also be
devils. (_To another soldier who has entered_.) Run! Rouse the lord
Ozias. (_Exit soldier_.)

HAGGITH. I have water with me. Many gourds! Fresh water! Cool water!

(_The gatemen begin to work the gate-chains_.)

FIRST SOLDIER. What do ye, dogs? Stop, and await the order of the lord
Ozias.

GATEMEN (_continuing to work the chains_). Water! Water!

FIRST SOLDIER. Pull, then, dogs. If there is water and it is wet I will
taste it. But if there is not water, I will slay the first soul that
enters. (_As the gates begin to open a little_.) Hold! No wider!

_Enter_ Haggith _with two gourds_.

(_The gourds are snatched from her, and the men, including the First
Soldier, drink_.)

FIRST SOLDIER (_as he drinks_). Yea, it is indeed Haggith. Where is thy
mistress, and whence comest thou, my beloved water-carrier, for thou art
my beloved? (Haggith _slaps his face_.)

_Enter_ Ozias, _L_.

OZIAS (_furious_). Why are the gates opened? What is this?

FIRST SOLDIER. Haggith, lord, with water that is stronger than wine.
(_Handing a gourd to_ Ozias _to soothe him_.)

OZIAS. Where is thy mistress, wench? (_Drinks_.)

HAGGITH (_stiffly_). I am the forerunner of my mistress, who has sent
me, and before many hours are passed the lady Judith will come also.
(_She goes to the gates and beckons_.)

OZIAS. What art thou doing?

_Enter_ Ingur, _bearing a sack_.

VOICES. An Assyrian! An Assyrian! (_Men spring at_ Ingur.)

HAGGITH. Let him alone; he is my bondman and I have tamed him.

OZIAS. Shut the gates, for I will enquire into this matter.

HAGGITH. There are yet ten other Assyrians outside the gates, carrying
gourds for me.

OZIAS. Ten other Assyrians! It is a trick!

HAGGITH (_proudly_). By my command they are chained by their necks, neck
to neck. Fetch in the gourds, men, and give the people to drink.

(_The gourds are brought in amid cries and excitement. They are taken
off, L_.)

OZIAS. Shut the gates, I say.

FIRST SOLDIER. And the ten Assyrians, great lord?

OZIAS. Let them await my enquiry where they stand.

FIRST SOLDIER. Lord Ozias, if they flee?

HAGGITH. Hold thy mouth, gaby! Wouldst _thou_ flee with thy neck chained
to nine necks? Moreover, where will they flee? For the camps of the
Assyrians are broken, and in their terrible confusion the Assyrians fall
one upon another.

(_The gatemen talk among themselves and stare at the Assyrians outside,
who cannot be seen by those within the city.