)
(_A half-veiled Assyrian woman appears at the opening R., and watches_.
Bagoas, _in the porch of the tent, turns and sees her, and dashes at her
with a weapon. Both disappear through the opening, R._)
JUDITH (_moving with stealth towards the hidden knife, comfortingly_). O
mighty child, where is thy strength, and where is thy terribleness? Rest
thee a moment on the couch, and thy soul's captive will tend thee.
(Holofernes _drops on the couch, and_ Judith _caresses him_.)
HOLOFERNES (_murmuring_). My great joy has overthrown me.
(Judith, _seizing the knife and leaning over_ Holofernes, _kills him
while she is still caressing_.)
JUDITH (_as she uses the knife; murmuring_). Thou that wouldst go
against the pleasure of the Most High! Thou that wouldst defile Judea!
Thou that hast dishonoured with thy kiss the widow of Manasses! Thou
that hast compelled me to guile and deceit and much lying so that I
might perform the will of God! The grave shall be thy house!
_Enter_ Haggith, _L_.
JUDITH (_turning to_ Haggith, _firmly and impressively_). I have done
that which I had to do, and the power of Assyria is fallen.
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