[Joab helps him to remove his outer garment. Zedekiah flings himself on the couch]
Joab
God guard thy slumbers, O King.
[Joab calls Nehemiah. Silently the two stand at the head of the bed, motionless figures holding spears. In the moonlight their shadows rise in giant silhouettes on the wall. The only sound is the gentle plashing of a fountain in the court-yard]
Zedekiah
[Springing up with a wild cry] Why do ye whisper together? Did I not command ye to silence?
Joab
[Alarmed] We said nothing, Lord King.
Zedekiah
Some one is talking. Who is it that devours my slumber? All should sleep, so that I too may sleep. Is there anyone awake in the neighboring rooms?