They are streaming forth from the palace.
Forward, let us meet them. Lend me the strength of your arm, for I am still weak.
The king is among them. He carries a naked sword. They are making for the temple.
The clamor echoes through the marketplace. Hananiah is dancing before them even as David danced before the ark. The war-makers have triumphed. It is too late. Give way before them. Hide yourself. It is too late.
It is never too late. Let me forth to encounter them.
What would you do? Let me go instead, for I am young and strong.
I would brandish the word against them like a sword. I would turn the king's heart. Let me go to him.
[Shouting and singing, the crowd streams out of the palace, down the steps, and then up again towards the temple. All are in a frenzy, shouting for war and for victory]
[Drunken with excitement, leading the way to the temple] Open the gates. Throw the gates wide. The king will swear before the altar the oath of alliance against Ashur!
Hail to the alliance!--Day of promise!--Slavery is overthrown!--Down with Ashur!--Hail Zedekiah!--Victory, victory!--Israel shall rule the nations.--God is on our side.
[KING ZEDEKIAH, followed by the Egyptian envoys, has come out of the palace. He bears a drawn sword. His expression is grave. Amid the exultant crowd he seems oppressed with thought. Scarcely heeding the tumult and the acclamations, he makes for the temple with slow strides. Suddenly, above the clamor of the multitude, rises the voice of JEREMIAH]
[Disorder in the crowd; the cries are stilled. The king, standing on the steps of the temple, looks round for the speaker]
[Shouting yet more loudly] Sheathe thy sword, Zedekiah! Thus wilt thou save Jerusalem. Give peace to Israel, God's peace.
[Vociferating wildly] War! War upon Ashur!--Who is the speaker?--He is sold to the enemy.--Down with all traitors.--Israel shall rule the nations.--War, war!
[The voice of JEREMIAH is drowned amid the general uproar. He is thrust aside, and BARUCH has difficulty in protecting him. With redoubled energy the crowd continues to shout in an ecstasy around the king. ZEDEKIAH stands awhile, still trying to find the one who had called on him to sheathe the sword. For a moment, indeed, he lowers his weapon, and seems to be looking round for help. But, amid fanatical cries of the populace, the gates are opened. After a moment's further hesitation, ZEDEKIAH raises his sword once more, and with earnest mien mounts the last steps and disappears into the temple]