HOLOFERNES (reflective). Who would despise these Hebrews that have among them such women as she? (Fiercely). Surely it is not good that one man among them should be left; for if one were let go he might deceive the whole earth.
JUDITH (advancing a step, appealingly). Will the wise man cast away a pearl, and will my lord in anger lose his servant for ever?
BAGOAS (to Holofernes). Let her not speak with my lord alone in my lord's tent.
JUDITH. I would speak with the illustrious prince—and with Bagoas also. (She smiles.)
HOLOFERNES (with a gesture). I cannot lose thee. (To attendants.) Unbind her.
BAGOAS (aside). May heaven be with us, for the woman is against us!
HOLOFERNES (to Bagoas). Veil her, that her face and form be not seen as she passes to my tent, for she is mine.
BAGOAS (calling). The veils! The veils! Where is the rascal?
The attendant rushes in panting with the box of veils. He is followed by Ingur.
(Judith is elaborately veiled in a series of veils by Bagoas and his attendants).