15
And now assemble ye all that are in the city, that we may of our own accord yield ourselves all up to the people of Holofernes.
16
For it is better, that being captives we should live and bless the Lord, than that we should die, and be a reproach to all flesh, after we have seen our wives and our infants die before our eyes.
17
We call to witness this day heaven and earth, and the God of our fathers, who taketh vengeance upon us according to our sins, conjuring you to deliver now the city into the hand of the army of Holofernes, that our end may be short by the edge of the sword, which is made longer by the drought of thirst.
18
And when they had said these things, there was great weeping and lamentation of all in the assembly, and for many hours with one voice they cried to God, saying:
19
We have sinned with our fathers we have done unjustly, we have commited iniquity:
20
Have thou mercy on us, because thou art good, or punish our iniquities by chastising us thyself, and deliver not them that trust in thee to a people that knoweth not thee,
21
That they may not say among the gentiles: Where is their God?
22
And when being wearied with these cries, and tired with these weepings, they held their peace,
23
Ozias rising up all in tears, said: Be of good courage, my brethren, and let us wait these five days for mercy from the Lord.
24
For perhaps he will put a stop to his indignation, and will give glory to his own name.
25
But if after five days be past there come no aid, we will do the things which you leave spoken.