the handmaid--pooh! She eats as she can, and the Lord turneth away his
glance until she has finished her platter. Moreover, did you not lay it
upon me to beguile the dolt? And verily, mistress, I have rejoiced much
this day; and Ingur----

JUDITH. Silence with thy prattle. Bethink thee of the dread business
upon which I am come down from Bethulia into the valley?

HAGGITH (_subdued; offering food_). Eat, mistress.

JUDITH. I cannot. My soul rejects it, and my body is on fire with
expectation and suspense. (_Rising_. Haggith _also rises_.) Stay thou
where thou art, for I will go forth alone. I must commune with the God
of Israel for my tranquillity, and I dare not seek him in the tent of
the heathen. (_Exit, back_.)

(Haggith _gathers the meat together_.)

_Enter_ Holofernes _and_ Bagoas, _L_.

HOLOFERNES (_looking about the tent, alarmed_). Where is she? Has she
fled? If she has escaped me, this shall be thy last day, Bagoas. What is
this girl here?

BAGOAS. Prince, has any woman yet slipped through these hands? This girl
is the waiting wench of the lady Judith. (_To_ Haggith.) Where is thy
mistress, wench?

HAGGITH (_frightened and foolish_). My mistress having eaten ... having
eaten naught, is gone to--to--to--pray.