(Judith, signing to Haggith to stand aside, bows to the ground before Bagoas; then rises again.)
BAGOAS (after a short pause). You are very beautiful.
JUDITH. There are beautiful women in Judea, but no man of Judea would look twice at such as I, a shrunken widow, like dried fish.
(Exit Ingur, excitedly, L.)
BAGOAS. I have heard how you have escaped out of Bethulia and come hither in order to find water. (Blandly.) Aught else?
JUDITH. My desire also was to have speech privately with the great conqueror, Holofernes.
BAGOAS. Ah! We are well met, you and I. For I am Bagoas, chief eunuch to the illustrious Prince. (Aside to second attendant.) Run. Fetch the box of veils. (Exit second attendant, L.)
JUDITH (saluting once more). I supplicate then, mighty Bagoas, that you lead me quickly to the illustrious Prince Holofernes.
BAGOAS. Surely! Surely! It is my pleasure to content you. (Aside, to attendant, anxiously.) This dried fish by her damnable beauty will reach great power, and if I speak not softly to her now she will undo me in that day.
FIRST ATTENDANT. Yea, mightiness.