Jeremiah Part 53

They persecuted those who warned us, those who counseled peace.

A VOICE

They persecuted Jeremiah.

A SECOND VOICE

Yes, Jeremiah told us what would happen.

VOICES

He warned us.--He wanted peace.--In this very place he shouted for peace.--I heard him.--He is the true prophet.--Everything has happened as he foretold. Where is Jeremiah?--Fetch Jeremiah. He will help us.--Where is he?--Where is he?

A VOICE

They have prisoned him in the pit, here in the palace.

[Cries of fury arise from the crowd]

VOICES

Set him free.--He will save us.--Force the doors.--Jeremiah, Jeremiah!

G.o.d has sent him to help us.--Jeremiah, man of G.o.d, come to our aid.--Down with the false prophets.--G.o.d spoke through Jeremiah.--Bring an axe to force the door.--Jeremiah shall be king.--Where is our saviour?

[For a time nothing can be heard but the cry, _Jeremiah, Jeremiah_, and the noise made by the beating of axes and staves upon the door. Suddenly the door is opened and the doorkeeper appears]

DOORKEEPER

What would ye?

THE CROWD

Let us pa.s.s.--Jeremiah, Jeremiah!

[The DOORKEEPER is thrust aside]

DOORKEEPER

Help, help!

[Part of the mob disappears through the doorway, and from within is heard the noise of doors being broken down with axes. Those who remain on the steps are tense with excitement and impatience]

VOICES

[From within] The dogs have lowered him into the pit.--They were afraid of him.

VOICES

[From the steps] He is a holy man.--He is the chosen of the Lord.--Jeremiah will save us all.

A WOMAN

[Frenzied with excitement] He stretched forth his hand and cried, Peace.

G.o.d's fire breathed from his lips. His brow shone like that of an angel.

He will save us.

ANOTHER WOMAN

Could I but look upon his blessed face once more. It will shed light over Jerusalem.

[Cries come from within]

VOICES

They have found him.--He is saved.--We are saved.--G.o.d will help us.--Jeremiah! Jeremiah!

[Reappearing from within, the rest of the crowd brings JEREMIAH triumphantly to the top of the steps. He stands with his hand s.h.i.+elding his eyes from the light]

VOICES

[Ecstatically] Holy One!--Master!--Samuel.--Elijah.--Prophet.--Save us, Jeremiah.--King.--Anointed of the Lord.--Israel hear his words.--Jeremiah.

THE FRENZIED WOMAN

[Throwing herself at his feet] Why do you hide your face? Your glance brings healing. Look on this child of mine that it may grow hale. Look upon us all that we may arise from death.

JEREMIAH

[Slowly withdraws his hand from his eyes. His gaze is serious and even gloomy, as he contemplates the agitated and expectant throng] The light is strange to my eyes, and burns them. Strange, too, is this love you show me, and it burns my soul. What would ye?

THE CROWD

Save us, Jeremiah, anointed of the Lord.--Save the city.--Be our king.--Show a miracle.

JEREMIAH

Your words are dark to me. What is your will?

THE CROWD

[All speaking at once] Moria.--The fortress of Zion.--Save Jerusalem.--A miracle.--We are lost.--You are our shepherd.--Save us.--Save Jerusalem.

JEREMIAH

Speak one at a time.

THE WOMAN

[Again throwing herself at his feet] Holy One, anointed of the Lord, star of our hope! Stretch forth your hand and save Jerusalem. What you foretold hath been fulfilled. The Chaldeans are upon us.