Abimelech
No treaty without our consent! Thou hast forgotten.
Pashur
Thou hast held parley, King, without consulting us? Why then are we summoned in council?
Zedekiah
Peace, peace. Can ye not wait till I have finished? Ye snap at my first word like a pack of hungry hounds. [A pause. He continues more quietly] A messenger has come from Nebuchadnezzar. I have not yet heard the message. Is this to hold parley? Is this treachery? Answer!
[All are silent for a while]
I crave thy pardon, King. It is hard to weigh one’s words when so much hangs in the balance.
Zedekiah