[Joab brings a pitcher and fills a silver goblet. Zedekiah empties it at a draught. Then he listens, and his face is again clouded]
Who is walking outside there? I hear footsteps. Does the spy still tarry?
Joab
He has gone forth, Lord. You hear the sentry, my brother Nehemiah.
Zedekiah
Tell him to tread softly when he is on guard outside my bedchamber at night. I need sleep just as much as other men.
Joab
I will see to it, Lord. [He draws aside the curtains of the bed and veils the lamp. Now the only light in the room comes from the pale moonbeams] Shall I read from the scriptures, Lord King, as heretofore?
Nay, not even the scriptures can help me. I would fain sleep, even as other men sleep. My lids ache and my heart aches likewise.