[Jeremiah stands motionless, hiding his face in his hands]
The Woman
We would take vengeance on your enemies; we would tear the faces of those who have reviled you. Have pity on us, you who are our saviour and our hope.
A Voice
Who shall save us unless it be you?
The Strident Voice
The priests have betrayed us. The king has sold us to the enemy.
Jeremiah
[Indignantly] It is false! Why slander ye the king?