(Judith is seized and bound in an instant.)

HOLOFERNES (in two minds).  Wait!

BAGOAS.  She is bound, illustrious prince.

HOLOFERNES.  Wait!

BAGOAS (aside to Holofernes).  Prince, let not the benevolence of your heart be your undoing, for in the loveliness of her face is cunning and great peril.  I have lived all my days amid the craftiness of women, and my lord also knows somewhat of their strange tricks, which bring ruin to the carnal.

HOLOFERNES (reflective).  Who would despise these Hebrews that have among them such women as she? (Fiercely).  Surely it is not good that one man among them should be left; for if one were let go he might deceive the whole earth.

JUDITH (advancing a step, appealingly).  Will the wise man cast away a pearl, and will my lord in anger lose his servant for ever?

BAGOAS (to Holofernes).  Let her not speak with my lord alone in my lord’s tent.

JUDITH.  I would speak with the illustrious prince—­and with Bagoas also. (She smiles.)

HOLOFERNES (with a gesture).  I cannot lose thee. (To attendants.) Unbind her.

BAGOAS (aside).  May heaven be with us, for the woman is against us!

HOLOFERNES (to Bagoas).  Veil her, that her face and form be not seen as she passes to my tent, for she is mine.

BAGOAS (calling).  The veils!  The veils!  Where is the rascal?

The attendant rushes in panting with the box of veils.  He is followed by Ingur.

(Judith is elaborately veiled in a series of veils by Bagoas and his attendants).

HOLOFERNES.  Let her follow me.

(Exeunt, R, with great ceremony, Holofernes and his heralds, followed by Judith.)

INGUR (as they go, stopping Bagoas, who goes last).  Mightiness, pardon your slave.

BAGOAS.  Well?

INGUR (pointing to Haggith).  Your slave captured the mistress.  Reward him with this outlandish wench.

BAGOAS (carelessly).  The fool goeth out to seek his own damnation.  Take her.

CURTAIN.

SCENE II

Interior of the tent of Holofernes. A couch with curtains, L. The principal entrance to the tent is at the back.  Secondary entrances in the hangings, L. and R.

TIME:  The same morning, later.

Bagoas and his attendant are unveiling Judith.

BAGOAS.  Animal, wouldst thou dare to behold that which is thy lord’s? 
Leave the last veil, and away with thee.

FIRST ATTENDANT.  Yea, mightiness!

(Exit back with the veils already removed from Judith.)

BAGOAS.  Queen of the night of Holofernes!

JUDITH (through the veil).  Mighty Bagoas!