To this the governors of the city answered, that they had been compelled by the grievous necessities of the people, and their pressing solicitations to act as they had done, and added, that as all then present, had before that day, known her to be a wise and discerning woman, they entreated she would advise them, (according to her judgment), how they should now act, in the embarrassing circumstances they were placed?

To this Judith replied, that she had herself fixed upon a plan for the relief of this distressed city, which, should she be enabled to accomplish, the fame of it would continue for ever, throughout all generations. She would (she continued), that night go out of the gates of the city, attended only by her confidential maid, and within the time they had promised to the people, to deliver up Bethulia into the hands of Holofernes, she fully trusted that God would have pity on them, and by her means give them relief. But she requested that no one would require her to explain what it was her intention to attempt for their succour, for she should keep that a profound secret; until what she then meditated, was fully and happily concluded·

To this encouraging speech of Judith's, the whole of the rulers replied, that they all had so much confidence in her wisdom, that whatever the enterprize might be which she was about to undertake, they felt assured they should approve; they

then took leave of Judith, and each returned to his own dwelling.

As soon as they were departed, Judith fell on her face, in ardent prayer for the blessing and as sistance of God, on what she was about to engage in for the welfare of her people and her country. And then arose from her supplications with a cheerful countenance, and a heart lightened by hope; and calling her maid to her for aid, she put off the mourning garments of her widowhood, and after bathing and perfuming her clothes, (according to eastern fashion) "she braided her hair, and put a tire upon it, and put on her garments of gladness, wherewith she was clad in the life of Manassah her husband, and she put sandals upon her feet; and put about her, her bracelets, and her chains, and her rings, and all her ornaments.”

And she gave her maid a bottle of wine, and a cruise of oil, and filled a bag with parched corn, and a lump of figs, and with fine bread; and so she folded all these things together, and gave them to the maid."

And when she came to the gate of the city, the chiefs of the people were already there, out of respect to her, to bid her farewell, and to pray for her safety and success. But when they saw her so much altered in her dress, they could not compre

hend the meaning of it, though none presumed to question her concerning it; yet they wondered at it; but much more were they all surprised at her surpassing beauty, and filled with admiration of it: for it had been so long obscured in retirement, and concealed by widow's weeds, that it now appeared with peculiar advantage. She then desired that the gates might be opened for her, which request being complied with, Judith and her maid went forth; and the men of the city stood auxiously watching their departure, and observed them winding down the descent of the hill, till they reached the valley, and from there the eye could no longer trace their footsteps.

Judith and her faithful servant proceeded on their way, undismayed either by the intricacies or the roughness of the path by which they had to pass. For the heart and thoughts of this heroine were doubtless too much occupied by the still more alarming difficulties she had to encounter in her perilous enterprize; and the animating hope of finally rescuing her country from its impending dreadful fate, to pay much attention to the disagreeable road, which led to the scene of future action. And her companion (though she had no such great design in contemplation) gained courage from the example of her mistress, and unreluctantly descended with her the nearly inaccess

able mountain side which led to the valley, where the Assyrian army was encamped.

Every impediment which lay in the way of their journey being now overcome, they walked on till they arrived at the first watch of the Assyrians, who being surprized at seeing two unprotected females advancing towards him, hastily demanded the cause; saying, "Of what people art thou? whence comest thou? and whether goest thou? To this she answered, "I am a woman of the Hebrews, and am fled from them, and am coming before Holofernes the chief captain, to declare to him words of truth," &c. &c. That the intelligence she brought was of the utmost importance to him, and that she requested to be brought into his presence without delay. The men who had asked these questions, whilst listening to her replies, were struck with amaze at her uncommon beauty, and the manner in which she expressed herself; and greatly commended the resolution she had taken, and encouraged her with assurances of the protection of their captain; advising her also to speak with courage before him, what she had to impart, and to assure herself that no harm would happen to her. After this conversation had taken place, they chose out a guard of an hundred men, to conduct her to the tent of Holofernes.

As she proceeded a prodigious quantity of peo

ple assembled about her, for the fame of her beauty, her extraordinary errand, and desertion of her country, spread through the camp with the utmost rapidity; and by the time she and her maid had arrived before the tent of Holofernes, the concourse was immense; and in their discourse concerning her, they said to each other—"Who would despise these people, who have amongst them such beautiful women? it is not good that one man of them be left, who being let go, might deceive the whole earth."

The officers and attendants who were near the person of the General, now gave him to understand what had occurred-that an Hebrew woman had come into the camp, entreating to be admitted to his presence, having matters to communicate worthy his attention. At this time Holofernes was "resting upon his bed, under a canopy which was woven with purple and gold, and emeralds, and precious stones."

But when he heard this account, he arose and went out from his tent, "and lamps of silver were carried before him."

"And when Judith was come before him and his servants, they all marvelled at the beauty of her countenance, and she fell down upon her face, and did reverence unto him, and his servants took her up."