at henceforward the institution of war cannot continue, and after this
there will be no more war. But meanwhile, if I go crouching to the feet
of Holofernes, what will happen and what will come to pass? Surely it
will come to pass that the monster who has sat down to watch us die of
thirst will slay our little children and our old men, and dishonour our
women, and ravish our innocent virgins; for the enslaving of the
conquered will not content his anger nor satisfy the lust of his great
hosts. Shall these things be? I say they shall not be. But what am I,
save the servant of the citizens of Bethulia? And what do I speak, save
the thought that is in your hearts? There is no cowardice in you. You
are not sheep, nor rabbits, nor beetles, nor lice. You are valiant men,
and women lion-hearted. Without you I am naught, and if I defy
Holofernes, my fortitude is yours and my resolve springs from you.
Charmis has invoked the holy name of the God of Israel. Let Israel not
forget its God, for never has the Most High forsaken Israel. Brethren,
be of good courage. Let us yet endure five days. Five short days. And if
these days pass and the God of Israel turn not his mercy towards us,
then will I do according to the word of Charmis. Such is my oath to you.
And so it shall be.

Haggith _enters from the house of_ Judith.

HAGGITH. My lord Ozias!

OZIAS (_quickly descending the steps_). What say you?

HAGGITH. My mistress, the lady Judith, will speak with you. She comes.

RAHEL (_half rising_). Water!

OZIAS (_excited_.) The lady Judith comes out of her house after three
years.

VOICES IN THE GROUP (_excited and impressed_.) Judith is coming, after
three years! Judith! The widow!

OZIAS (_sternly to the group_). Get hence, everyone to his own charge.
Soldiers! Clear the street! (Two soldiers _advance, running to obey_.)
The men to the walls and towers. The women and children to their houses.
(_To_ Rahel, _who has risen, indicating_ Chabris.) Take the aged fool
away, girl. (_Ruthlessly and contemptuously_.) Get home, all of you.
Rabble! Insects! Lice!

(_The street is cleared, not without difficulty, and_ Ozias _is left
alone with_ Haggith.)

_After a pause_, Judith _enters slowly, in widow's apparel and
sackcloth_.

(_Exit_ Haggith _into the house_.)

JUDITH. Greetings, Lord Ozias.

OZIAS. Lady, greetings. (_They salute_.)

JUDITH. Where are the people?

OZIAS. I invited them to go away.

JUDITH. Why?

OZIAS. You