HAGGITH. I am a woman of the Hebrews, and I have come from Bethulia.
INGUR (astonished). A woman of the Hebrews! From Bethulia! (To his men). Stand back from my face. (The men retire. To Haggith.) This is a rare strange tale.
HAGGITH. Could I lie to thee? I have escaped from the city, which is given over to be consumed. I sought water for my thirst, for in Bethulia there is no water, and the people faint in the streets.
INGUR. But it is a long journey from Bethulia, and thou art fresh and delicate as though just risen from thy bed.
HAGGITH (smiling). I can hide nothing from thee, mighty wolf. I am, indeed, but just risen from my bed. The night before last night I set forth secretly, and came into the valley yesterday at noon, and lay soft in a cave where three springs bubbled, and drank, and slept until this morning's sunrise.
INGUR. What is thy name?
HAGGITH. Haggith.
INGUR. Thy name is as strange as thy errand, and as thyself; and surely thou art a woman of the Hebrews, which is a race of lunatics, as I am told.
HAGGITH. I have figs fit for a great king. (Opens her sack and offers some figs.)
INGUR (eating). Um! And what else hast thou? Let me touch thee, Haggith. (He touches her carefully). Yes, thou art outlandish, and no doubt mad, but comely. Comely! Thou hast the likeness and feel of a woman. Always have I hankered after strange women, and now lo! one falls ripe into my mouth. (Haggith shrinks. Reassuringly.) In a way of speaking! In a way speaking! For thou art not in my mouth. And so thou earnest to slake thy thirst?