Too late! They are already here.
Jeremiah
Open to them, Baruch. [Baruch hesitates. Jeremiah standing erect speaks slowly and clearly, almost exultantly] Open, that I may receive them. My soul yearns for death. Welcome, first fulfiller of my word! Welcome, Death. Open, Baruch! Open to the deliverer. [Baruch moves to the door where he again hesitates. The door is once more shaken by violent blows from without. Jeremiah repeats masterfully] Open, Baruch, I command you.
[Baruch veils his face and unbars the door. The two leaves of the folding door are flung open, and a gleam of the fading light of evening penetrates the dark crypt. The king’s three officers enter, richly appareled, their figures showing in strong relief against the red sky. Jeremiah stands alone, confronting them]
The Chief Officer
[Advancing to the front] Is the man named Jeremiah among you, the son of Hilkiah of Anathoth?
Jeremiah
I am he whom you seek. Fulfil your orders.
[The Chief Officer prostrates himself before Jeremiah, touching the ground three times with his forehead. The two other officers do the same. Jeremiah, startled, draws back a pace. The Chief Officer rises to his knees]