humble myself? Did ye show courage only while your own lives were at stake? Do ye think nothing of my shame, if ye can make your own peace? Cowards all!

Pashur

Thou hast sworn, O King, that each of us should speak freely the words which came to his mouth.

Zedekiah

Thou dost well to remind me. Pardon my anger. Speak freely.

Nahum

I beseech thee to accept the terms, not for our sake alone but for that of our children.

Imre

For the sake of our country.

Pashur

For temple and altar.

Hananiah

For God, who commands it.

[Abimelech is silent, hiding his face]

Zedekiah

[Paces up and down, as the struggle rages within him. At length he steps up to the table, and speaks in solemn tones] I will do what ye demand, breaking my pride like a potter’s vessel, bowing my neck beneath the yoke.

[All move to speak, but he imposes silence, and continues]

I will take the crown from my head, and offer it up with my hands, as is enjoined. But holy is the crown of Israel, and none shall wear it whose neck hath borne a yoke. When I have put off from me the wood of shame, I shall put away likewise sceptre and ring, consigning both to my son. Young is he, but ye will counsel him. Swear that ye will be true to him, so that the people may look up to him. Swear that ye will invest him with crown and with ring.

Pashur

[Greatly moved] I swear it, O King.

Imre, Hananiah, Nahum

We swear it.

Abimelech

As a king hast thou acted. Praised be thy name.

Nahum

Eternal honor to King Zedekiah.

Zedekiah

Thus shall the walls stand fast, thus shall the holy city be saved, though I sink into the dust. Better I should perish than Zion. Jerusalem endureth for ever.

All

[Fervently] Jerusalem endureth for ever.

Zedekiah

[To Baruch] Thou hearest, boy? Go, then, to the king of Ashur, and say unto him: “Zedekiah, who hath been ruler, and hath taken up arms against thee, boweth himself before thee, that thou mayest show him thy mercy.” Hasten, that soon I may stand before the door of my house, saying to my people the precious word, “Peace”.

Baruch

[Disquieted, speaks in subdued tones] I hear, Lord King. But there is yet one other thing I have to tell thee, one more demand from the king of Ashur.

Abimelech

[Angrily] Yet more? Does not this shame suffice him?

Baruch

A trifle he termed it. It looms large in my mind.

Zedekiah

What does his pride still crave?

Baruch

He spake unto me and said: “I will take the yoke from the king’s neck and restore the crown to his head. He shall walk at my left hand, that men may know I honor him as my royal brother. But there is still one within your walls, of whom folk say that he is mightier than any. I would see this mighty one. They say that there is a god within your walls, whose countenance ye hide behind the curtains of a tabernacle, for that no one can bear to look upon him. To me, fear is unknown, and I wish to enter his presence, that I may behold him. I will not lay hands on his altar, nor touch his bread, neither will I covet his treasures. One thing only do I ask, that I may enter his tabernacle, for I would fain set eyes on him who hath proved mightier than I.” Thus spake Nebuchadnezzar.

Pashur

Never! Never!

Hananiah

The fire of the Lord consume him for the sacrilegious thought.

Pashur

Better that the temple should crumble to dust, than that the tabernacle should be desecrated.

Imre

[In consternation] He would look upon the holy of holies! Terrible is the request.

Pashur

Unbounded is the insolence of the heathen ruler! Dismiss his messenger, Lord King. Send back the envoy.

Hananiah

Send back the envoy. Never must such a thing be.

Nahum

Be not too hasty, O King. In our hands lies the welfare of the nation.

Abimelech

A thousand deaths were better than this shame.

Pashur

I will face death with you, will perish in the midst of your warriors.

Hananiah

[Savagely] Dismiss the envoy. Rather death than this sacrilege.

Imre

Ye talk lightly of dying. Bethink ye that your pride means seventy thousand deaths.

Pashur

Would you profane God’s holy of holies?

Imre

Life is part of God’s holiness. God himself is life.

Hananiah

It would be an everlasting disgrace could the heathen look on the face of Jehovah.

Nahum

Let our foes exult; let our pride be humbled. So be it, if the city outlast our pride and our lives. King Zedekiah, save Jerusalem!

