JUDITH. I will not eat of my lord's meat, nor drink of his wine, lest
there be offence; I have brought provision by my waiting-woman.
BAGOAS. But if thy provision fail?
JUDITH (_significantly_). My provision will not fail before the Lord
works by my hand the things which He has determined.
Bagoas _claps his hands. Enter an attendant_.
BAGOAS. Fetch Haggith, the waiting-woman of the lady Judith! Quickly!
(_Exit attendant. To_ Holofernes.) Prince, shall the Hebrew woman eat
and drink of her provision in my lord's tent?
HOLOFERNES. She shall eat and drink in my tent, and she shall not leave
it.
BAGOAS. Then it is right that my lord remains not. And moreover the
Council humbly waits for my lord. (_Exit_ Holofernes, _L_.)
BAGOAS (_to_ Judith, _as he follows_ Holofernes). Did I not say that you
and I shall rule them that rule Assyria? (_Exit L_.)
_Enter_ Haggith, _back, with provisions_.
HAGGITH (_excited, looking round to see if they are alone_). Mistress!
Is it possible?
JUDITH. What has taken thee?
HAGGITH. Is this the tent of the monster?
JUDITH. Hush!
HAGGITH (_whispering_). It is greater and more magnificent than the
temple at Bethulia.
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