BAGOAS (stopping her angrily). Callest thou the illustrious one by his name? The most high Prince Holofernes, foul wench.
HAGGITH. The most high Prince Holofernes—if he so wills my mistress would speak with his highness.
BAGOAS (laughing heartily). Speak with the Prince? Speak with the Prince? Ha-ha! (All the men laugh.) What is the state of thy mistress?
HAGGITH. The lady Judith is a widow.
BAGOAS (still more amused). Aha! A widow! And the Hebrew hag would speak with Prince Holofernes! (The men laugh and jeer.)
Enter Judith, R.
(Haggith goes quickly to her. All the men stare at Judith, deeply impressed.)
HAGGITH (aside to Judith). There are many hussies in the camps, thousands and thousands, mistress. This lord is the chief eunuch.
BAGOAS (aside to an attendant). If this be an example of the Bethulian women, I shall have a momentous business upon me when their city falls.
FIRST ATTENDANT. Yea, mightiness.