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.
22
When they told him of her he came forward to the front of the tent, with silver lamps carried before him.
23
And when Judith came into the presence of Holofernes and his servants, they all marveled at the beauty of her face; and she prostrated herself and made obeisance to him, and his slaves raised her up.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.