The peril from the archers far off--
JUDITH. What did I say to you, lord Ozias? I said: You shall stand this
night in the gate of the city, and I will go forth. My desire is that
you command the gatemen to open the gates, so that I and my
waiting-woman may pass out before all men, and in the sight of the Lord.
(_She bends to examine_ Haggith's _baggage_.)
OZIAS (_moved. Calling to the_ soldiers). Ho! Let the gates of the city
be opened, that the lady Judith may go forth.
FIRST SOLDIER. Yea, lord. (_Calling to others, off._) Gatemen!
(_The gatemen man the gate-chains, and citizens rush in with cries_:
'What shall happen to us? The lady Judith leaves the city? At
night-fall? What is it?')
OZIAS (_fiercely, to the crowd_). Get hence! Dogs!
JUDITH (_softly_). Let them stay, Lord Ozias, for that which I do, I do
not in secret, neither shall it be hidden.
OZIAS (_to the crowd_). Make a way clear to the gates.
JUDITH. Before I go, I will look into the valley whither I descend.
(_She mounts to the vantage-point_).
VOICES. Water! Water! Or we die!
JUDITH (_from the vantage-point_). Brethren, bewail not! Remember what
things the Lord did to Abraham, and how he tried Isaac, and what
happened to Jacob in Mesopotamia.
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