Voices
Just a word.—How did Nebuchadnezzar die?
The Messenger
Are you all struck with madness? Why this jubilation in Jerusalem? To arms! To arms! Let me pass to the king.
Voices
What has happened?—Is Nebuchadnezzar still alive?—Pharaoh has beaten him.—Why this call to arms?
The Messenger
He draws near with all his forces. Nebuchadnezzar is close at hand. Hardly could I outrun his riders. To arms, to arms! Sentinels to the walls.
Voices
What does the man say?—Who has been beaten?—Where is Pharaoh?—You don’t know what you are talking about.—Get him some water.—Nebuchadnezzar alive?—It is impossible.—What has become of the Egyptians?