Judith, a play in three acts - Founded on the Apocryphal Book of Judith by Arnold Bennett
page 60 of 98 (61%)
page 60 of 98 (61%)
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eyes?
HOLOFERNES (_disturbed_). It is a true word. BAGOAS. It is a true word. HOLOFERNES (_savagely_). This day will I attack the city and take it, and though I make fifty thousand widows and orphans in Assyria I will compass Bethulia, and not one house in it shall be left standing, nor one Israelite alive. JUDITH (_shaking her head slowly_). Why is my lord against the pleasure of the Most High? Do I not say, and has it not been revealed to me, that Bethulia shall not perish until its inhabitants have sinned before God? Listen, illustrious Prince, I will remain this night. And when the time comes I will go into the valley, and I will pray to God, and mayhap He will tell me when the Israelites in Bethulia have committed their sin. And I will come and show it to you, and thereupon my lord and governor shall go forth with all his army, and none shall resist him. HOLOFERNES (_fascinated_). Thou wilt come to me when the time is at hand for my triumph! JUDITH. And hearken further! I will lead my lord and governor in the midst of Judea, until he comes to Jerusalem; and I will set his throne in the midst of Jerusalem, and a dog shall not so much as open his mouth at my lord and prince. For these things were declared unto me from on high, and I am sent to tell them. HOLOFERNES (_aside to_ Bagoas, _excitedly_). There is not such a woman |
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