You brought me true word from Nebuchadnezzar. Render him my answer no less truly. Return to him who sent you, and say unto him: “Thus saith Jeremiah to Nebuchadnezzar. My bitterness has no sweetness for thee, nor shall my lips minister to thy pride. Wert thou to summon me with the tongues of angels, yet would I not heed thy call; wert thou to load for me with gold all the stones of Jerusalem, yet would I not speak soft words to thee. Honor me if you wilt, to thee I pay not honor. Seek me if thou wilt, but thee I will not seek.”
Bethink thee, ’tis the king of kings who summons thee to enjoy the light of his countenance.
Jeremiah
I refuse to go! I refuse!
The Chief Officer
Never before hath any man refused to comply with the wishes of Nebuchadnezzar.
Jeremiah
Nevertheless I refuse, I, the least among the sons of Israel. Who is he, that I should fear him? His power is but a straw, and his wrath but a breath of wind.
The Chief Officer