The Book of Judith

The 1st Chapter

Arphaxat the King of the Medes subdued many people unto his dominion, and builded a noble strong city, which he called Egbathanis (kjv= Ecbatane). The walls of it he made of free stone, four squared, seventy cubits high, and thirty cubits broad. He made towers thereupon of an hundred cubits high. But upon the four corners every side was twenty foot broad. He made the ports in the height, like as was the towers. This King trusted in his mighty host, and in his glorious chariots.

So in the twelfth year of his reign it happened, that Nabuchodonosor the King of the Assirians ( which reigned in the great city of Nineve ) fought against Arphaxat, and overcame him in the great field called Ragau, beside Euphrates and Tigris and Jadason in the field of Erioth the King of the Elikes.

Then was the kingdom of Nabuchodonosor exalted, and his heart was lift up: and sent unto all them that dwelt in Celicia, and Damascus, and Libanus, and unto the Heathen that dwell in Carmel, and Cedar and to such as dwell in Galilee in the great field of Esdrelon, and all them that were in Samaria, and beyond the river Jordan unto Jerusalem, and the whole land of Jesse unto the mountains of Ethiopia. Unto all these did Nabuchodonosor the King of the Assyrians send messengers. But they all with one consent would not agree unto him and sent the messengers again empty, and put them away without honor.

Then Nabuchodonosor the King took indignation at all those lands, and swore by his throne and his kingdom, that he would be avenged of all those countries.

The 2nd Chapter

In the thirteenth year of King Nabuchodonosor, upon the twenty second day of the first month, it was devised in the court of Nabuchodonosor the King of the Assyrians, that he would defend himself. So he called unto him all the elders, all his Captains, and men of war, and showed them his secret counsel, and told them, that his purpose was, to bring the whole earth under his dominion.

Now when they were all content with this saying, Nabuchodonosor the King called Holofernes the chief Captain of his wars and said unto him:

Go thy way forth against all the Kingdoms of the West, and specially against those that have despised my commandment. Thou shalt spare no realm, all the strong cities shalt thou bring in subjection unto me.

Then Holofernes called together all the Captains and rulers of all the power in Assyria, and mustered the soldiers unto the host ( like as the King commanded him) namely, an hundred and twenty thousand fighting men upon foot, and twelve thousand archers upon horseback. All his ordinance sent he before with an innumerable multitude of camels, so that the host was well provided for with oxen, and small cattle, and that without number. He caused the corn to be prepared out of all Syria for his host. Much gold and silver took he out of the Kings house.

So he took his journey , he and all his host, with chariots, horsemen, and archers: of whom there were so many, that they covered the ground of the land, like as grasshoppers.

And when he was gone past the borders of the Assyrians, he came toward the great mountains of Ange, which lie upon the left side of Celicia:

and so he went up in to all their castles, and won every stronghold. As for the wealthy city of Melothus, he break it down, and spoiled all the children of Tharsis and the Ismaelites, which lay toward the wilderness, and upon the South side of the land of Chelon.

He went over Euphrates also, and came into Mesopotamia, and break down all the high cities that were there from the brook of Nambre till a man come to the sea: and he took the boarders in from Celicia unto the coasts of Japhet toward the South. He carried away all the Madianites, and spoiled all their goods: and whosoever with stood him, he slew them with the sword. After this he went down to the field of Damascus in the time of

harvest, and burnt up all the corn and all the trees, and caused the vines to be cut down. And the fear of him fell upon all them that dwelt on the earth.

The 3rd Chapter

So the Kings and the princes of all the cities and lands sent their ambassadors: namely they of Syria and Mesopotamia, Syria Sobal, and Libia, and Celicia, which came to Holofernes, and said: Let thy wrath cease toward us: It is better for us to serve the great King Nabuchodonosor with our lives, and to be subject unto thee, then that we should die, and be slain, and receive greater hurt. All our cities and possessions, all mountains and hills, all fields, great and small cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and camels, all our goods and households, be in thy power, under thy subjection be it all together. We ourselves also and our children will be thine own, come unto us a peaceable Lord, and use our service at thy pleasure.

Then came Holofernes down from the mountains with horsemen and with great power, and conquered all strong cities, and all that dwelt in the land. And out of all cities he took strong men, such as were mete (worthy) for war, to help him. There came such a fear also upon those countries, that the indwellers of all the cities, the Princes and Rulers, and the people together, went forth to meet him as he came, and received him honorably with garlands and torches, with daunces (dances), tabrettes and pipes.

Nevertheless though they did this, yet might they not swage (bend) his rigorous stomach: but he destroyed their cities, and hewed down their woods. For Nabuchodonosor the king had commanded him, that he should root out all the Gods of the land: to the intent that he only might be called and taken for God, of the nations which Holofernes with his power brought under him. So went he through Syria Sobal, and through all Appamia, and all Mesopotamia, came to the Idumeans, in the land of Gabaa, and Septopoly, and took their cities, and remained there thirty days, wherein he caused all the whole multitude of his Host to be gathered together.

