Zedekiah
[Who has yielded ground as if attacked by an unseen enemy, recovering himself] Desist! Harm him not. Think ye that the curse of a fool can affright me, or an impudent word unman me? [A pause] Nevertheless, the rumor is true, and this man’s speech is full of danger. Like a ram do his words batter at men’s hearts. No longer must such a liar speak freely to the people, endeavoring to spread dismay among our warriors.
Abimelech
He should be put to death. Unworthy to live is the man who has lost faith in God.
Voices
Stone the hireling.—He would sell the town to the Chaldeans.—He prays for our defeat.—Slay him.
Zedekiah
Shall I kill the man who slandered me, that it may be said he filled me with fear? Jeremiah, I value thy words lightly as air; but once more, for thine own sake, I ask thee the question. Does thy heart faithfully assure thee that death hangs over Zion and over all within her walls? Speak freely.
Jeremiah
Death is over Jerusalem. Death’s hand is upon us all. Naught but surrender can save us.