And
Bagoas searches for my mistress in the folds of the valley. But he will
not find her.
OZIAS (_perturbed_). How knowst thou that he will not find her?
HAGGITH. Because the Lord of Israel is a sharp sword and protecteth his
servants.... And also because my mistress is most cunningly hidden.
_Enter_ Charmis, _L_.
CHARMIS (_joyously excited_). What is the miracle that I hear, Ozias?
OZIAS (_blandly_). There is no miracle; but that which I had planned
with the lady Judith has come to pass. Take women and old men Charmis,
and go ye to the wells and bring water to the city, for the wells are
delivered into my hands.
CHARMIS (_hesitating_). Women and old men? But the onslaught against the
Assyrians of which I hear?
OZIAS (_imperiously_). Go quickly. For who is the governor of this city?
Is it thou or is it I?
(_Exit_ Charmis, _L_.)
(_Men and women have gathered joyously in the street_.)
VOICES (_mockingly, indicating_ Ingur, _with a tendency to horseplay_).
The Assyrian! The Assyrian!
OZIAS. Take him to the guard-house and chain him to Achior.
HAGGITH. He shall not go, lord Ozias. For as my mistress beguiled
Holofernes, so did I beguile Ingur, and he is my slave.
Pages:
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87