Abimelech

The town is besieged. You must make the most of what you have. We are at war.

Voices

There is not enough bread.—We are hungry.

Abimelech

Well, be hungry! We are shedding our blood for you. The city must be our first care. [Trying to hearten them up he exclaims] Jerusalem for ever!

A Voice

[Half-heartedly] Jerusalem for ever!

The Strident Voice

Who or what is Jerusalem? Has Jerusalem a stomach? Has Jerusalem blood? The stones and the walls are not Jerusalem. We are Jerusalem.