Let her not speak with my lord alone in my
lord's tent.
JUDITH. I would speak with the illustrious prince--and with Bagoas
also. (_She smiles_.)
HOLOFERNES (_with a gesture_). I cannot lose thee. (_To attendants_.)
Unbind her.
BAGOAS (_aside_). May heaven be with us, for the woman is against us!
HOLOFERNES (_to_ Bagoas). Veil her, that her face and form be not seen
as she passes to my tent, for she is mine.
BAGOAS (_calling_). The veils! The veils! Where is the rascal?
_The attendant rushes in panting with the box of veils. He is followed
by_ Ingur.
(Judith _is elaborately veiled in a series of veils by_ Bagoas _and his
attendants_).
HOLOFERNES. Let her follow me.
(_Exeunt, R, with great ceremony_, Holofernes _and his heralds, followed
by_ Judith.)
INGUR (_as they go, stopping_ Bagoas, _who goes last_). Mightiness,
pardon your slave.
BAGOAS. Well?
INGUR (_pointing to_ Haggith). Your slave captured the mistress. Reward
him with this outlandish wench.
BAGOAS (_carelessly_). The fool goeth out to seek his own damnation.
Take her.
CURTAIN.
SCENE II
_Interior of the tent of_ Holofernes.
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