[Again Baruch endeavors to speak]
A single word, and Jeremiah’s life is forfeit. Away, I command thee, away!
[Baruch stands for a moment, and then, veiling his face, passes out. Zedekiah draws himself up threateningly when Baruch hesitates. As soon as the young man has gone, the king lowers his outstretched arm, and his countenance is once more shadowed with anxiety. Then he draws a deep breath and speaks]
It is finished. No longer the torture of indecision.
[He paces to and fro once more. Then he stamps twice. Joab enters]
Joab
The king calls?
Zedekiah
Wine, bring me wine. I need sleep, deep and dreamless sleep.