JUDITH. I will come to thee in the night, great prince.

HOLOFERNES. And thou wilt eat and drink with me in my triumph?

JUDITH (after a pause). If it pleases my lord.

HOLOFERNES. Thou wilt eat of my meat and drink of my wine, which I will give thee?

JUDITH (after a pause). If my lord is alone and there is none with him. For it is not right that any should see me.

HOLOFERNES. I will be alone. But Bagoas shall stand at the door of the tent.

JUDITH. As my lord wills.

HOLOFERNES (ecstatic, moving a little towards her; she responds). Fairest among women! Can it be!... The way of God is wondrous.

(A half-veiled Assyrian woman appears through the hangings R., and watches.)

JUDITH (solemnly and significantly). There are yet hid greater things than this, and thou hast yet seen but a few of his works.