Let him tarry. Summon the council.
[The Lad bows, and disappears through the doorway]
Zedekiah
[Strides to and fro, and then returns to the window. He soliloquizes] Never have I seen the stars shine so brightly. They stand confusedly in rows, like letters on the dark background of heaven, a writing which no man can read. In Babylon, they say, are interpreters and priests who serve the stars, conversing with them by night. Other kings can talk with their gods; they have shrines on their towers where they can learn the will of heaven when their hearts are troubled. Why have I no soothsayers who can tell the future? It is terrible to be the servant of a god who is always silent; whom no one has ever seen! [A pause while he contemplates the city] They are all asleep, those over whom I rule; they rest beside their wives or beside their weapons; in me is centered their need and their wakefulness. I must counsel others, but who shall counsel me? I must lead others, but who shall lead me? I am exalted over others, but over me is exalted one whom I cannot see. Below is sleep; above is silence.
[The Lad draws aside the curtain; and the five councilors enter noiselessly. They are Pashur, the high priest; Hananiah, the prophet; Imre, the oldest burgher; Abimelech, the general; Nahum, the steward. Zedekiah turns to receive them. They bow]
Zedekiah
I summoned you by night that our talk might be private. I demand from you a pledge of secrecy. Lay your hands within the priest’s hands; he will answer for you to the Most High. [Silently they raise their hands in adjuration, and each in turn lays his hand in Pashur’s] I swear by Almighty God that I will show no anger against any who opposes me. [He lays his hand in Pashur’s] Now let us take counsel. [He waves them towards the table, and all take their seats] We are in the eleventh month of the siege. The vines are green once more. Nebuchadnezzar has been unable to take Jerusalem, but we on our part have not been able to force him to raise the siege. His sword against us beats the water, but so likewise does ours beat the water against him. We have left nothing undone that might bring aid. I have sent envoys to the king of the Medes; I have sent to the princes of the east, asking their help against Ashur. The missions were fruitless. We stand alone.
[Fiercely] God is on our side.
[The others say nothing]