_Holofernes_.
I shall not bear it: dreamed, it hath made my life
Fail almost, like a storm broken in heaven
By its internal fire; and now I feel
Love like a dreadful god coming to do
His pleasure on me, to tear me with his joy
And shred my flesh-wove strength with merciless
Utterance through me of inhuman bliss.--
I must have more divinity within me.--
Come to me, slave! [_Calling out to his attendants_.

_Judith_.
Thou callest someone? Alas!
O, where's my veil?--Cry him to stay awhile!--

_Holofernes_.
Thou troubled with such whimsy!--But 'tis no one,
A mere sexless thing of mine.

_Judith_.
He is coming!
I threw my veil--where?--I must bow my face
Close to the ground, or his eyes will find me out;
And--O my lord, hold him back with thy voice!
[_She has knelt down_.
Hold him in doubt to enter a moment, while
I loosen my hair into some manner of safety
Against his prying.