The 4th Chapter

When the children of Israel that dwelt in Jewry heard this, they were sore afraid of him. There came forth trembling also and fear upon them, that they sorrowed he should do unto the city of Jerusalem and the temple of the Lord, as he had done to other cities and their temples. So they sent into all Samaria round about unto Jericho, took in and occupied all the tops of the mountains, and made fast the towns with walls, and prepared corn for them against the battle.

Eliachim also the Priest wrote unto all them that dwell toward Esdrelon ( which layeth over against the great field by Dotha Im ) and unto all those by whom men might have passage unto them, that they should take in the ways of the mountains, whereby there might be any way and passage to Jerusalem, and that they should hold diligent watch where any straight way was betwixt the mountains.

And the children of Israel did as Eliachim the Priest of the Lord had commanded them. And all the people cried earnestly, and humbled their souls with fasting and prayers, they and their wives. The Priests put on hairy clothes, and layed the young babes before the temple of the Lord, and covered the Altar of the Lord with an hairy cloth. And with one accord they cried unto the Lord God of Israel, that their children should not be given in to a prey, and their wives into a spoil, that their cities should not be layed waste, and that their Sanctuary should not be unhallowed, and so they to be a shame and rebuke unto the Heathen.

Then Eliachim the high Priest of the Lord went round about all Israel, and spake unto them, saying: Be ye sure, that the Lord will hear your petitions, if ye continue steadfast in fastings and prayers in the sight of the Lord. Remember Moses the servant of the Lord, which overthrew the Amalechites ( that trusted in their might and power, in their host, in their shields, in their chariots and horsemen ) not with weapons, but with holy prayers. Even so shall all the enemies of Israel be, if ye continue in this work, that ye have begun. So upon this exhortation they continued in prayer before the Lord. In so much that they which offered burnt sacrifices unto the Lord, offered offerings unto the Lord being arrayed in hairy clothes and had ashes upon their heads. And they all besought God from their whole heart, that he would visit his people of Israel.

The 5th Chapter

And the word came to Holofernes the Prince of the wars of the of the Assyrians, that the children of Israel prepared themselves to make resistance, and how they had stopped the ways betwixted the mountains. Then was he exceedingly wroth, and called all the Princes of Moab, and the Captains of Ammon, and said unto them: Tell me, what people is this, that keepeth in the mountains? Or what manner of the cities are they ? What is their power ? Or what manner of Host have they ? who is their Captain ? And why do they despise us ( more than those that dwell in the East ) and come not forth to meet us, that they might receive us with peace ? Then Achior the Captain of the Ammonites answered, and said: Sir, if it please thee to hear me, I will tell the truth before thee concerning this people that dwell in the mountains, and there shall no lie go out of my mouth.

This people is of the generation of the Chaldees, they dwelt first in Mesopotamia, for they would not follow the gods of their fathers that were in the land of Chaldees, and forsook they the customs of their forefathers ( which had many gods ) and worshipped one God, that made heaven and earth: which also commanded them that they should go from thence, and dwell at Haran.

Now when there came dearth (drought) into the whole land, they went down to Egypt, and there they dwelt four hundred years, in the which they multiplied so greatly, that their Host might not be numbered.

And when the King of Egypt oppressed them, and subdued them in the building of his cities with making clay and brick, they cried unto God their Lord, which punished the whole land of Egypt with diverse plagues.

Now when King of Egypt let them go their way, and the plague ceased, and then followed after them, and to bring them again into his service, while they were fleeing away, the God of heaven opened the sea, so that the waters stood fast upon both sides as a wall, and these went through the bottom of the sea dry shod. In the which place when an innumerable people of the Egyptians followed upon them, they were so overwhelmed with the waters, that there remained not one, to tell them that came after, how it happened. So when this people was passed through the reed sea, they came into the wilderness of the mount Sinai, where never a man might dwell afore, and where the *son of man had never rested. There were the bitter waters made sweet for them, that they might drink, and forty years had they meat from heaven. Wheresoever they went ( without bow and arrow, without buckler or sword ) their God fought for them, and caused them to have the victory. Yee no man was able to hurt this people, except it were so, that they departed unfaithfully from the worshiping of the Lord their God. But as often as they worshiped any other beside their God, he gave them over to be spoiled, to be slain, and to be put to confusion. Nevertheless as often as they were sorry for departing from the worship of their God, the same God of heaven gave them power and strength to withstand their enemies.

Moreover they slew the King of the Cananites, Jebusites, Pheresits, Hethits, Euites and Amorites, and all the mighty in Hesbon, and took their lands and cities in possession: and so long as they sinned not in the sight of their God, it went well with them, for their God hateth unrighteousness. For in times past when they went out of the way, which God had given them, that they should walk in it, they were destroyed in diverse battles of many nations: and many of them were carried away prisoners unto a strange country. But now lately they have turned themselves again unto the Lord their God, and are come together again out of the countries where they were scattered abroad: and thus they have conquered these mountains, and dwell therein: and as for Jerusalem where their Sanctuary is, they have it again in possession.

