VOICES IN THE NIGHT
Evening cometh and the shadows lengthen. Jeremiah, VI, 4.
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