If this be an example of the Bethulian
women, I shall have a momentous business upon me when their city falls.
FIRST ATTENDANT. Yea, mightiness.
(Judith, _signing to_ Haggith _to stand aside, bows to the ground
before_ Bagoas; _then rises again_.)
BAGOAS (_after a short pause_). You are very beautiful.
JUDITH. There are beautiful women in Judea, but no man of Judea would
look twice at such as I, a shrunken widow, like dried fish.
(_Exit_ Ingur, _excitedly, L_.)
BAGOAS. I have heard how you have escaped out of Bethulia and come
hither in order to find water. (_Blandly_.) Aught else?
JUDITH. My desire also was to have speech privately with the great
conqueror, Holofernes.
BAGOAS. Ah! We are well met, you and I. For I am Bagoas, chief eunuch to
the illustrious Prince. (_Aside to second attendant_.) Run. Fetch the
box of veils. (_Exit_ second attendant, _L_.)
JUDITH (_saluting once more_). I supplicate then, mighty Bagoas, that
you lead me quickly to the illustrious Prince Holofernes.
BAGOAS. Surely! Surely! It is my pleasure to content you. (_Aside, to
attendant, anxiously_.) This dried fish by her damnable beauty will
reach great power, and if I speak not softly to her now she will undo me
in that day.
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