Hananiah

Nay, dismiss the envoy.

Zedekiah

I am naught but the hand holding the scales. I stand aloof from your decision. Make up your minds. Count your votes. Speed ye, that the matter may be settled for good or for ill.

Imre

I am the oldest among you. My word is, let us comply with Nebuchadnezzar’s demands.

Hananiah

Let us refuse. God will help us. Let us refuse.

Pashur

I will not chaffer with God’s majesty. Never will I consent to such impiety.

Nahum

Let God’s city stand for ever. Accept the terms.

Zedekiah

What sayest thou, Abimelech?

Abimelech

Not for me to advise thee, King Zedekiah. Not for me, who am but thy servant and thy sword. By yes and by no, in life and in death, do I stand by thy decision.

Zedekiah

Two votes against two, and in my own mind there are voices twain! Conflict without; conflict within. I hold aloof, leaving it to you to direct my will. You cast it back to me like seadrift, and, trembling, I am still constrained to decide. Have I, indeed, to throw these dreadful dice?

Pashur

God will give thee light.

Zedekiah

Ah, would he but speak to me. Happy our forefathers to whom he appeared in a cloud. I stretch forth my hands towards him, but still for me the voice of heaven is dumb. I grope in the darkness, finding I know not what. Pray for me that I may be rightly guided.

Nahum

Thou hast our love, O King.

Zedekiah

Time presses. Ere the night is spent I must say yes or no; where perchance no is yes, and yes is no. God give me light. [He rises to his feet and all rise with him] Leave me to myself. The cleavage among you increases my own indecision. I shall act as my heart dictates, and it may well be that ere ye reach home I shall have made my choice, for my soul travaileth. Pray, friends, pray, that my choice may be the best for Israel. Pray for me, pray for Jerusalem.

Pashur

God give thee light. I shall not close my eyes in sleep until thou hast chosen. I will hold vigil before the altar.

Hananiah

Remember God.

Nahum

Remember the city.

Imre

Remember the children, remember the women.

Abimelech

I abide by thy choice in life or in death.

[All depart, leaving Baruch and the king]

Baruch

[Quietly] Shall I, too, take my leave, King Zedekiah?

Zedekiah

[Collecting his thoughts] What sayest thou? Nay, thou must remain.[Baruch stands by the doorway while Zedekiah walks restlessly to and fro for a time. Then, pausing by the window, the king stares over the town, subsequently resuming his restless pacing. At length he turns and speaks to Baruch]

Zedekiah

Nebuchadnezzar demands an answer to-day?

Baruch

Yea, Lord; for to-morrow the moon is full.

Zedekiah

[Paces the floor again. Then abruptly] Thou sawest him face to face. Did he ask thee anything concerning me?

Baruch

His chief counselor and his scribe were present. The former asked me about you, but Nebuchadnezzar bade him be silent.

Zedekiah

Full of pride is he, and his wrath is like a storm over our heads. But I fear him not. Himself, he asked nothing concerning me?

Baruch

Nothing, Lord King.

Zedekiah

To him we are naught. To him our walls are but a handful of dust. Yet we can meet defiance with defiance. For eleven months he has been breaking his teeth against the ramparts of the city, and he would dismiss us with a smile. I am not worth a word, and he rates our town at a breath. Nevertheless my yoke is not yet ready; the walls of Jerusalem still stand. We have taught him to wait, but he has not yet learned his lesson. Shall I be the slave of his caprices? He would tarry but a day? Let him tarry for weeks and months. [Drawing himself up] Take this message to Nebuchadnezzar. Say unto him…

Baruch

[In alarm] Decide not in anger, King Zedekiah.

Zedekiah

[Rigid with astonishment] How darest thou interrupt me?

Baruch

[Kneels] I implore thee, save Jerusalem. Stretch forth thine hand in peace, lest the walls crumble and the temple be shattered. Lord King, I adjure thee, open the gates, open thy heart.

Zedekiah

[Wrathfully] “Open the gates, open thy heart”. I have heard those words before. They have been put into thy mouth. One stands behind thee speaking against me with thy voice.

