JEREMIAH

I follow my own path. [With heavy steps he makes ready to descend the stair]

THE MOTHER

Jeremiah, my only son, the stay of my old age, bring not my curse upon you, for G.o.d will hear it as he heard my vow.

JEREMIAH

I, too, am vowed to him, Mother; me also has he heard. Farewell! [He descends the first step]

THE MOTHER

[With a loud cry] Jeremiah! You trample me down. Your footsteps crush my heart.

JEREMIAH

I know not the road along which I move. All I know is that one calls me, and I follow the call. [He slowly goes down the stair, his face expressing restrained emotion, and his gaze turned heavenward]

THE MOTHER

[Rushing in despair to the top of the staircase] Jeremiah! Jeremiah!

Jeremiah!

[There is no answer. Her cry sinks to a wail, and after a while she is silent. Her figure, broken with grief, is silhouetted against the sky, where the colors of dawn are showing in fire and blood]

THE WARNING

SCENE TWO

The prophets that have been before me and before thee of old prophesied both against many countries, and against great kingdoms, of war, and of evil, and of pestilence.

The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pa.s.s, then shall the prophet be known, that the Lord hath truly sent him. JEREMIAH, XXVIII, 8 and 9.

SCENE TWO

The great square of Jerusalem. Thence a broad long flight of steps leads to the porch of pillars of the fortress of Zion; on the right is the king's palace and in the center the adjoining temple. On the other side the great square is bounded by houses and streets which seem low and mean in contrast with the towering structures facing them. The walls of the entrances to the palace are lined with cedar, carved with figures of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, all overlaid with gold; there are lavers in the foreground with running water. In the background are seen the brazen gates of the temple.

In front of the palace, in the streets and on the stairway, the people of Jerusalem move to and fro confusedly; a motley ma.s.s of men, women, and children, swayed by strong excitement, and in eager expectation.

Many voices rise from the crowd, usually in animated dispute, but uniting at times to a single cry. When the scene opens, all have pressed towards the streets and are restlessly expectant.

VOICES

The sentinel has already given the signal from the tower.--No, not yet.--But I heard the trumpet.--So did I.--So did I.--They must be close at hand.--From which side are they coming?--Shall we see them?

OTHER VOICES

They are coming from Moria Gate.--They must pa.s.s this way as they go to the palace.--Don't block up the whole street.--We want to get a sight of them.--Stand back.--Room, room for the Egyptians.

A VOICE

But is it certain that they are coming?

ANOTHER VOICE

I myself spoke to the messenger who brought the tidings.

VOICES

He spoke with the messenger.--Tell us all about it.--How many are there?--Do they bring gifts?--Who is their leader?--Speak up, Issachar!

[A group forms round ISSACHAR]

ISSACHAR

I can only tell you what the messenger, my father-in-law, told me.

Pharaoh is sending the finest warriors of Egypt. With them are many slaves bearing gifts. Nothing like these gifts has come to Zion since the days of Solomon.

VOICES

Long live Pharaoh!--Glory to his reign!--Hail Egypt!

AN OLD MAN

No alliance with Egypt! Their wars are not ours!

ISSACHAR

But our need is the same as theirs. They do not want to be the slaves of the Chaldeans.

VOICES

Nor we, nor we.--Down with Ashur.--Let us break the yoke.--Let us be on our guard.

BARUCH

[A young man, in great excitement] We spend our days in chains. Month after month, when the moon is new, our messengers go forth to Babylon bearing tribute of golden shekels. How long shall we suffer it?

ZEBULON