Jeremiah
[His eyes still closed, not yet himself, speaks hesitatingly] The fiery cloud has fallen. Fire is raging through the town. Woe is me!
Baruch
Keep still a moment, that I may wipe the blood from your eyes.
Jeremiah
Away! Your face was full of hatred towards me. Your eyes flashed fiercely. Was it not you who struck me down?
Baruch
I indeed it was who drew sword upon you in anger, but the blade turned in my hand so that I struck you with the flat only. I rejoice thereat, for I drew upon an unarmed man. I will pay blood-money. Let me staunch your wound.
Jeremiah
Let the blood flow. Would that mine alone were to flow in Jerusalem. [Half rising] What has become of the crowd? The marketplace is empty. Have they gone to the palace, gone to force war upon the king? Where are they?