Open to the feet and hoofs of Assyria.

_Ozias_.
Yea, and what doth Judea but cower down
Behind us? There's no rescue comes from there.
We are alone with Holofernes' power.

_Judith_.
But if we hold him off, will he not grant
The meed of a brave fight, captivity?--
Or we may treat with him, make terms for yielding.

_Ozias_.
We know his mind: he hath written it plain
In the torn flesh of our ambassadors.
His mind to us is death; we can but choose
Between sharp swords and the slow slaying of thirst.

_Judith_.
He may torment us if we yield.

_Ozias_.
He may.
But not to yield is grisly and sure torment.

_Judith_.
There must be hope, if we could reckon right!

_Ozias_.
Well, thou and God have five days more to build