[All move to speak, but he imposes silence, and continues]
I will take the crown from my head, and offer it up with my hands, as is enjoined. But holy is the crown of Israel, and none shall wear it whose neck hath borne a yoke. When I have put off from me the wood of shame, I shall put away likewise sceptre and ring, consigning both to my son. Young is he, but ye will counsel him. Swear that ye will be true to him, so that the people may look up to him. Swear that ye will invest him with crown and with ring.
Pashur
[Greatly moved] I swear it, O King.
Imre, Hananiah, Nahum
We swear it.
Abimelech
As a king hast thou acted. Praised be thy name.
Nahum
Eternal honor to King Zedekiah.