(Holofernes _drops on the couch, and_ Judith _caresses him_.) HOLOFERNES (_murmuring_). My great joy has overthrown me. (Judith, _seizing the knife and leaning over_ Holofernes, _kills him while she is still caressing_.) JUDITH (_as she uses the knife; murmuring_). Thou that wouldst go against the pleasure of the Most High! Thou that wouldst defile Judea! Thou that hast dishonoured with thy kiss the widow of Manasses! Thou that hast compelled me to guile and deceit and much lying so that I might perform the will of God! The grave shall be thy house! _Enter_ Haggith, _L_. JUDITH (_turning to_ Haggith, _firmly and impressively_). I have done that which I had to do, and the power of Assyria is fallen. (_Pointing_.) Take the head by the beard, and put it in thy sack, and let us depart. CURTAIN. ACT III SCENE I SCENE: _Same as Act I_. TIME: _A few hours later than Act II, Scene III, the same night. The sole light is that of torches, and watchfires (off)._ _The gatemen are at the gates_. _There is a knocking on the outside of the gates_. _Enter First Soldier, running_. FIRST SOLDIER (_to a gateman, who is climbing up in order to look over the top of the gates_). Look not over, booby. Thy fool's face might meet the point of an Assyrian spear. (_The gateman slips down quickly_.) (_Renewed knocking_.) FIRST SOLDIER (_shouting_). None can enter the city till sunrise. And not then if I like not the aspect of his phiz. HAGGITH (_off_). It is Haggith, servant of the lady Judith. Open the gates quickly, for I am become a woman of much consequence. FIRST SOLDIER. Haggith? It is the voice of Haggith; yet it may also be devils. (_To another soldier who has entered_.) Run! Rouse the lord Ozias. (_Exit soldier_.) HAGGITH. I have water with me. Many gourds! Fresh water! Cool water! (_The gatemen begin to work the gate-chains_.) FIRST SOLDIER. What do ye, dogs? Stop, and await the order of the lord Ozias. GATEMEN (_continuing to work the chains_). Water! Water! FIRST SOLDIER. Pull, then, dogs. If there is water and it is wet I will taste it. But if there is not water, I will slay the first soul that enters. (_As the gates begin to open a little_.) Hold! No wider! _Enter_ Haggith _with two gourds_. (_The gourds are snatched from her, and the men, including the First Soldier, drink_.) FIRST SOLDIER (_as he drinks_). Yea, it is indeed Haggith. Where is thy mistress, and whence comest thou, my beloved water-carrier, for thou art my beloved? (Haggith _slaps his face_.) _Enter_ Ozias, _L_. OZIAS (_furious_). Why are the gates opened? What is this? FIRST SOLDIER. Haggith, lord, with water that is stronger than wine. (_Handing a gourd to_ Ozias _to soothe him_.) OZIAS. Where is thy mistress, wench? (_Drinks_.) HAGGITH (_stiffly_). I am the forerunner of my mistress, who has sent me, and before many hours are passed the lady Judith will come also. (_She goes to the gates and beckons_.) OZIAS. What art thou doing?