HAGGITH. All is prepared, mistress.
Enter Ozias, L.
OZIAS (ecstatic at the sight of Judith's splendour). O, loveliness! O, lily of the field! Who shall withstand you, and who shall say you nay?
JUDITH (smiling). I am ready to depart.
OZIAS. The secret way is opened. I will lead you to it.
JUDITH (gently). The secret way? I will take no secret way.
OZIAS. But hear me, lady. The peril from the archers far off—
JUDITH. What did I say to you, lord Ozias? I said: You shall stand this night in the gate of the city, and I will go forth. My desire is that you command the gatemen to open the gates, so that I and my waiting-woman may pass out before all men, and in the sight of the Lord. (She bends to examine Haggith's baggage.)
OZIAS (moved. Calling to the soldiers). Ho! Let the gates of the city be opened, that the lady Judith may go forth.
FIRST SOLDIER. Yea, lord. (Calling to others, off.) Gatemen!