Baruch
Compose yourself …
Jeremiah
They have gone. It is too late. Curse upon you for that you felled me to the ground. More, far more, than me have you slain. Not my blood alone has been shed, but the blood of all Israel. Through you, Zion has been broken and destroyed. You have killed the watchman, and they are raging in the holy places of the Lord. Let me rise. Avaunt, murderer of Israel!
Baruch
What do you wish to do?
Jeremiah
[In febrile excitement] Help me, help me to my feet. You struck me down, so now you must help me. Perhaps there is still time. [Distant shouts are heard from the palace] Their jubilation means death; their joy means destruction. Too late! Too late! For Jerusalem’s sake I must give warning. Your aid! I must go to him. The hour calls. [He struggles to his feet]
Baruch
[Confused] Whither away? You are still too weak to do anything.