Baruch

Nay, Lord King. My supplication arises from the depths of my heart. Something will I tell thee, which hitherto I have withheld. It was not at Nebuchadnezzar’s summons that I went to him, but of my own free will, hoping that I might soften his heart. I saw that either side waited for the other to propose peace. Day after day, for eleven long months, did I importune him till he sent me with this message.

Zedekiah

Thou, a boy, a child? While we were holding counsel, thou soughtest out the king of kings to seek peace and ensure it?

Baruch

This did I, O King, in the urgency of my heart’s wishes.

Zedekiah

[Regards him fixedly for a time. Then, speaking sharply] Not thine own deed, this, nor thy thought.

Baruch

I went at no man’s orders.

Zedekiah

Thou speakest falsely. No boy could conceive such a deed for himself.

Baruch

I swear to thee that I did it unadvised. He knew naught of it, neither commanded it nor approved.

Zedekiah

He? Who is he of whose orders thou speakest?

Baruch

[Evasively] My teacher, my master.

Zedekiah

Who is thy master, who? I would know who issues commands to the boys of this city.

Baruch

God’s servant and prophet is my master. Men call him Jeremiah.

Zedekiah

[Furiously] Jeremiah, always Jeremiah. Ever the shadow that follows my deeds, ever in revolt against me. I have cast him into a dungeon, but still, as in the beginning, rises his clamor for peace. Why this persecution? Why?

Baruch

Thou art mistaken. Jeremiah hath more love for thee than for any other in this town.

Zedekiah

I need not his love. I spew forth his love, and I despise his anger. Who is he, that he should dare to love me? Shall one venture to stand up in the streets and give tongue, declaring that he loveth me, or loveth me not? Why should Jeremiah push in twixt me and my resolve? Would he show himself the greater of us twain? I am the king, I alone! Let him cry, Peace, peace! Not in his hand lieth the fate of Jerusalem. I am king in Zion, and never shall he boast that he frightened me with his dreams. Better the city should perish, than be saved by the hand of Jeremiah. Go thou to Nebuchadnezzar and say unto him: Never will Zedekiah bear a yoke. Never shall the king of Ashur raise the curtain before the holy of holies. Nebuchadnezzar may come with all his men; he will find Zedekiah ready to meet him.

[Baruch raising both hands imploringly, is about to speak. Zedekiah continues]

Not a word. If thou failest to carry my message, I will have Jeremiah’s head.

[Again Baruch endeavors to speak]

A single word, and Jeremiah’s life is forfeit. Away, I command thee, away!

[Baruch stands for a moment, and then, veiling his face, passes out. Zedekiah draws himself up threateningly when Baruch hesitates. As soon as the young man has gone, the king lowers his outstretched arm, and his countenance is once more shadowed with anxiety. Then he draws a deep breath and speaks]

Zedekiah

It is finished. No longer the torture of indecision.

[He paces to and fro once more. Then he stamps twice. Joab enters]

Joab

The king calls?

Zedekiah

Wine, bring me wine. I need sleep, deep and dreamless sleep.

[Joab brings a pitcher and fills a silver goblet. Zedekiah empties it at a draught. Then he listens, and his face is again clouded]

Who is walking outside there? I hear footsteps. Does the spy still tarry?

Joab

He has gone forth, Lord. You hear the sentry, my brother Nehemiah.

Zedekiah

Tell him to tread softly when he is on guard outside my bedchamber at night. I need sleep just as much as other men.

Joab

I will see to it, Lord. [He draws aside the curtains of the bed and veils the lamp. Now the only light in the room comes from the pale moonbeams] Shall I read from the scriptures, Lord King, as heretofore?

Zedekiah

Nay, not even the scriptures can help me. I would fain sleep, even as other men sleep. My lids ache and my heart aches likewise.

[Joab helps him to remove his outer garment. Zedekiah flings himself on the couch]

Joab

God guard thy slumbers, O King.

[Joab calls Nehemiah. Silently the two stand at the head of the bed, motionless figures holding spears. In the moonlight their shadows rise in giant silhouettes on the wall. The only sound is the gentle plashing of a fountain in the court-yard]

Zedekiah

[Springing up with a wild cry] Why do ye whisper together? Did I not command ye to silence?

