Jeremiah Part 44

Thou speakest falsely. No boy could conceive such a deed for himself.

BARUCH

I swear to thee that I did it unadvised. He knew naught of it, neither commanded it nor approved.

ZEDEKIAH

He? Who is he of whose orders thou speakest?

BARUCH

[Evasively] My teacher, my master.

ZEDEKIAH

Who is thy master, who? I would know who issues commands to the boys of this city.

BARUCH

G.o.d's servant and prophet is my master. Men call him Jeremiah.

ZEDEKIAH

[Furiously] Jeremiah, always Jeremiah. Ever the shadow that follows my deeds, ever in revolt against me. I have cast him into a dungeon, but still, as in the beginning, rises his clamor for peace. Why this persecution? Why?

BARUCH

Thou art mistaken. Jeremiah hath more love for thee than for any other in this town.

ZEDEKIAH

I need not his love. I spew forth his love, and I despise his anger. Who is he, that he should dare to love me? Shall one venture to stand up in the streets and give tongue, declaring that he loveth me, or loveth me not? Why should Jeremiah push in twixt me and my resolve? Would he show himself the greater of us twain? I am the king, I alone! Let him cry, Peace, peace! Not in his hand lieth the fate of Jerusalem. I am king in Zion, and never shall he boast that he frightened me with his dreams.

Better the city should perish, than be saved by the hand of Jeremiah. Go thou to Nebuchadnezzar and say unto him: Never will Zedekiah bear a yoke. Never shall the king of Ashur raise the curtain before the holy of holies. Nebuchadnezzar may come with all his men; he will find Zedekiah ready to meet him.

[BARUCH raising both hands imploringly, is about to speak. ZEDEKIAH continues]

Not a word. If thou failest to carry my message, I will have Jeremiah's head.

[Again BARUCH endeavors to speak]

A single word, and Jeremiah's life is forfeit. Away, I command thee, away!

[BARUCH stands for a moment, and then, veiling his face, pa.s.ses out.

ZEDEKIAH draws himself up threateningly when BARUCH hesitates. As soon as the young man has gone, the king lowers his outstretched arm, and his countenance is once more shadowed with anxiety. Then he draws a deep breath and speaks]

ZEDEKIAH

It is finished. No longer the torture of indecision.

[He paces to and fro once more. Then he stamps twice. JOAB enters]

JOAB

The king calls?

ZEDEKIAH

Wine, bring me wine. I need sleep, deep and dreamless sleep.

[JOAB brings a pitcher and fills a silver goblet. ZEDEKIAH empties it at a draught. Then he listens, and his face is again clouded]

Who is walking outside there? I hear footsteps. Does the spy still tarry?

JOAB

He has gone forth, Lord. You hear the sentry, my brother Nehemiah.

ZEDEKIAH

Tell him to tread softly when he is on guard outside my bedchamber at night. I need sleep just as much as other men.

JOAB

I will see to it, Lord. [He draws aside the curtains of the bed and veils the lamp. Now the only light in the room comes from the pale moonbeams] Shall I read from the scriptures, Lord King, as heretofore?

ZEDEKIAH

Nay, not even the scriptures can help me. I would fain sleep, even as other men sleep. My lids ache and my heart aches likewise.

[JOAB helps him to remove his outer garment. ZEDEKIAH flings himself on the couch]

JOAB

G.o.d guard thy slumbers, O King.

[JOAB calls NEHEMIAH. Silently the two stand at the head of the bed, motionless figures holding spears. In the moonlight their shadows rise in giant silhouettes on the wall. The only sound is the gentle plas.h.i.+ng of a fountain in the court-yard]

ZEDEKIAH

[Springing up with a wild cry] Why do ye whisper together? Did I not command ye to silence?

JOAB

[Alarmed] We said nothing, Lord King.

ZEDEKIAH

Some one is talking. Who is it that devours my slumber? All should sleep, so that I too may sleep. Is there anyone awake in the neighboring rooms?