He is a traitor.—Heed him not.—Cast him into prison.

Zedekiah

Be silent, all. My soul is not so weak that I can be swayed by the words of chatterers. Fear not, Jeremiah, I heard thy voice on the day when we decided upon war. It resounded in my heart, for a word of peace is the word of God. But the past is past. War now rages between Ashur and Israel. Words no longer avail. I cannot stop the war at will.

Jeremiah

Nay, Lord, but thou canst.

Zedekiah

[Wrathfully] How, tell me how? Dost thou not see the foe encompassing the walls? Dost thou not hear the spears clashing? What can I do to stop the war?

Jeremiah

The issue is in thy hands, for thou art the king.

Zedekiah