I beseech thee to accept the terms, not for our sake alone but for that of our children.
Imre
For the sake of our country.
Pashur
For temple and altar.
Hananiah
For God, who commands it.
[Abimelech is silent, hiding his face]
Zedekiah
[Paces up and down, as the struggle rages within him. At length he steps up to the table, and speaks in solemn tones] I will do what ye demand, breaking my pride like a potter’s vessel, bowing my neck beneath the yoke.