BAGOAS. So be it, highness. Nevertheless, the Prince has promised to his captains a mighty feast, and the word of Holofernes is a rock that cannot be shaken.
HOLOFERNES. Oh! What a calamity is love! And there is no slave so trodden down as him that is the slave of desire.... Bah! I will eat and drink quickly with the captains, and the woman shall await me here.
Enter Judith, back. On seeing Holofernes she prostrates herself.
HOLOFERNES. Arise, sorceress. (Judith rises. To Bagoas.) Go fetch leopard skins for her repose.
BAGOAS. I will send for the skins on the instant, highness.
HOLOFERNES. Thou wilt go thyself to fetch them, elephant. And come not back without the finest skins in my wardrobe. See to it.
(Exit Bagoas, back.)
HOLOFERNES. Come closer. (Judith obeys.) Look into my eyes. (Judith obeys.) Sorceress, thou knowest thy power.
JUDITH. I have no power, save that which is given to me from on high.
HOLOFERNES. Thou wast praying to thy god?