And therefore my lord, make diligent inquisition, if this people have done wickedness in the sight of their God, then let us go up against them, for doubtless their God shall deliver them into thy hands, and subdue them unto thy power. But if this people have not displeased their God, we shall not be able to withstand them, for their God shall defend them, and so shall we be a shame to all the world.

Now when Achior had spoken out these words, all the Princes of Holofernes were wroth, and thought to slay him, and said one to another: what is he this, which dare say, that the children of Israel are able to withstand Nabuchodonosor the King and his Host ? whereas they are an unweaponed people, without strength or understanding of the feats of war ? That Achior therefore may know that he hath deceived us, we will go up in to the mountains: and when the mighty men of them are taken, he also shall be struck with the sword, that all people may know, that Nabuchodonosor is the God of the earth, and there is none other without him.

The 6th Chapter

So when they had left off speaking, Holofernes took sore indignation and said unto Achior.

For so much as thou hast prophesied unto us, saying: That the people of Israel shall be defended of their God, I will show thee, that there is no God but Nabuchodonosor.

Yee when we slay them all as one man, thou also shalt perish with them through the sword of the Assyrians, and all Israel shall be destroyed with thee, and then shalt thou feel, that Nabuchodonosor is the lord of the whole earth. Then shall the sword of my knighthood go through thy sides, and thou shall fall down stickte (struck) among the wounded of Israel, and shalt not come to thyself again, but be utterly destroyed with them. But if thou thinkest thy prophesy to be true, why doest thou then change thy color ? why art thou afraid ? Thinkest thou that my words are not able to be performed ? But that thou mayest know, that thou shalt feel these things with them, behold, from this hour forth will I send thee unto yonder people, that when the punishment of my sword ( which they have so worthily deserved ) falleth upon them, thou mayest be punished with them.

So Holofernes command his servants to take Achior, and to carry him to Bethulia, and to deliver him into the hands of the children of Israel.

Then Holofernes servants took him and went through the plain field. But when they drew nye unto the mountains, the sling casters came out against them: Nevertheless they got them away by the side of the mountain, and bound Anchior hand and foot to a tree, and so left him bound with *withyes (strong flexible branches :willow),and turned again unto their lord.

Notwithstanding the children of Israel went down to Bethulia, came unto him, loosed him, brought him into Bethulia, set him in the midst of the people, and asked him what the matter was, that the Assyrians had left him bound.

Olias the son of Micha of the tribe of Simeon, a Charin ( which is also called Gothonel ) were the principal rulers at the same time.

Now when Achior stood in the midst of the Senators, and before them all he told them, what answer he gave Holofernes, to the thing that he asked him, and how Holofernes people would have slain him for so saying, and how Holofernes himself was wroth, and commanded him for the same cause to be delivered unto the Israelites: that when he overcame the children of Israel he might command Achior also to be put to death with diverse torments, because he said: The God of heaven is their defender. And when Achior had plainly told out all these things, all the people fell down upon their faces, praising the Lord, and poured out their prayers together unto the Lord, with a general complaint and weeping, and said: O' Lord God of heaven and earth, behold their pride, and look upon our lowliness, and consider how it standeth with thy saints, and make it to be known, that thou forsakest not those, which hold them fast by thee, and how that thou bringest them low, that presume of themselves, and make their boast of their own strength. So when the weeping and the prayer of the people ( which they had made the whole day long ) was ended, they comforted Achior, saying: The God of our fathers, whose power and strength thou hast praised, shall so reward thee, that thou shalt rather see their destruction. When the Lord our God then shall give his servants this liberty, God be also with thee among us: So that if it please thee, thou with thine mayest dwell with us.

Now when Osias had ended the counsel, he took him to his house, and made a great supper, called the elders to it, and so they refreshed themselves after fasting. And afterward was all the people called together, which made their prayers all night long in the congregation, and besought the God of Israel for help.

The 7th Chapter

The next day Holofernes commanded his host, to go up against Bethulia. There were an hundred and twenty thousand fighting men on foot, and two and twenty thousand horsemen, beside the preparing of them that were won: and came to them on every side out of the countries and cities which he had taken. All these prepared themselves unto the battle against the Israelites, and came on by the hillside, unto the top that looketh over Dothaim, from the place which is called Belma, unto Thelmon that layeth toward Esdrelon.

Now when the children of Israel saw so great a multitude of Assyrians, they fell down flat upon the ground, strewed ashes upon their heads, and prayed with one accord, that the God of Israel would show mercy upon his people. And so they took their weapons, and sat betwixt the mountains in the narrow place, and kept the way day and night. But while Holofernes was going about, he found the water spring, which from the South side was conveyed into the city by a conduit: this commanded he to be directed another way, and to cut their conduit in sunder. There were wells also not far from the walls, which they used secretly, more for pleasure than necessity.

