Jeremiah
I am with thee, King Zedekiah.
Zedekiah
[Groping for him] Where art thou? I cannot find thee.
Jeremiah
I am at thy feet, thy servant and thy slave.
Zedekiah
[Trembling] Mock me not before the people, nor bow thyself in reverence to one abased. The oil wherewith I was anointed hath turned to blood upon my brow. My crown is dust.
Jeremiah
Thou hast become the king of sorrows, and never wert thou more kingly. Zedekiah, I stood upright before thee when I faced thee in thy strength, but I bow myself before thee now that God hath brought thee low. Anointed by suffering, lead us forth! Thou who now seest God only, who no longer seest the world, guide thy people. [He rises and faces the multitude]