HAGGITH. Could I lie to _thee_? I have escaped from the city, which is
given over to be consumed. I sought water for my thirst, for in Bethulia
there is no water, and the people faint in the streets.

INGUR. But it is a long journey from Bethulia, and thou art fresh and
delicate as though just risen from thy bed.

HAGGITH (_smiling_). I can hide nothing from thee, mighty wolf. I am,
indeed, but just risen from my bed. The night before last night I set
forth secretly, and came into the valley yesterday at noon, and lay soft
in a cave where three springs bubbled, and drank, and slept until this
morning's sunrise.

INGUR. What is thy name?

HAGGITH. Haggith.

INGUR. Thy name is as strange as thy errand, and as thyself; and surely
thou art a woman of the Hebrews, which is a race of lunatics, as I am
told.

HAGGITH. I have figs fit for a great king. (_Opens her sack and offers
some figs_.)

INGUR _(eating)._ Um! And what else hast thou? Let me touch thee,
Haggith. (_He touches her carefully_). Yes, thou art outlandish, and no
doubt mad, but comely. Comely! Thou hast the likeness and feel of a
woman. Always have I hankered after strange women, and now lo! one falls
ripe into my mouth. (Haggith _shrinks. Reassuringly._) In a way of
speaking! In a way speaking! For thou art not in my mouth. And so thou