) Judith is coming, after
three years! Judith! The widow!
OZIAS (_sternly to the group_). Get hence, everyone to his own charge.
Soldiers! Clear the street! (Two soldiers _advance, running to obey_.)
The men to the walls and towers. The women and children to their houses.
(_To_ Rahel, _who has risen, indicating_ Chabris.) Take the aged fool
away, girl. (_Ruthlessly and contemptuously_.) Get home, all of you.
Rabble! Insects! Lice!
(_The street is cleared, not without difficulty, and_ Ozias _is left
alone with_ Haggith.)
_After a pause_, Judith _enters slowly, in widow's apparel and
sackcloth_.
(_Exit_ Haggith _into the house_.)
JUDITH. Greetings, Lord Ozias.
OZIAS. Lady, greetings. (_They salute_.)
JUDITH. Where are the people?
OZIAS. I invited them to go away.
JUDITH. Why?
OZIAS. Your waiting-woman said that you would speak with me.
JUDITH. But what I have to say I would have said before them.
OZIAS. Forgive your servant.
JUDITH. No! It is I, the woman, who should ask to be absolved.
OZIAS. I beseech you----
JUDITH (_simply_). Perhaps you dismissed the people because it is not
meet for them to see all the workings of the mind which has authority
over them.
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