Israel shall rule the nations.--Down with Ashur.--War.--War.--Nay, peace.--Peace in Israel.--War.--War.--He is speaking for Ashur.--He is a traitor.--Do those only speak truth who clamor for war?--He has taken bribes.--Let us not decide too quickly.

BARUCH

Send the coward to the house of the women!

A WOMAN

[Spitting on JEREMIAH] His company would bring shame on us. That for the man whose cringing is a disgrace! War against Ashur!

JEREMIAH

[Flashing out in wrath] Who are you that you crave blood so fiercely?

Did you bear children and suckle them only for the tomb? A curse upon the man who thirsts for blood, but seven times accursed be the woman who is eager for war; for war shall devour the fruit of her womb, and the men of Ashur shall cast lots for her and for her raiment. You and such as you shall be mourners, tearing your cheeks with your nails, and uttering shrill cries of lamentation, you women who spit upon me and revile peace.

WOMEN'S VOICES

Woe, Woe! Listen to the curse.--Our sons.--Woe, woe!--Man of terror!--Woe!

BARUCH

You can frighten women, faint-heart, but not men. Down, down!

CERTAIN WARRIORS

Down with him. Hunt him into the street.

HANANIAH

Close his mouth!

VOICES

Away with him!--He frightens women.--Away with him.--He has foretold enough disaster.--My flesh crept while he was speaking.--Let him hold his peace.

JEREMIAH

I will not hold my peace, for Jerusalem cries aloud through my mouth.

The walls of Jerusalem stand up in my heart, and would fain still stand; the land of Israel blossoms in my soul, and my hope is to safeguard it.

Thy own blood calls through me, Jerusalem, that it may not be shed; thy seed, that it may not be scattered; thy stones, that they may not fall; and thy name, that it may not perish. Stand firm, waverer, and gather thy children under thy care; hearken, Jerusalem, to my voice of warning.

Hearken, Zion, thou citadel of G.o.d. Keep the peace, keep the peace!

VOICES

[Fiercely disputing] Yes.--G.o.d's peace upon Israel.--Traitor.--He has taken a bribe.--G.o.d's peace upon us.--I would fain save my sons.--War.--War against Ashur.--Leave the matter to the king.--He is a traitor.--We want to live at peace.--He is a coward.--He has sold himself to the enemy.--War.--Peace.--Hananiah speaks the truth.--Nay, Jeremiah speaks the truth.--Break the yoke.--War.--Peace.

[A bustle arises at the entrance to the palace. A number of men come forth. In their midst is ABIMELECH, swordless]

VOICES

[From among the newcomers] Treason.--Treason.--Treason in Israel.

[The dispute around JEREMIAH ceases]

VOICES

What has happened?--Abimelech.--What has happened?--He comes from the king.--Abimelech.--Look at his angry frown.--Tell us what has happened.

ABIMELECH

[Standing at the top of the steps beside JEREMIAH] Israel has been sold by the weaklings; chaffered away by the hucksters. Imre and Nahum gained the upper hand in the council. They spoke against Egypt, and the king hearkened to their words.

VOICES

Down with Nahum.--Treason.--Imre, the dotard.--Traitor.--What was the decision?--What did the king say?--Peace, hail to peace.--G.o.d's judgment.

ABIMELECH

His heart quaileth within him, for he dreads war. He will think the matter over, will take further counsel ere he decide.

JEREMIAH

Glory to Zedekiah, girdled with wisdom!

ABIMELECH

He is hedged about with weakness; old age and fear are his counselors.

For my part I threw my sword aside, for no longer will I wear a sword while Zion pays tribute to Ashur.

BARUCH

[In ecstasy] Soldier of G.o.d, your sword is holy since it flashes for Israel.

PASHUR

Blessings upon you that you will have naught to do with hucksters.

HANANIAH

Shall we still hesitate? Whose is the hour? Is it that of Nahum, the huckster, and that of Imre, the dotard; or is it your hour, people of Jerusalem? G.o.d's hour has come, therefore seize it. To the palace, to the king; let him behold us and hear us. People of Jerusalem, raise your voices, give vent to the breath of your anger. To the palace, to the palace!

PASHUR

To the king! Show yourselves to him, people of Jerusalem. To the king and to victory! Such is G.o.d's will.

VOICES

To the king!--To the palace!--To victory!

JEREMIAH