Jeremiah
I was ever at hand, but thou couldst not find me.
Zedekiah
Thou hast filled my heart with dread, yet I bear thee no grudge. There must be no quarrel betwixt us twain who stand in the shadow of death. Get thee back whence thou hast come. Thou shalt not lack food, for I will share my last crust with thee. Let none know of our converse, save God. [Jeremiah turns to go] Stay, Jeremiah. Must the fate be, which thou hast foretold? Jerusalem, my Jerusalem. Canst thou not avert it?
Jeremiah
[Gloomily] Naught can I do to avert it. I can only prophesy. Woe upon the impotent.
Zedekiah
[After a pause] Jeremiah, I did not want war. I was forced to declare war, but I loved peace. And I love thee because of thy love for peace. Not with a light heart did I take up arms, but before I lived there was war under God’s heaven, and there will be war after I am dead. I have suffered greatly, as thou canst testify when the time comes. Be thou near me when thy words are fulfilled.
Jeremiah
I will be near thee, Zedekiah, my brother. [Slowly he averts his face from the king and moves towards the doorway]