in to
the carnal.

HOLOFERNES (_reflective_). Who would despise these Hebrews that have
among them such women as she? (_Fiercely_). Surely it is not good that
one man among them should be left; for if one were let go he might
deceive the whole earth.

JUDITH (_advancing a step, appealingly_). Will the wise man cast away a
pearl, and will my lord in anger lose his servant for ever?

BAGOAS (_to_ Holofernes). Let her not speak with my lord alone in my
lord's tent.

JUDITH. I would speak with the illustrious prince--and with Bagoas
also. (_She smiles_.)

HOLOFERNES (_with a gesture_). I cannot lose thee. (_To attendants_.)
Unbind her.

BAGOAS (_aside_). May heaven be with us, for the woman is against us!

HOLOFERNES (_to_ Bagoas). Veil her, that her face and form be not seen
as she passes to my tent, for she is mine.

BAGOAS (_calling_). The veils! The veils! Where is the rascal?

_The attendant rushes in panting with the box of veils. He is followed
by_ Ingur.

(Judith _is elaborately veiled in a series of veils by_ Bagoas _and his
attendants_).

HOLOFERNES. Let her follow me.

(_Exeunt, R, with great ceremony_, Holofernes _and his heralds, followed
by_ Judith.)

INGUR (_as they go, stopping_ Bagoas, _who goes last_). Mightiness,
pardon your slave.

BAGOAS. Well?

INGUR (_pointing to_ Haggith). Your slave captured the mistress. Reward
him with this outlandish wench.

BAGOAS (_carelessly_). The fool goeth out to seek his own damnation.
Take her.

CURTAIN.

SCENE II

_Interior of the tent of_ Holofernes. _A couch with curtains, L. The
principal entrance to the tent is at the back. Secondary entrances in
the hangings, L. and R._

TIME: _The same morning, later._

Bagoas _and his attendant are unveiling_ Judith.

BAGOAS. Animal, wouldst thou dare to behold that which is thy lord's?
Leave the last veil, and away with thee.

FIRST ATTENDANT. Yea, mightiness!

(_Exit back with the veils already removed from_ Judith.)

BAGOAS. Queen of the night of Holofernes!

JUDITH (_through the veil_). Mighty Bagoas!

BAGOAS. The Prince comes to look upon you in his tent.

JUDITH. Mighty Bagoas, deign to answer a question I will put.

BAGOAS. Deign to ask, lady, and my humility shall answer; for your
beauty has blinded Holofernes this day and he is your captive, and his
servant is your servant, and there is no law in the camps of the
Assyrians save your glance. (_He makes a covert gesture of