BAGOAS (_aside to an attendant_). If this be an example of the Bethulian women, I shall have a momentous business upon me when their city falls. FIRST ATTENDANT. Yea, mightiness. (Judith, _signing to_ Haggith _to stand aside, bows to the ground before_ Bagoas; _then rises again_.) BAGOAS (_after a short pause_). You are very beautiful. JUDITH. There are beautiful women in Judea, but no man of Judea would look twice at such as I, a shrunken widow, like dried fish. (_Exit_ Ingur, _excitedly, L_.) BAGOAS. I have heard how you have escaped out of Bethulia and come hither in order to find water. (_Blandly_.) Aught else? JUDITH. My desire also was to have speech privately with the great conqueror, Holofernes. BAGOAS. Ah! We are well met, you and I. For I am Bagoas, chief eunuch to the illustrious Prince. (_Aside to second attendant_.) Run. Fetch the box of veils. (_Exit_ second attendant, _L_.) JUDITH (_saluting once more_). I supplicate then, mighty Bagoas, that you lead me quickly to the illustrious Prince Holofernes. BAGOAS. Surely! Surely! It is my pleasure to content you. (_Aside, to attendant, anxiously_.) This dried fish by her damnable beauty will reach great power, and if I speak not softly to her now she will undo me in that day. FIRST ATTENDANT. Yea, mightiness. JUDITH. I humbly thank your mightiness. BAGOAS. But it is necessary that you should relate to me your little affair. For no woman speaks to the illustrious Prince until she has spoken to me. JUDITH. It cannot be so. BAGOAS (_persuasively_). In my ear, privily. Approach. JUDITH. It cannot be so. BAGOAS. What mean you--it cannot be so? JUDITH. I will utter my errand to the illustrious Prince Holofernes alone. BAGOAS (_losing his self-control; angrily_). What? Thou queasy chit! Thou minx! Thou jade! Baggage! Mopsy! Shamelesss wench! Thou wilt not obey Bagoas, chief eunuch in the camps of the Assyrians! I will make thee the slave of my slave and the plaything of scullions. (_Stops._ Judith _smiles_. Haggith _subsides alarmed at her feet_.) Thou shalt be abandoned to the sutlers and the ass-drivers, and thus thou shalt learn who is Bagoas and what is his power! (_Stops again._ Judith _still smiles_.) The strumpets of the kitchens shall scorn thee! I--I---- JUDITH (_smiling sweetly_). Mightiness! Mightiness! I am your bondwoman, but it is appointed by heaven that I shall speak with the illustrious Prince Holofernes himself. BAGOAS (_controlling himself, smiling_). Well, if it is appointed by heaven, so shall it be. Forget my words. They had no evil intent, for I was trying you, as my duty is. (_Aside to attendant_.) The sweetness of her glance dissolves my backbone. FIRST ATTENDANT. Yea, mightinesss. BAGOAS (_to_ Judith). Follow me, lady. (_Aside to_ attendant.) Thinkest thou the Prince will come this way? (_Pointing_.) FIRST ATTENDANT. Yea, mightiness. BAGOAS. Or that? FIRST ATTENDANT. Yea, mightiness.