(Ozias looks into the sack and sees the head of Holofernes.)

OZIAS.  Great is the Lord of Israel!

HAGGITH.  And my mistress is the right hand of the Lord.

OZIAS.  Great is the Lord of Israel!

VOICES (deeply moved).  His name shall live for ever.

OZIAS.  How did thy mistress accomplish this mighty deed?

HAGGITH.  AS for that, she will tell it to my lord with her own voice when she shall come.  And now will my lord give ear to the commands of the lady Judith, which she doth lay upon my lord by me, Haggith?  First, the head of Holofernes shall be set upon a spear on the highest wall in the great square before the temple.  So shall all the Israelites know that God yet watcheth over Israel. (To the soldiers.) Take the sack and do as my lady hath ordained by me, Haggith.

OZIAS (to men, who hesitate).  Take the sack.  It is my command.

(Exeunt two men, L., with sack.)

HAGGITH.  Next, ye shall send men for water to the wells beneath the city that all may drink, for already the Assyrians are fled from the wells, knowing that Holofernes is dead.  And ye shall send forth all your army into the valley to fall upon the Assyrians, for they are afraid of the judgment of God, and none dare abide in the sight of his neighbour.  Neither can they stand against the chosen race of God.

OZIAS (to First Soldier).  Let every armed man in the city be roused, and publish the order of Ozias that the Captains lead their bands swiftly into the valley by the secret way to fall upon the Assyrians.

(Exit First Soldier and another, with joyous cries, L.)

HAGGITH.  Thus hath the lady Judith spoken by me, Haggith.

OZIAS.  Whither is thy mistress gone, and why does she tarry?

HAGGITH.  My mistress is hidden in a sure place in the valley, for there is one among the Assyrians who fears not God.  And he is Bagoas, the chief eunuch of Holofernes, and he has sworn an oath to kill my mistress, for that by guile she did cut off the head of Holofernes.  And Bagoas searches for my mistress in the folds of the valley.  But he will not find her.

OZIAS (perturbed).  How knowst thou that he will not find her?

HAGGITH.  Because the Lord of Israel is a sharp sword and protecteth his servants....  And also because my mistress is most cunningly hidden.

Enter Charmis, L.

CHARMIS (joyously excited).  What is the miracle that I hear, Ozias?

OZIAS (blandly).  There is no miracle; but that which I had planned with the lady Judith has come to pass.  Take women and old men Charmis, and go ye to the wells and bring water to the city, for the wells are delivered into my hands.

CHARMIS (hesitating).  Women and old men?  But the onslaught against the
Assyrians of which I hear?