Then went the Ammorites and the Moabites unto Holofernes, and said: the children of Israel trust neither in spear nor arrow, but have taken in and keep the mountains and hills. That thou mayest over come them without the striking of any battle, set men to keep the wells, that they draw no water out of them: so shalt thou destroy them without sword, or at the least they shall be so feeble, that they must be faine to give over the city, which they think not able to be won, for so much as it layeth in the mountains. These words pleased Holofernes well and all his men of war, and he set an hundred men at every well round about.

And when this watch had endured twenty days, the Cisterns and all that had water, failed them that dwelt in the city of Bethulia, so that in the whole city they had not drink enough for one day, for the people had water given them daily in measure.

Then came the men and the woman, young persons and children all unto Osias, and said all with one voice:

God be judge betwixt us and thee, for thou hast dealt evil with us: thou wouldest not speak peaceably with the king of the Assyrians, therefore

God hath sold us in their hands, and there is no man to help us where as we are brought down before their eyes in thirst and great destruction. Therefore gather now together all the people that be in the city, that we may all yield ourselves willingly unto Holofernes: for better it is that we be captive and praise the Lord with our lives, than to be slain and perish, and to be laughed to scorn and ashamed of every man when we see our wives and children die before our eyes.

We take heaven and earth this day to record, and the God of our fathers ( which punisheth us according to the deserving of our sins ) and give you warning, that ye give up the city now into power of Holofernes host, that our end may be short with the sword, which else shall endure long for want of water and for thirst.

When they had spoken out these words, there was a great weeping and howling in the whole congregation, and that of every man, and they cried an whole hour long unto God with one voice, saying: we have sinned with our fathers, we have done amiss, we have dealt wickedly. Thou that art gracious, have mercy upon us, punish our unrighteousness with thine own scourge, and give not those over that knowledge thee, unto a people that knoweth thee not, least they say among the Heathen: where is their God?

And when they were so weary with this crying and weeping, that they held their tongues, Osias stood up with watery eyes, and said: O' take good hearts unto you, ( dear brethren ) and be of good cheer, and let us wait these five days for mercy of the Lord: peradventure he shall cut away his indignation, and give glory unto his name. But if he help us not when these five days are passed, we shall do as ye have said.

The 8th Chapter

And it happened when these words came to the ears of Judith a widow, which was the daughter of Merari, the son of Idox, the son of Joseph, the son of Osiah, the son of Elia, the son of Jedeon, the son of Raphoim, the son of Achitob, the son of Melchia, the son of Euam, the son of Nathania, the son of Salathiel, the son of Simeon, the son of Ruben. And her husband was called Manasses, which died in the days of the barley harvest. For while he was binding the sheaves together in the

field, the heat came upon his head, and he died at Bethulia his city, and there was he buried beside his fathers.

Now was Judith his desolate widow three years and six months. And in the higher parts of her house she made herself a privy (private) chamber, where she dwelt, being closed in with her maidens. She wore a smock of hair, and fasted all the days of her life, except the Sabbaths, and new moons and solemn days that the people of Israel kept. She was a very fair and beautiful person. Her husband had also left her great riches, and plenteous household, great unmovable possessions and many cattle. This Judith was a woman of very good report with everyone, for she feared the Lord greatly, and there was no body that spake an evil word of her.

When this Judith heard, how Osias had promised the people, that after the fifth day he would give up the city unto the Assyrians,>

< she sent for the elders Chambri and Charmin, and when they came to her, she said: what thing is this, wherein Osias hath consented, that if God help not within five days, he will give over the city to the Assyrians ?

What are ye, that ye tempt the Lord ? This devise obtaineth no mercy of God, but provoketh him unto wrath and displeasure. Will ye set the mercy of the Lord a time and appoint him a day after your will ?

Nevertheless for so much as the Lord is patient, let us rather amend ourselves, pouring out tears, and beseeching him of grace.

For God threateneth not as a man, neither will he be provoked into wrath as the children of men.

And therefore let us heartily fall down before him, and serve him with a meek spirit, and with weeping eyes say unto the Lord, that he deal with us according to his own will and mercy: that like as our heart is now vexed, and brought low through the pride of them, it may so be comforted through his grace: in so much as we follow not the sins of our forefathers, which forsook their God, and worshiped other Gods: for the which sin they perished with the sword, were spoiled and brought to shame of all their enemies.

As for us, we know none other God but only him, for whose comfort let us tarry with meekness. He shall require and make inquisition for our blood, from the vexations of our enemies: he shall bring down all the Heathen, that rise up against us, and put them to dishonor, even the Lord our God.

