They are all cheats, the priests, the king, all.—Give up the keys.—How they lied when they prophesied victory. [The voices become more menacing] Where are the Egyptians?—Zedekiah promised that the Egyptians would help us.—Where are the signs and wonders?—Bread, bread, bread.—Give up the keys.

[The mob surges up the steps once more, surrounding Nahum and endeavoring to snatch the keys]

Nahum

Help, help!

Abimelech

[Beating them back, aided by his men] Down, down!

A Voice

Oh, I am wounded. See, I bleed!

Abimelech

For the last time. To your homes! Clear the marketplace, or I shall use my sword.