I will send for the skins on the instant, highness.
HOLOFERNES. Thou wilt go thyself to fetch them, elephant. And come not
back without the finest skins in my wardrobe. See to it.
(_Exit_ Bagoas, _back_.)
HOLOFERNES. Come closer. (Judith _obeys_.) Look into my eyes. (Judith
_obeys_.) Sorceress, thou knowest thy power.
JUDITH. I have no power, save that which is given to me from on high.
HOLOFERNES. Thou wast praying to thy god?
JUDITH. Yea, highness.
HOLOFERNES. Didst thou demand of him that he should tell thee if the
Israelites in Bethulia had committed their sin, and if the time of my
triumph was at hand?
JUDITH. No, lord. I prayed for the forgiveness of the transgressions of
thy handmaid.
HOLOFERNES. Why didst thou not demand of him what I ask thee?
JUDITH. Who am I to hasten the God of Israel? In the night time, and in
the darkness, when all men sleep,--then it is that my God condescends
towards me, and my ear hears his secret purposes.
HOLOFERNES (_low_). This night?
JUDITH. Who can search out heaven?
HOLOFERNES. This night?
JUDITH. It may be.
HOLOFERNES. And thou wilt come to me in the night and tell me thy
message?
JUDITH.
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