Therefore dear brethren, seeing ye are the honorable and elders in the people of God, unto whom all the people have respect, and upon whom the life of the people standeth, lift up their hearts with your exhortation, that they may call to remembrance, how our fathers also in times past were tempted, that they may be proved, if they worshiped their God aright. They ought to remember, how our father Abraham being tempted, and tried through many tribulations, was found a lover and friend of God. So was Isaac, so was Jacob, so was Moses, and all they pleased God, being tried through many troubles, were found steadfast in faith. Again, they that received not their tentations (temptations) with the fear of God, but put themselves forth with unpatiency (impatience) and murmuring against God, perished of the destroyer, and were slain of serpents. And therefore should not we undertake to be avenged, for the thing that is done to us: but consider, that all these punishments are far less than our sins and misdeeds. Believing also, that this correction cometh to unto us ( as to the servants of God ) for amendment, and not for our destruction.

Then said Osias and the elders unto Judith: All that thou speakest, is true, and no man can reprove thy words. Pray thou for us now therefore unto God, for thou art an holy woman, and fearest God. And Judith said unto them: seeing you know, that my words are of God, then prove my counsel and devise, if it be of God: and beseech God, that he will bring my counsel to good end.

Thus have I devised: Ye shall stand this night before the port, and I will go forth with Abra my maiden: Pray ye therefore unto God, that he will graciously remember his people of Israel within five days, as ye have said. As for the thing that I go in hand withal, ask ye no questions of it, till I open it unto you myself: do ye nothing else but pray unto the Lord your God for me. Then Osias the prince of the people of Juda said unto her: Go thy way in peace the Lord be with thee, that we may be avenged of our enemies. And so they went from her again.

The 9th Chapter

Now when they were gone their way, Judith went into her oratory, (place of prayer) put on an hairy smock, strewed ashes upon her head, fell down before the Lord, and cried unto him,

saying O' Lord God of my father Simeon, which gavest him a sword for a defense against the enemies, that used violence and willfulness and that ravished the virgin and put her to dishonesty.

Thou that gavest their wives into prey, and their daughters into captivity, and all their prey for a spoil unto thy servants, which bear a zeal unto thee, help me widow, O' Lord my God, I beseech thee For thou hast done all things from the beginning, and look what thou hast taken in hand and devised, it came ever to pass. For all thy ways are prepared, and thy judgements are done in thy everlasting for knowledge. O' look now upon the armies of the Assyrians, like as it was thy pleasure sometime to look upon the host of the Egyptians, when they being weaponed, persecuted thy servants, and put their trust in their chariots, horsemen, and in the multitude of their men of war. But thou lookest upon their host casting a thick darkness before them: and when they came into the deep, the waters overwhelmed them.

Even so Lord let it go with these, that trust in the power and multitude of their men of war, in their chariots, arrows and spears, and know not, that thou only art our God, which destroyest wars from the beginning, and that thou art the Lord. O' lift up thine arm now like as ever from the beginning, and in thy power bring their power to naught, cause their might to fall in thy wrath.

They make their boast, that they will unhallow and defile thy Sanctuary, and to waste the tabernacle of thy name and to cast down the horn of thine altar with their sword. Bring to pass ( O' Lord) that the pride of the enemy may be cut down with his own sword that he may be taken with the snare of his eyes in me and that thou mayest smite him with the lips of my love. O' give me a steadfast mind, that I may despise him and his strength, and that I may destroy him.

This shall I bring thy name an everlasting remembrance, if the hand of a woman overthrow him. For thy power (O' Lord) standeth not in the power of men, neither hast thou any pleasure in the strength of horses.

There was never proud person that pleaseth thee, but in the prayer of the humble and meek hath thy pleasure been evermore.

O' thou God of the heavens, thou maker of the waters, and Lord of all creatures, hear me poor woman, calling upon thee, and putting my trust in thy mercy. Remember thy covenant O' Lord, and minister words in my mouth, and stablish (establish) this devise in my heart, that thy house may continue still in holiness, and that all the Heathen may know and understand, that thou art God, and that there is none other but thou.

The 10th Chapter

And when she had left off crying unto the Lord, she rose up from the place, where she had layen flat before the Lord, and called her maid, went down into her house, layed the hairy cloth from her, put off the garments of her widowhood, washed her body, annointed herself with precious things of sweet savior, broided (as embroidered) and plated her hair, set an *hoove upon her head, and put on such apparel as belongeth to gladness, slippers upon her feet, armlets, spangles, earings, finger rings, and decked herself with all her best array. *hoove (not found in sources)

The Lord gave her also a special beauty and fairness ( for all this decking of herself was not done for any voluptuousness and pleasure of the flesh, but of right descretion and vertue, therefore did the Lord increase her beauty ) so that she was exceedingly amiable (agreeably pleasant) and well favored in all mens eyes. She gave her maid also a bottle of wine, a pot with oil, pottage, cake bread and cheese, and went her way.

