HOLOFERNES (murmuring). My great joy has overthrown me.
(Judith, seizing the knife and leaning over Holofernes, kills him while she is still caressing.)
JUDITH (as she uses the knife; murmuring). Thou that wouldst go against the pleasure of the Most High! Thou that wouldst defile Judea! Thou that hast dishonoured with thy kiss the widow of Manasses! Thou that hast compelled me to guile and deceit and much lying so that I might perform the will of God! The grave shall be thy house!
Enter Haggith, L.
JUDITH (turning to Haggith, firmly and impressively). I have done that which I had to do, and the power of Assyria is fallen. (Pointing.) Take the head by the beard, and put it in thy sack, and let us depart.
CURTAIN.
[ACT III]
SCENE I
SCENE: Same as Act I.