OZIAS (quickly descending the steps). What say you?
HAGGITH. My mistress, the lady Judith, will speak with you. She comes.
RAHEL (half rising). Water!
OZIAS (excited.) The lady Judith comes out of her house after three years.
VOICES IN THE GROUP (excited and impressed.) Judith is coming, after three years! Judith! The widow!
OZIAS (sternly to the group). Get hence, everyone to his own charge. Soldiers! Clear the street! (Two soldiers advance, running to obey.) The men to the walls and towers. The women and children to their houses. (To Rahel, who has risen, indicating Chabris.) Take the aged fool away, girl. (Ruthlessly and contemptuously.) Get home, all of you. Rabble! Insects! Lice!
(The street is cleared, not without difficulty, and Ozias is left alone with Haggith.)
After a pause, Judith enters slowly, in widow's apparel and sackcloth.
(Exit Haggith into the house.)
JUDITH. Greetings, Lord Ozias.