11
The women went straight on through the valley; and an Assyrian patrol met her
12
and took her into custody, and asked her, "To what people do you belong, and where are you coming from, and where are you going?" She replied, "I am a daughter of the Hebrews, but I am fleeing from them, for they are about to be handed over to you to be devoured.
13
I am on my way to the presence of Holofernes the commander of your army, to give him a true report; and I will show him a way by which he can go and capture all the hill country without losing one of his men, captured or slain."
14
When the men heard her words, and observed her face -- she was in their eyes marvelously beautiful -- they said to her,
15
"You have saved your life by hurrying down to the presence of our lord. Go at once to his tent; some of us will escort you and hand you over to him.
16
And when you stand before him, do not be afraid in your heart, but tell him just what you have 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, and they came and stood around her as she waited outside the tent of Holofernes while they told him about her.
19
And they marveled at her beauty, and admired the Israelites, judging them by her, and every one said to his neighbor, "Who can despise these people, who have women like this among them? Surely not a man of them had better be left alive, for if we let them go they will be able to ensnare the whole world!"
20
Then Holofernes' companions and all his servants came out and led her into the tent.
21
Holofernes was resting on his bed, under a canopy which was woven with purple and gold and emeralds and precious stones.