Away then, and surrender. Save thine own life.
[Jeremiah stares at him in bewilderment]
No man shall sap our powers while he eats our bread. If thou fearest for Zion, flee from Zion. I give thee thy life. Climb down the wall; seek out Nebuchadnezzar; take shelter in his camp. If thy word be fulfilled, puff out thy cheeks and laugh at thy brethren who died for Jerusalem.
Abimelech
Too gentle, O king, in thy dealings with this slanderer.
[Jeremiah struggles for speech]
Zedekiah
Away, renegade, away! Seek out Nebuchadnezzar, whose victory thou foretellest. Kiss his feet. I stay in the midst of my people and in the home of my fathers, for my faith shall remain steadfast till my last breath. False are this man’s words! Jerusalem endureth for ever!
The Others