OZIAS (blandly). There is no miracle; but that which I had planned with the lady Judith has come to pass. Take women and old men Charmis, and go ye to the wells and bring water to the city, for the wells are delivered into my hands.
CHARMIS (hesitating). Women and old men? But the onslaught against the Assyrians of which I hear?
OZIAS (imperiously). Go quickly. For who is the governor of this city? Is it thou or is it I?
(Exit Charmis, L.)
(Men and women have gathered joyously in the street.)
VOICES (mockingly, indicating Ingur, with a tendency to horseplay). The Assyrian! The Assyrian!
OZIAS. Take him to the guard-house and chain him to Achior.
HAGGITH. He shall not go, lord Ozias. For as my mistress beguiled Holofernes, so did I beguile Ingur, and he is my slave. But I have not cut off his head, and he is dear to me because I have not cut off his head. And he is mine, and let none touch him (looking at the soldiers), or my anger, which is the anger of the lady Judith, shall be upon that man. (Hearing a noise, she glances at the house.) What do I see? The sluts are in the tent of my mistress, which is forbidden them. Out, sluts! (Exit angrily into the house!)
(Ingur follows her quickly for protection.)
Enter Messenger.