(The gourds are brought in amid cries and excitement. They are taken off, L.)
OZIAS. Shut the gates, I say.
FIRST SOLDIER. And the ten Assyrians, great lord?
OZIAS. Let them await my enquiry where they stand.
FIRST SOLDIER. Lord Ozias, if they flee?
HAGGITH. Hold thy mouth, gaby! Wouldst thou flee with thy neck chained to nine necks? Moreover, where will they flee? For the camps of the Assyrians are broken, and in their terrible confusion the Assyrians fall one upon another.
(The gatemen talk among themselves and stare at the Assyrians outside, who cannot be seen by those within the city. The gates remain open a little.)
OZIAS (impatiently). What is thy tale, Haggith?
HAGGITH. My mistress has slain Holofernes in his tent in the night, and the power of Assyria is undone.
OZIAS (astounded). Slain Holofernes! Thou art mad in thy raving.