Now when she came to the port of the city, she found Osias and the elders of the city waiting there. Which when they saw her, they were astounded, and marveled at her great beauty, nevertheless, they asked no question at her, but let her go saying:

The God of our fathers give thee his grace, and with his power perform all the devise of thy heart: that Jerusalem may rejoice over thee, and that thy name may be in the number of the holy and righteous.

And all they that were there, said with one voice: so be it, so be it. Judith made her prayer unto the Lord, and went out the port, she and her maid.

And as she was going down the mountain, it happened that about the spring of the day,

the spies of the Assyrians met with her, and took her, saying: whence commest thou? Or whither goest thou? She answered: I am a daughter of the Hebrews, and am fled from them, for I know, that they shall be given unto you to be spoiled: because they thought scorn to yield themselves unto you, that they might find mercy in your sight. Therefore have I devised by myself after this manner: I will go before the prince Holofernes, and tell him all their secrets, and will show him, how he may come by them, and win them, so that not one man of his host shall perish.

And when these men had heard her words, and considered her fair face, they were astonished ( for they wondered at her excellent beauty ) and said unto her: Thou hast saved thy life by finding out this devise, that thou wouldest come down to our lord:

and be thou sure, that when thou comest unto him, he shall entreat thee well, and thou shall please him at the heart. So they brought her in to Holofernes pavilion, and told him of her. Now when she came in before him, immediately he was overcome and taken with her beauty. Then said his servants: who would despise the people of the Jews, that have so fair women? Should we not by reason fight against them for these?

So when Judith saw Holofernes sitting in a canopy, that was wrought of purple, silk, gold Emeralds she looked fast upon him, and fell down upon the earth. And Holofernes servants took her up again, at their lords commandment.

The 11th Chapter

Then said Holofernes unto her: be of good cheer, and fear not in thine heart, for I never hurt man, that would serve Nabuchodonosor the king. As for thy people, if they had not despised me. I should not have lift up a spear against them. But tell me now, what is the cause what is the cause that thou art departed from them, and wherefore art thou come unto us.

And Judith said unto him: Sir understand the words of thy handmaiden: for if thou wilt do after the words of thy handmaiden, the Lord shall bring thy matter to a prosperous effect. As truly as Nabuchodonosor a lord of the land liveth, and as truly as his power liveth, which is in the punishment of all men that go wrong, all men shall not only be subdued unto him through thee, but all the beasts of the field. For all people speak of thy prudent activity, and it hath ever been reported, how thou only art good and mighty in all his kingdom, and thy discretion is command in all lands.

The thing is manifest also, that Achior spake and it is well known, what thou commandest to do to him. For this is plain and of a surety, that our God is so wroth with us ( by reason of our sins ) that he hath showed by his Prophets unto the people, how that for their sins he will deliver them over unto the enemy. And for so much as the children of Israel know that they have so displeased their God, they are sore afraid of thee.

They suffer great hunger also, and for want of water, they are dead now in a manner. Moreover they are appointed to slay all their cattle, that they may drink the blood of them:

and are purposed to spend all the holy ornaments of their God ( which he hath forbidden them to touch ) for corn, wine and oil. Seeing now that they do these things, it is a plain cause, that they must needs be destroyed.

Which when I thy handmaiden perceived, I fled from them and the Lord hath sent me unto thee, to show thee these things. For I thy handmaiden worship God even here beside thee, and thy handmaiden shall go forth, and will make my prayer unto God, and he shall tell me, when he will reward them their sin: then shall I come and show thee and bring thee through the midst of Jerusalem, so that thou shalt have all the people of Israel, as the sheep without a shepherd: there shall not so much as one dog bark against thee, for these things are showed me by the providence of God: and for so much as God is displeased with them, he hath sent me to tell thee the same.

These words pleased Holofernes and all his servants, which marveled at the wisdom of her, and said one to another: there is not such a woman upon the earth, in beauty, and discretion of words. And Holofernes said unto her: God hath done well, that he hath sent thee hither before thy people, that thou mayest give them into our hands. And for so much as thy promise is good, if thy God perform it unto me, he shall be my God also, and thou shalt be excellent and great in the court of Nabuchodonosor, and thy name shall be spoken of in all the land.

The 12th Chapter

Then commanded he her to go in, where his treasure lay, and charged that she should have her dwelling there, and appointed what should be given her from his table. Judith answered him and said: As for the meat that thou hast commanded to give me, I may not eat of it as now ( least I displease my God ) but will eat of such as I have brought with me. Then said Holofernes unto her: If these things that thou hast brought with thee fail, what shall we do unto thee? And Judith said: As truly as thou livest my lord, thy hand maiden shall not spend all this, till God have brought to pass in my hand, the things that I have devised.

So his servants brought her in to the tent, whereas he had appointed. And as she was going in, she desired that she might have leave to go forth by night and before the day, to her prayer and to make intercession unto the Lord.

