Zedekiah
Why railest thou thus, when thou hast not yet heard my purpose?
Jeremiah
I know thy purpose. With words dost thou fawn on me, whilst thy will is set up against me. Wouldst mock me, and play with God’s word? Thou hast not summoned me to help thee decide. Long ere this has the message been signed and sealed within thy soul. Thou mayst deceive thyself, King of Israel, but me thou canst not deceive.
Zedekiah
Jeremiah!
Jeremiah
Yea, verily, I, Jeremiah, say unto thee, the king: Thou dealest falsely with me, and thy words are a blind. No longer is thy will free, nor dost thou truly desire me to influence thy decision.
Zedekiah
[Unsteadily] How canst thou know this?