hand.

OZIAS. On what errand will you go?

JUDITH. Enquire not of my act, for I will not declare it until the
things are finished that I do. But this I declare, that the Lord has
inclined himself to me, and now he has sent Achior for a sign.

OZIAS. You go to Holofernes!

JUDITH. To Holofernes.

OZIAS. Do not go!

JUDITH. But why shall I not go?

OZIAS. The perils of the heathen will surround you, and harm will surely
befall you, for Holofernes will work lamentable evil upon you. And I
cannot suffer it.

JUDITH (_smiling_). Did not Ozias say that Holofernes was a great
warrior and had compassion in his greatness?

OZIAS (_insistent_). I cannot suffer it, for if any shame come upon you
I will not live.

JUDITH. God will not see his handmaid shamed. Moreover I regard not
myself in this thing, but the welfare of the people of Israel.

OZIAS (_kneeling_). Judith, I entreat you! For you are the light of my
eyes, and without you the world is not.

JUDITH (_softly_). I know it. Think you that in these years I have not
seen the depths of your heart, Ozias? Think you that I was blind in my
tent? Think you that I watched not upon you? You were comely in my
sight. But this day you have revealed your pride. For you seek not God,
but the vanity of the earth, and you would make all Israel the
instrument of your glory, denying the Lord. And I am sad.

OZIAS. Forgive me, Rose of Sharon.

JUDITH (_softly_). Who am I, to forgive my brother? Peace be upon you!
(_She turns towards her house_.)

OZIAS (_rising,_). Stay!

JUDITH. I go to prepare myself for that which I have to do. (_Exit into
the house_.)

(_A soldier shows himself, back._)

OZIAS. Friend!

FIRST SOLDIER (_approaching and saluting_). Lord! Your command!

OZIAS. Send to me the officer of the watch.

FIRST SOLDIER. Lord, the honourable lieutenant lies sick.

(Haggith _appears at the door of the house_.)

OZIAS. Thirst has overcome him?

FIRST SOLDIER (_bowing_). He raves on the bed, lord, and his tongue is
like the tongue of a dog.

OZIAS. Who then commands the watch by the watchfires this night?

FIRST SOLDIER. I, lord. The watchfires wait the torch.

OZIAS. Will you, too, faint, and will your tongue be like the tongue of
a dog?

FIRST SOLDIER (_grimly_), Not mine, lord.

OZIAS. DO the people complain?

FIRST SOLDIER. Lord, they whine and snivel mightily.

_Enter_ Haggith _with a small sack._

OZIAS. Is the secret way shut?

FIRS