JUDITH. Stand afar off, Holofernes, and meddle not with her that communes with the Most High.
(Judith kneels. Holofernes goes in the direction of the couch. Silence. Bagoas has been seen once or twice in the porch of the tent, his back turned. He has now gone again. Two half-veiled Assyrian women appear through the hangings, R., and watch a moment, then vanish. Judith slowly rises.)
HOLOFERNES. What has befallen thee?
JUDITH. It has befallen me that this moment the God of Israel has spoken and my ear has heard his command. (Approaching Holofernes.)
HOLOFERNES. What saith thy god?
JUDITH. My ear has heard that the Israelites in Bethulia have committed their sin, and at sunrise the Assyrians shall assault Bethulia and none shall withstand them.
HOLOFERNES. A miracle!
JUDITH. A miracle in thy tent, O great warrior!
HOLOFERNES. To-morrow is appointed to be the day of my triumph.
JUDITH (moved). Yea, it is so.