Then commanded Holofernes his Chamberlains, that she should go out and in at her pleasure, to pray unto God those three days.

And so in the night season she went forth into the valley of Bethulia, and washed herself in the well water. Then went she up, and besought the Lord God of Israel that he would prosper her way, for the deliverance of his people. And so she went in, and remained clean in her tent, till she took her meat in the evening.

Upon the fourth day it happened, that Holofernes made a costly supper unto his servants, and said unto Uagao his Chamberlain: Go thy way, and counsel this Hebrewess, that she may be willing to consent to keep company with me. For it were a shame unto all Assyrians, that a woman should so laugh a man to scorn, that she were come from him unmeddled withal.

Then went Uagao unto Judith, and said: Let the good daughter be afraid, to come in to my Lord, that she may be honored before him, that she may eat and drink wine, and be merry with him. Unto whom Judith answered: Who am I, that I should say my Lord nay? Whatsoever is good before his eyes, I shall do it: and look what is his pleasure, that shall I think well done, as long as I live.

So she stood up and decked herself with her apparel, and went in, and stood before him.

And Holofernes heart was whole moved, so that he burnt with desire toward her. And Holofernes said unto her: drink now and sit down, and be merry, for thou hast found favor before me. Then said Judith: Sir I will drink, for my mind is merrier today, then ever it was in all my life.

And she took and ate and drank before him, the things that her maiden had prepared for her. And Holofernes was merry with her, and drink more wine, than ever he did afore in his life.

The 13th Chapter

Now when it was late in the night his servants made haste every man to his lodging. And Uagao shut the chamber doors, and went his way, for they were all over laden with wine. So was Judith alone in the chamber. As for Holofernes he lay upon the bed all drunken, and of very drunkenness fell asleep.

Then commanded Judith her maiden, to stand without before the door, and to wait. And Judith stood before the bed, making her prayer with tears, and moved her lips secretly, and said: Strengthen me O' Lord God of Israel, and have respect unto the works of my hands in this hour, that thou mayest set up thy city of Jerusalem, like as thou hast promised: O' grant that by thee I may perform the thing, which I have devised through the believe that I have in thee.

And when she had spoken this, she went to the bedstead, and loosen the sword that hanged upon it, and drew it out. Then she took hold of the hairy locks of his head, and said: Strengthen me O' Lord God in this hour: and with that she gave him two strokes upon the neck, and smote off his head. Then took she the canopy away, and rolled the dead body aside. Immediately she gat her forth, and delivered the head of Holofernes unto her maiden, and bade her to put it in her wallet.

And so these two went forth together after their custom, as thought they would pray, and so passed by the Host, and came through the valley unto the port of the city. And Judith cried afar off unto the watchmen upon the walls: Open the gates ( said she ) for God is with us, which hath showed his power in Israel. And when they heard her voice, they called the elders of the city together. And they came all to meet her, little and great, young and old, for they thought not that she should have come so soon. So they lighted candles, and gathered around her every each one: but she went up into an high place, and caused silence to be proclaimed.

When every man now held his tongue, Judith said: O' praise the Lord our God, for he hath not despised, nor forsaken them, that put their trust in him: and in me his handmaiden he hath performed his mercy, which he promised unto the house of Israel: yee in my hand this same night hath he slayen the enemy of his people.

And with that she took forth the head of Holofernes out of the wallet, and showed it them, saying: Behold the head of Holofernes the Captain of the Assyrians, and this is the canopy, where he layed in his drunkenness : where the Lord our God hath slayen him by the hand of a woman.

But truly as the Lord liveth, his Angel hath kept me, going hither remaining there, and coming hither again from thence. And the Lord hath not suffered me his handmaiden to be defiled, but without any filthiness of sin hath he brought me again unto you: and that with great victory, so that I am escaped, and ye delivered. O' give thanks unto him every each one, for he is gracious, and his mercy endureth forever.

So they praised the Lord altogether, and gave thanks unto him. And to her they said: The Lord hath blessed thee in his power, for through thee he hath brought our enemies to naught. And Osias the chief ruler of the people of Israel, said unto her: Blessed art thou of the Lord the high God, above all women on earth.

Blessed be the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth, which hath guided thee aright to wound and to smite off the head of the Captain of our enemies. For this day he hath made thy name so honorable, that thy praise shall never come out of the mouth of men, which shall alway remember the power of the Lord: seeing that thou hast not spared thy own self, but put thee in jeopardy, considering the anguish and trouble of thy people, and so hast helped their fall before God our Lord. And all the people said: Amen, Amen.

Achior also was called, and he came. Then said Judith unto him: The God of Israel unto whom thou gavest witness, that he would be avenged of his enemies, even he hath this night through my hand smitten off the head of all the unfaithful. And that thou mayest see that it so is, behold this is the head of Holofernes, which in his presumptuous pride despised the God of the people of Israel, and threatened thee with destruction, saying: when the people of Israel is taken, I shall also cause thee to be sticked with the sword. When Achior saw Holofernes head he fell down upon his face to the ground for very anguish and fear, so that he swooned withal. But after that he was come again to himself, he fell down before her, and praised her, saying: Blessed art thou of thy God in all the tabernacles of Jacob: for all the people that hear of thy name, shall praise the God of Israel because of thee.

