command. At Bethulia, being busied all my days with the ordering of your
possessions, I had no time for traffic with men; neither desire. And I
deemed them terrible and masterful creatures. And when you commanded me
to go forth into the camps and delude and entangle with wiles whatever
Assyrian I should meet, I was afraid. For it was in my heart that I
could not accomplish this thing. Yet I have done it prettily. And it is
easier to me far than sweeping with a besom. Either all men are
simpletons and besotted with self-conceit, or Ingur exceeds greatly in
folly. I have been given to him for his slave, but he is mine and knows
it not. (_She sits_.)

JUDITH. Where hast thou left him?

HAGGITH. Mistress I would not suffer that you should pass from my sight,
and I followed you, and Ingur followed me gladly, and at last the guard
seized him for that he was found within the precincts of the prince's
quarter, which is forbidden to his rank, and many stripes will be his.
Mistress, you eat not.

JUDITH (_trying to eat_). Yes, I eat. Do thou eat for me.

HAGGITH. I have eaten and drunk--with Ingur.

JUDITH. But not of his provision?

HAGGITH (_nodding_). He so softly entreated me.

JUDITH. It is a sin and an offence for thee, being an Israelite.

HAGGITH. For such as my high-born mistress, it is an offence. But for