Joab

[Alarmed] We said nothing, Lord King.

Zedekiah

Some one is talking. Who is it that devours my slumber? All should sleep, so that I too may sleep. Is there anyone awake in the neighboring rooms?

Joab

No one, Lord King. Nor anywhere throughout the palace.

Zedekiah

So I alone hold vigil. Why should all the burden be laid upon me? All the walls of the city, all the towers of care? Get me wine.

[Joab fills the goblet once more. Zedekiah drains it and flings it away. With a groan he lies down again. All is still save for the murmur of the fountain. Zedekiah, who has been lying motionless on the bed, now very quietly sits up in the gloom. Crouching like a wild beast about to spring, he listens intently. Then he suddenly screams]

Zedekiah

Some one is speaking. I hear a voice which drones unendingly. I have given orders that none shall speak in my house. The voice is chanting. But I have forbidden that any should sing under my roof. Do ye not hear it?

Joab

I hear nothing, Lord.

Nehemiah

No sound has reached me.

Zedekiah

[Glares at the two lads. Crouching he listens for a moment, and breaks forth again] I hear it, I tell you; an interminable monotone. Listen, Joab, here where I am listening. It is somewhere beneath us, burrowing like a mole in the darkness of my slumber, devouring my sleep. Canst not hear, lad?

Joab

[Listens intently for a moment, and then shudders] I hear a voice rising from the depths. Like the voice of one singing. The spirits of the deep are awake beneath the house. The voice laments and moans like a caged beast.

Nehemiah

Perchance it is but the wind moaning through a cranny.

Zedekiah

I hear words; I feel them without understanding them. Who dares to sing by night in my house? Is it so well with my slaves that they must sing while I toss sleepless? Away, Joab, and silence the disturber.

[Joab hastens out. Zedekiah crouches, listening. He seems at first to hear something. Then he raises his head, and subsequently lowers it to listen once more. Suddenly three dull blows are heard. The king listens eagerly. He draws a breath of relief]

God be praised, the voice is stilled.

[Joab reenters with troubled mien]

Who was talking?

Joab

[Trembling] I know not, Lord, I did not find him. As I neared the marketplace, the noise of singing came to me louder, rising as it were from the depths of the earth. I followed the direction of the sound. There was no one singing in the marketplace. The utterance had a hollow ring, as if it came from a well or from a pit. Now I could hear the words, and they were terrible. Thrice did I strike the ground with the haft of my spear. Then was the Gehenna silent.

Zedekiah

What were the words?

Joab

[Shuddering] I dare not repeat them.

Zedekiah

Tell me the words, I command thee.

Joab

It was blasphemy that rose from the pit.

Zedekiah

Repeat the words, if you fear my anger.

Joab

[Complies. His voice rises in a psalm]

Zedekiah

[With a loud cry] Jeremiah! Always Jeremiah.

Joab

[Continuing to chant as if inspired]

Zedekiah

Be still, be still. I will hear no more. Always Jeremiah, and again Jeremiah. Wherever I go he stands at the cross roads; his challenge rings behind all my doings; he forces his way into my dreams, and feeds my indecision. How can I outrun this terrible shadow? He cries to me even from the pit. Who will free me from him?

Joab

Lord, if he be thine enemy, say the word … [He makes a movement with his spear]

Zedekiah

[Startled out of his anger, looks at the lad wonderingly. Then, with awakening pride] Thou wouldst … Nay, I fear him not. I fear no man. Nor am I certain if he be my enemy. I was foolish, perhaps, to flee from him. Who can tell? [He paces the room] Joab!

Joab

My Lord?

Zedekiah

Go forth, taking with thee thy brother Nehemiah. Open the pit and bring hither the man ye will find there. None must know that he enters and leaves the palace.

[Joab and Nehemiah pass out. The king soliloquizes in low tones]

At every cross road, behind my back, always too late and always compelling me to listen. Why did I appeal only to God, who vouchsafes me no answer? Why did I not hearken to those who say that he declares his will through their mouths? But wherefore do they speak with conflicting voices? How could I discern the false from the true? Dread is this God who will not break silence, and whose messengers cannot be certainly known.

