I have warned thee, Jeremiah, as thou warnedst me. Henceforth thy life is in thine own charge. [To the others] Let none molest him while he keeps due measure. But should he again seek to spread terror, seize and bind him, and he shall pay for it with his life. [To Jeremiah] Guard thyself, place a seal on thy lips, lest thy life atone for speech. May God spare us, as I have spared thee to-day.
Jeremiah
[Motionless, his voice unsteady] Not myself would I guard, but Jerusalem.
Zedekiah
[Returning to the outer edge of the wall] Still they come! Still they come! The noise of their chariot wheels and the trampling of their chargers are like the growling of a storm. Terrible indeed is the king of the north. Dreadful will it be to encounter him. God save Jerusalem! [Breathes deeply] God save Jerusalem.
[Zedekiah turns away, and slowly resumes the round, plunged in thought. He is followed by Abimelech and the other members of the train. The two sentries move after them out of sight]
Baruch
[Rushing forward from the shadow] Quick, quick! Hasten after him. The spirit of God is upon you. Hasten that you may compel him.
Jeremiah
[Awakening as from a trance] Compel whom?