OZIAS. The perils of the heathen will surround you, and harm will surely
befall you, for Holofernes will work lamentable evil upon you. And I
cannot suffer it.

JUDITH (_smiling_). Did not Ozias say that Holofernes was a great
warrior and had compassion in his greatness?

OZIAS (_insistent_). I cannot suffer it, for if any shame come upon you
I will not live.

JUDITH. God will not see his handmaid shamed. Moreover I regard not
myself in this thing, but the welfare of the people of Israel.

OZIAS (_kneeling_). Judith, I entreat you! For you are the light of my
eyes, and without you the world is not.

JUDITH (_softly_). I know it. Think you that in these years I have not
seen the depths of your heart, Ozias? Think you that I was blind in my
tent? Think you that I watched not upon you? You were comely in my
sight. But this day you have revealed your pride. For you seek not God,
but the vanity of the earth, and you would make all Israel the
instrument of your glory, denying the Lord. And I am sad.

OZIAS. Forgive me, Rose of Sharon.

JUDITH (_softly_). Who am I, to forgive my brother? Peace be upon you!
(_She turns towards her house_.)

OZIAS (_rising,_). Stay!