OZIAS (warmly responsive). Ah! Lady! In your wisdom and your understanding you have comprehended what it is to be the governor of a besieged city. You, alone!
JUDITH. This is a day memorable beyond all the days of Bethulia.
OZIAS. It is a day memorable beyond all the days of Bethulia—because Judith, the widow of Manasses, has issued from her house and from her secrecy, and because after long years she has lightened the city with her countenance.
JUDITH (smiling). We hold converse with words, but the shadow of destruction is over us, and our hearts are darkened, and we hide our hearts in speech. Ozias, governor of Bethulia, show me your heart.
OZIAS. I dare not.
JUDITH. Dare! I am not afraid.
OZIAS. YOU are more beautiful than aforetime—were it possible.
JUDITH (accepting the compliment). And if I am?
OZIAS. That is what is in my heart! Behold my heart, and the depths of my heart. Look deep, and deeper, and still you will see naught therein but the beauty and the subtlety of Judith.
JUDITH. It is no common man that with the parched tongue of thirst can talk thus while unspeakable calamity assails the city.