)
JUDITH. Where hast thou left him?
HAGGITH. Mistress I would not suffer that you should pass from my sight,
and I followed you, and Ingur followed me gladly, and at last the guard
seized him for that he was found within the precincts of the prince's
quarter, which is forbidden to his rank, and many stripes will be his.
Mistress, you eat not.
JUDITH (_trying to eat_). Yes, I eat. Do thou eat for me.
HAGGITH. I have eaten and drunk--with Ingur.
JUDITH. But not of his provision?
HAGGITH (_nodding_). He so softly entreated me.
JUDITH. It is a sin and an offence for thee, being an Israelite.
HAGGITH. For such as my high-born mistress, it is an offence. But for
the handmaid--pooh! She eats as she can, and the Lord turneth away his
glance until she has finished her platter. Moreover, did you not lay it
upon me to beguile the dolt? And verily, mistress, I have rejoiced much
this day; and Ingur----
JUDITH. Silence with thy prattle. Bethink thee of the dread business
upon which I am come down from Bethulia into the valley?
HAGGITH (_subdued; offering food_). Eat, mistress.
JUDITH. I cannot. My soul rejects it, and my body is on fire with
expectation and suspense.
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