OZIAS. Blessed be our God!
JUDITH. But how does this matter touch thee, and what is my virtue in
thy regard?
OZIAS. Let Holofernes suffice thee, and drive not me also to death with
the softness of thy voice. Art thou not aware that the soul of my soul
burns for thee and will not wait--the more so since thou hast done a
mighty deed and art proved a woman beyond all women?
JUDITH. Nay! I have done naught; but the Lord hath saved Israel by _thy_
hand.
OZIAS. What is this humbleness?
JUDITH. AS I came towards the city with Achior, the messenger from
Jerusalem met us in the way, and he was full to bursting of the word of
Ozias, and that Ozias had delivered Israel, and that what I did I did
by thy device and at thy command. But the messenger in speaking knew not
that he spoke to Judith, and I let him go.
OZIAS. Judith----
JUDITH. Yet it seems to me that thou wast ignorant of all that which I
went out to do, and my plan was hidden from thee.
OZIAS (_powerfully persuasive_). Hearken to me, Judith. I swear it was
for thee that I boasted. My aim was that thy mighty deed should gain
preferment in Jerusalem.
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