Through your words the light has come to me, for, wonderful to relate, I cried my question to God and he sent you to speak to me! Now do I know who knocked on the wall of my sleep until I awakened from my life’s slumber; now do I know who summoned me.
The Mother
What has befallen you? Your words are like those of a drunken man.
Jeremiah
Yea, drunk am I now with the certainty of his will; so full am I of speech, that the words must forth. The seals upon my mouth are broken, and my lips burn to utter the revelation.
The Mother
Woe is me if you should reveal your mad dreams. You are no son of mine if you cry such fancies aloud!
Jeremiah
Your son, Mother? Indeed and indeed I am your son, with a fate like unto yours! Learn that I too have been barren, and that the Lord hath quickened me with a word and a secret. I have renewed your vow, Mother, and have given myself to the Lord.
The Mother
Go, then, to God’s house. Give yourself to him who has called you, praise his holy name.
Jeremiah
Nay, Mother, not for me the service of the sacrificial priest. I myself must be the sacrifice. For God my veins run blood; for him my flesh is consumed; for him my soul burns. I will serve him as none ever served him before; his paths shall henceforward be mine. Behold the dawn upon the valley, and within me likewise is darkness dispelled by light! God’s heaven flames, and in me no less the heart is aflame. Chariot of Elijah, fiery chariot, carry my words that they may fall like thunder into the hearts of men. My lips scorch me, I must go, I must go.
The Mother
Whither would you go ere the day has well begun?
Jeremiah
I know not, God knoweth.
The Mother
Tell me what you mean to do.
Jeremiah
I know not, I know not! My heart is his, and my deeds are his.
The Mother
Jeremiah, you shall not go unless you swear to me to say naught of your dreams …
Jeremiah
I will not swear! I am vowed to him alone.
The Mother
… to refrain from breathing terror into the people.
Jeremiah
His is the revelation, mine are the lips alone!
The Mother
Woe is me, you will not hearken to my words. Know, then, that he who sows despair in Israel shall never enter my house more.
Jeremiah
His is my word; my dwelling is his care.
The Mother
Who believes not in Zion is no longer my son.
Jeremiah
I am his alone, his who placed me within thy womb.
The Mother
You will go then? But first hear me, Jeremiah, hear me before you open your lips to the people. With all my strength do I curse him who spreads terror over Israel, I curse …
Jeremiah
[Shuddering] Curse not, Mother, curse not!
The Mother
I curse him who saith the walls shall fall and the streets be laid waste; I curse him who cries death over Israel. May his body be consumed with fire and his soul fall into the hands of the living God.
Jeremiah
Curse not, Mother …
The Mother
I curse the unbeliever, who has more faith in his own dreams than in God’s mercy. Cursèd be he who denies God, were he my own son! For the last time, Jeremiah, choose!
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 God 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 pass, 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 mass 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 pass 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