[Jeremiah enters accompanied by the two lads. At a sign from Zedekiah, Joab unveils the lamp. Then he and Nehemiah withdraw. Jeremiah is pale and emaciated. His dark eyes flash from a white and bony face, looking almost as if set in a skull. He regards the king with a questioning calm. After a momentary embarrassment the king speaks]

Zedekiah

I sent for thee, Jeremiah, to ask why thou dost disturb my rest. Why singest thou in the night when others sleep?

Jeremiah

He may not sleep who watches over the people. The Lord hath appointed me to watch and to give warning.

Zedekiah

Jeremiah, I have summoned thee to hold counsel with me. No man knoweth that to this end I have drawn thee from the pit where thou hast been prisoned. Wilt thou advise me truly?

Jeremiah

God helping me, I will.

Zedekiah

Know, then, what none other knows save my innermost counselors. An envoy has come from Nebuchadnezzar, seeking to end the war between our nations.

Jeremiah

[Exultantly] God be praised! Open the gates, open thy heart to humbleness.

Zedekiah

Rejoice not too soon. Hard are the terms and measureless is the arrogancy of the king of Ashur.

Jeremiah

Arrogant hast thou been towards him, therefore must thou accept arrogancy in return. Put compulsion on thy heart, so thou save Jerusalem from destruction.

Zedekiah

He asks my honor.

Jeremiah

Sacrifice thine honor for the city.

Zedekiah

Is not honor my office; is not pride my crown?

Jeremiah

If they be truly thine, cast them from thee. Peace is better than honor; suffering is better than death.

Zedekiah

He would bow my neck beneath a yoke.

Jeremiah

Blessed is he who suffers for all; who suffers that all may live. Bow thy neck, and save the city.

Zedekiah

I should bring shame on all the kings whose throne is my heritage; I should disgrace the mantle of my forefathers.

Jeremiah

Think no longer of those who have been. They are dead, and worms have eaten them. Think of the city and of those who now live therein.

Zedekiah

Not me alone will Nebuchadnezzar abase, but God also.

Jeremiah

God smiles at those who would abase him. Open the gates, open thy heart to humbleness.

Zedekiah

Nebuchadnezzar would enter the holy of holies which none may approach.

Jeremiah

God will avert it, should it be his will; thou canst not avert it. Open the gates, open thy heart to humbleness.

Zedekiah

[Angrily] Thy wisdom is stubbornness; thy counsel, insolence. With deaf ears dost thou hearken, and thine answer is hard as flint.

Jeremiah

Am I to laud thy blindness, to approve whate’er thou sayest? Feigning to ask counsel, thou wouldst have naught but flattery. May my tongue consume away in my mouth, my bones fall apart, ere I praise thy folly and cease from crying against thy blindness.

Zedekiah

Why railest thou thus, when thou hast not yet heard my purpose?

Jeremiah

I know thy purpose. With words dost thou fawn on me, whilst thy will is set up against me. Wouldst mock me, and play with God’s word? Thou hast not summoned me to help thee decide. Long ere this has the message been signed and sealed within thy soul. Thou mayst deceive thyself, King of Israel, but me thou canst not deceive.

Zedekiah

Jeremiah!

Jeremiah

Yea, verily, I, Jeremiah, say unto thee, the king: Thou dealest falsely with me, and thy words are a blind. No longer is thy will free, nor dost thou truly desire me to influence thy decision.

Zedekiah

[Unsteadily] How canst thou know this?

Jeremiah

Thy lips betray thee. Thou quailest before my wrath like a guilty man. Fain wouldst thou tempt me to approve thy decision, to lift the guilt from thy shoulders. Woe unto him who tempts men, for he tempts the god that is in men.

Zedekiah

[Hesitates, greatly moved. Then he speaks in low tones] Much, indeed, is it given thee to know, Jeremiah. Too true are thy words. My will is no longer free, I have delivered my message to the envoy.

Jeremiah

Recall it! Save the city.

