OZIAS (_to the crowd_). Make a way clear to the gates.

JUDITH. Before I go, I will look into the valley whither I descend.
(_She mounts to the vantage-point_).

VOICES. Water! Water! Or we die!

JUDITH (_from the vantage-point_). Brethren, bewail not! Remember what
things the Lord did to Abraham, and how he tried Isaac, and what
happened to Jacob in Mesopotamia. For the Lord has not tried us in the
fire as he did them, neither has he taken vengeance upon us. But the
Lord scourges them that come near to him, to admonish them. (_She
kneels. Following her example, everybody kneels_.) O Lord God of my
father Simeon, the Assyrians are multiplied in their power; they trust
in shield, and spear, and bow, and sling; and know not that thou art the
Lord which breakest battles; the Lord is thy name. Behold their pride,
and send thy wrath upon their heads; give into my hand, which am a
widow, the power that I have conceived. For thy power standeth not in
multitude, nor thy might in strong men. Smite the Assyrians by the
deceit of my lips; break down their stateliness by the hand of a woman.
And make my speech and deceit to be their wound and stripe, who have
purposed cruel things against thy covenant and against the top of Zion.
And make every nation and tribe to acknowledge that thou art the God of
all power, and that there is none other that protecteth the people of
Israel but thou. (_She rises. The crowd murmurs:_ 'Amen.' _All rise._
Judith _comes down from the vantage-point. Silence_.)

OZIAS (_moved_). Open the gates.