OZIAS (with meaning).  Lady, he is a fair youth, and fearless.  But by what sign know you that he has spoken truly?

JUDITH.  By the glance of his eyes I know.

OZIAS.  It is a sign that suffices not.  Shall it be said that Ozias was deceived, and shall Ozias imperil his renown, by reason of the glance of a youth when he looks at a woman—­even you?...  And if he lies not, then he is a fool and his folly was great.

ACHIOR.  I spoke the truth to Holofernes.

OZIAS (fiercely).  But to speak truth did not content you.  Having answered Holofernes, you must needs offer counsel to your lord and governor!  Who were you to offer counsel to the greatest of all the captains of the earth?  The protection of the mighty conqueror covered you, and lo! in your folly did you estrange yourself from him.  Fool!

ACHIOR.  I said to Holofernes, my lord and governor, that which I was appointed to say—­that, no more and no less.

OZIAS.  And who appointed you to say that which you said?

JUDITH.  If there be a God in Israel, and if the Lord has not abandoned us, may not this youth be the messenger of the Most High to bring us comfort, and for a warning to the vainglory of Holofernes?

OZIAS (with irony).  All is possible to the Lord.  Yet may his purposes be hidden from us. (To the soldiers.) Until the Lord vouchsafe new wisdom to me, his servant, bind fetters about the feet of Achior, and take him to the house of bondage, and set a guard over him, for a spy is not more dangerous than a fool.

CHARMIS (springing forward).  It shall be done, Ozias.

(The soldiers begin to put chains on Achior.)

JUDITH (quietly).  Shame him not with fetters, lord Ozias.

OZIAS (after a pause, to the soldiers).  Unbind him! (The soldiers obey.) Take him off!  Speedily!  Away!  All!  Let none remain!  Hasten, I say!

(Exeunt back, all except Ozias and Judith. As he goes Achior kisses Judith’s robe.)

JUDITH (to Achior, as he does so).  Truth-teller!

(At a sign from Judith, Haggith re-enters the house.)

OZIAS.  Your face is turned from me, because of the youth.  Yet you came out to see the governor of the city, and the governor could do no other than I have done.

JUDITH (looking at him).  Ozias, you have shown me your heart.

OZIAS.  Yea!

JUDITH.  And in the moment when the youth came you asked of me my counsel.

OZIAS.  Yea!

JUDITH.  Hear me now, for the words you have spoken before the people this day are not right.

OZIAS.  What words?

JUDITH.  This promise that you have uttered to deliver the city to our enemies, unless within five days the Lord turn to help.  Who are you that seek to stand instead of God among the children of men?