Zedekiah

He is on his way to Nebuchadnezzar.

Jeremiah

Send for him! Bring him back!

Zedekiah

Too late. The advice comes too late.

Jeremiah

Hasten after him. Pursue him with runners and riders.

Zedekiah

It is too late. By now my message must have reached the king of Ashur.

Jeremiah

[Hides his face, lamenting] Woe, woe unto Jerusalem, woe unto Jerusalem!

Zedekiah

[Drawing near him in alarm] What ails thee Jeremiah?

[Jeremiah does not heed the king. Sobs shake his frame. Soon, however, he draws himself up once more. Now his gaze is fixed on the distance. He speaks as in a dream, raising his hands, like one inspired]

Jeremiah

Zedekiah

[Calls to him loudly, hoping to awaken him from the trance] Jeremiah!

Jeremiah

Zedekiah

Thou ravest, Jeremiah; awake, awake!

Jeremiah

Zedekiah

AccursÈd one, thou liest! High and hale stand the walls of Jerusalem.

Jeremiah

Zedekiah

Be silent, be silent! Thou liest!

Jeremiah

Zedekiah

Hold thy peace, liar, lest my wrath smite thee!

Jeremiah

Zedekiah

[Beside himself with rage, clenching his fists] Be silent, liar, I will listen no longer.

Jeremiah

Zedekiah

Raving madman, naught more shalt thou see.

Jeremiah

Zedekiah

[Grappling with him, bursts out in a fury] Naught more shalt thou see! I will have thee blinded.

Jeremiah

[Stares around, as if suddenly and dreadfully awakened. Then laughing loudly, he chants with renewed frenzy]

[Zedekiah releases Jeremiah, and regards him with amazement and terror. Jeremiah raises his hands in denunciation, and continues]

[Zedekiah has retreated several steps, and makes gestures as if to avert the threatened fate]

[Zedekiah screams, and claps his hands to his eyes as if blinded]

Zedekiah

[Groping his way across the room like a blind man, staggers to the couch. Now he puts up his hands beseechingly] Mercy! Have mercy!

Jeremiah

Zedekiah

[Utterly crushed by the adjuration, has collapsed, groaning, on to the couch. Now he slowly rises, and contemplates Jeremiah blankly] What a power is entrusted to thee, Jeremiah. Thou hast broken the strength of my limbs. The very marrow is frozen in my bones. Terrible are thy words, Jeremiah.

Jeremiah

[He has awakened from his trance, and the fire in his eyes is quenched] Poor are my words, Zedekiah. Weakness is all my strength. I know, but cannot act!

Zedekiah

Why didst thou not come to me sooner?

Jeremiah

I was ever at hand, but thou couldst not find me.

Zedekiah

Thou hast filled my heart with dread, yet I bear thee no grudge. There must be no quarrel betwixt us twain who stand in the shadow of death. Get thee back whence thou hast come. Thou shalt not lack food, for I will share my last crust with thee. Let none know of our converse, save God. [Jeremiah turns to go] Stay, Jeremiah. Must the fate be, which thou hast foretold? Jerusalem, my Jerusalem. Canst thou not avert it?

Jeremiah

[Gloomily] Naught can I do to avert it. I can only prophesy. Woe upon the impotent.

Zedekiah

[After a pause] Jeremiah, I did not want war. I was forced to declare war, but I loved peace. And I love thee because of thy love for peace. Not with a light heart did I take up arms, but before I lived there was war under God’s heaven, and there will be war after I am dead. I have suffered greatly, as thou canst testify when the time comes. Be thou near me when thy words are fulfilled.

Jeremiah

I will be near thee, Zedekiah, my brother. [Slowly he averts his face from the king and moves towards the doorway]

Zedekiah

Jeremiah! [Jeremiah turns] Thou hast cursed me, Jeremiah. Bless me now, ere we part.

Jeremiah

[After a moment’s hesitation, strides back and holds his hands over the king] The Lord bless thee, and keep thee in all thy ways. May the light of his countenance shine upon thee, and may he give thee peace.

Zedekiah

[As in a dream] May he give us peace.