1
And when it was grown late, his servants made haste to their lodgings, and Vagao shut the chamber doors, and went his way.
2
And they were all overcharged with wine.
3
And Judith was alone in the chamber.
4
But Holofernes lay on his bed, fast asleep, being exceedingly drunk.
5
And Judith spoke to her maid to stand without before the chamber, and to watch:
6
And Judith stood before the bed praying with tears, and the motion of her lips in silence,
7
Saying: Strengthen me, O Lord God of Israel, and in this hour look on the works of my hands, that as thou hast promised, thou mayst raise up Jerusalem thy city: and that I may bring to pass that which I have purposed, having a belief that it might be done by thee.
8
And when she had said this, she went to the pillar that was at his bed's head, and loosed his sword that hung tied upon it.
9
And when she had drawn it out, she took him by the hair of his head, and said: Strengthen me, O Lord God, at this hour.