The lady Judith.
BAGOAS. Judith! A name fit only for a cat! Why is she here? How is she
here? What is her secret and detestable purpose? For there is a trick in
this thing.
HAGGITH. I know not my mistress's purpose.
BAGOAS. Tell me thy mistress's purpose, or I will have thee smothered.
HAGGITH. I know only that if Holofernes----
BAGOAS (_stopping her angrily_). Callest thou the illustrious one by his
name? The most high _Prince_ Holofernes, foul wench.
HAGGITH. The most high Prince Holofernes--if he so wills my mistress
would speak with his highness.
BAGOAS (_laughing heartily_). Speak with the Prince? _Speak_ with the
Prince? Ha-ha! (_All the men laugh_.) What is the state of thy mistress?
HAGGITH. The lady Judith is a widow.
BAGOAS (_still more amused_). Aha! A widow! And the Hebrew hag would
_speak_ with Prince Holofernes! (_The men laugh and jeer_.)
_Enter_ Judith, _R_.
(Haggith _goes quickly to her. All the men stare at_ Judith, _deeply
impressed_.)
HAGGITH (_aside to_ Judith). There are many hussies in the camps,
thousands and thousands, mistress. This lord is the chief eunuch.
BAGOAS (_aside to an attendant_).
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