. And I saw the vision by my bed, and so it was
that I came down into the valley.... (_Softly_.) And wouldst thou that I
should have uttered this secret to any but thee!

HOLOFERNES (_full of emotion_). I will kiss thy lips, and thou art mine,
O fragrance!

JUDITH. Kiss my lips.

(Holofernes _kisses her, and then in an excess of feeling stumbles
backward_.)

(_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.
(_Pointing_.) Take the head by the beard, and put it in thy sack, and
let us depart.

CURTAIN.

ACT III

SCENE I

SCENE: _Same as Act I_.

TIME: _A few hours later than Act II, Scene III, the same night. The
sole light is that of torches, and watchfires (off)._

_The gatemen are at the gates_.

_There is a knocking on the outside of the gates_.

_Enter First Soldier, running_.

FIRST SOLDIER (_to a gateman, who is climbing up in order to look over
the top of the gates_). Look not over, booby. Thy fool's face might meet
the point of an Assyrian spear. (_The gateman slips down quickly_.)

(_Renewed knocking_.)

FIRST SOLDIER (_shouting_). None can enter the city till sunrise. And
not then if I like not the aspect of his phiz.

HAGGITH (_off_). It is Haggith, servant of the lady Judith. Open the
gates quickly, for I am become a woman of much consequence.

FIRST SOLDIER. Haggith? It is the voice of Haggith; yet it may