JUDITH. It is no common man that with the parched tongue of thirst can
talk thus while unspeakable calamity assails the city.

OZIAS. It is Ozias.

JUDITH (_gently_). I came not to meet Ozias, but the governor of
Bethulia. From my tent I hearkened to the words which he spoke to the
people, and the Lord said to me: Go down to him, thou, a woman. And I am
here.

OZIAS. The Lord reigns! That which I said to the people did not please
the ear of Judith?

JUDITH. No.

OZIAS. I spoke to the people according to their understanding. Have you
not said it is not meet for the people to know the thoughts of the
ruler? Hearken again? And I will speak now to the wise woman. I
flattered the people with vain praise of their courage, when they have
no courage. I affrighted the people with a prophecy of terror, when
there is no terror--for Holofernes is a great warrior, and has
compassion in his greatness, for he is a Babylonian. I gave them hope of
succour when succour is none--for, with a hundred and twenty thousand
footmen and twelve thousand horse against us (_with dry humour_) to
count upon the mercy of the Lord is presumption.

JUDITH (_moves aside and returns. Sweetly_). Why then did you speak thus
to the people? And to what end did you deceive them? I beseech you yet
again to show me your heart, for it is right that I should know.