1
Then Holofernes said to her, "Take courage, woman, and do not be afraid in your heart, for I have never hurt anyone who chose to serve Nebuchadnezzar, king of all the earth.
2
Even now, if your people who live in the hill country had not slighted me, I would never have lifted my spear against them. They have brought this on themselves.
3
But now tell me why you have fled from them and have come over to us. In any event, you have come to safety. Take courage! You will live tonight and ever after.
4
No one will hurt you. Rather, all will treat you well, as they do the servants of my lord King Nebuchadnezzar."
5
Judith answered him, "Accept the words of your slave, and let your servant speak in your presence. I will say nothing false to my lord this night.
6
If you follow out the words of your servant, God will accomplish something through you, and my lord will not fail to achieve his purposes.