Baruch
Nay, Lord King. My supplication arises from the depths of my heart. Something will I tell thee, which hitherto I have withheld. It was not at Nebuchadnezzar’s summons that I went to him, but of my own free will, hoping that I might soften his heart. I saw that either side waited for the other to propose peace. Day after day, for eleven long months, did I importune him till he sent me with this message.
Zedekiah
Thou, a boy, a child? While we were holding counsel, thou soughtest out the king of kings to seek peace and ensure it?
Baruch
This did I, O King, in the urgency of my heart’s wishes.
Zedekiah
[Regards him fixedly for a time. Then, speaking sharply] Not thine own deed, this, nor thy thought.
Baruch
I went at no man’s orders.