16
When you stand before him, have no fear in your heart, but tell him what you have just said, and he will treat you well."
17
They chose from their number a hundred men to accompany her and her maid, and they brought them to the tent of Holofernes.
18
There was great excitement in the whole camp, for her arrival was reported from tent to tent. They came and gathered around her as she stood outside the tent of Holofernes, waiting until they told him about her.
19
They marveled at her beauty and admired the Israelites, judging them by her. They said to one another, "Who can despise these people, who have women like this among them? It is not wise to leave one of their men alive, for if we let them go they will be able to beguile the whole world!"
20
Then the guards of Holofernes and all his servants came out and led her into the tent.
21
Holofernes was resting on his bed under a canopy that was woven with purple and gold, emeralds and other precious stones.
22
When they told him of her, he came to the front of the tent, with silver lamps carried before him.
23
When Judith came into the presence of Holofernes and his servants, they all marveled at the beauty of her face. She prostrated herself and did obeisance to him, but his slaves raised her up.