I curse the unbeliever, who has more faith in his own dreams than in God’s mercy. Cursèd be he who denies God, were he my own son! For the last time, Jeremiah, choose!
Jeremiah
I follow my own path. [With heavy steps he makes ready to descend the stair]
The Mother
Jeremiah, my only son, the stay of my old age, bring not my curse upon you, for God will hear it as he heard my vow.
Jeremiah
I, too, am vowed to him, Mother; me also has he heard. Farewell! [He descends the first step]
The Mother
[With a loud cry] Jeremiah! You trample me down. Your footsteps crush my heart.