, and watch a moment, then vanish_.
Judith _slowly rises_.)
HOLOFERNES. What has befallen thee?
JUDITH. It has befallen me that this moment the God of Israel has spoken
and my ear has heard his command. (_Approaching_ Holofernes.)
HOLOFERNES. What saith thy god?
JUDITH. My ear has heard that the Israelites in Bethulia have committed
their sin, and at sunrise the Assyrians shall assault Bethulia and none
shall withstand them.
HOLOFERNES. A miracle!
JUDITH. A miracle in thy tent, O great warrior!
HOLOFERNES. To-morrow is appointed to be the day of my triumph.
JUDITH (_moved_). Yea, it is so.
HOLOFERNES (_gratefully_). Hear me, Judith. Thy god shall be my god.
JUDITH. In truth thou art set apart to be his. HOLOFERNES (_close to
her_). Thy body trembles.
JUDITH (_smiling_). Thinkst thou then that I was not afraid for thee?
But my fear is gone from me, for now I know thy fate and the decree of
heaven concerning thee.
HOLOFERNES (_aside_). To-morrow is appointed for my triumph, but this
night also shall I exult. (_To_ Judith.) Let us eat and drink together,
for we are alone in the night, and thou hast promised.
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