The 14th Chapter

Judith said unto all the people: Brethren hear me. Stick up this head upon our walls, and when the *Sun arizeth, take every man his weapon, and fall out violently: not as though ye would go beside them, but to run upon them, with violence. When the spies in the tents see this, they shall of necessity be compelled to flee backward, and to raise up their captain to the battle.

So when their captains come into Holofernes pavilion, and find the dead body wrapped in blood, fearfulness shall fall upon them: and when ye perceive that they flee, follow them without all care, for God shall deliver them unto you, to be destroyed.

* Sun exactly as from the text : cap S.

Then Achior seeing the power of God which he had showed unto the people of Israel, fell off from his Heathen belief, and put his trust in God, and let himself be circumcised: and so was he numbered among the people of Israel, he and all his posterity unto this day.

Now as soon as it was day, they sticked up Holofernes head upon the walls, and everyman took his weapon, and so they went out with an horrible cry. When the spies saw that, they ran unto Holofernes tent, came before his chamber, and made a great rushing to wake him up, because they thought with noise to raise him. For there durst not one of the Assyrians knock, go in or open.

But when the captains and the princes and all the chief in the king of the Assyrians host came together, they said unto the chamberlains: Go your way in, and wake him up, for the mice are crept out of there holes, and dare provoke us unto battle.

Then went Uagao in to his chamber, stood before the bed, and clapped with his hands, for he thought that he had been sleeping with Judith.

But when he had harkened perfectly with his ears, and could perceive no stirring, he went nearer to the bed, and lift it up, and then saw the dead body of Holofernes lying there without a head, weltered in his blood upon the earth.

Then cried he with loud voice, and with weeping rent his clothes, and went into Judiths tent, and found her not: and so he leapt out unto the people and said: one woman of the Jews, hath brought all Nabuchodonosors people to shame. For lo, Holofernes lieth upon the ground and hath no head.

When the chief of the Assyrians host heard that, they rent their clothes, and there fell an intolerable fear and trembling upon them, so that their minds were sore afraid. And there was an exceedingly great cry in the whole host.

The 15th Chapter

Now when all the host heard that Holofernes was headed, their mind and counsel fell from them: and such a fear came upon them, that they undertook to defend themselves by fleeing away: one spoke not to another, but hanged down their heads, left all behind them, and made haste to escape from the Hebrews: for they heard, that they were hastening to come after them with their weapons, and so they fled by the ways of the fields, and through all the foot paths of the dales.

And when the children of Israel saw that they fled, they followed upon them, and went down with trumpets, blowing and making a great cry after them. As for the Assyrians, they had no order, and kept not themselves together, but fled their way.

Nevertheless the children of Israel fell upon them with one company and order, and discomfited as many as they might get. And Osias sent messengers unto all the cities and countries of Israel.

So all the regions and every city sent out their best men after them in harness, and smote them with the sword, till they came to the uttermost part of their borders.

And the other that were in Bethulia came into the tents of the Assyrians, and took all that they which were fled had left behind them, and so they found great good. And they that came again to Bethulia from the battle, took with them such things as had been theirs: there was no number of cattle, and of all costly Jewels, so that from the lowest to the highest, they were all made rich of the spoils of them. And Joachim the High priest at Jerusalem, came to Bethulia with all the elders, that they might see Judith.

Now when she came out unto them, they began to praise her all with one voice, saying: thou worship of the city of Jerusalem, thou joy of Israel, thou honor of our people, thou hast done manly, and thy heart is comforted, because thou hast loved cleanness an chastity, and hast no man but thine own husband: therefore hath the hand of the Lord comforted thee, and blessed shalt thou be for ever. And all the people said: so be it, so be it.

In thirty days could the people of Israel scarce gather up the spoils of the Assyrians. But all that belonged unto Holofernes, and been his specially, ( whether it were of gold, of silver, precious stones, clothing and all ornaments ) they gave it unto Judith. And all the people rejoiced, both women, maidens, and young people, with pipes and harps.

The 16th Chapter

Then sung Judith this song unto the Lord: Began unto the Lord upon tabernettes, sing unto the Lord upon the cymbals. O' sing unto him a new song of thanksgiving, be joyful and call upon his name.

It is the Lord that destroyeth wars, even the Lord is his name. Which hath pitched his tents in the midst of his people, that he might deliver us from the hand of all our enemies. Assur came out of the mountains in the multitude of his strength. His people stopped the water brooks, and their horses covered the valleys. He purposed to have burnt up my land, and to slay my young men with the sword.

He would have carried away my children and virgins into captivity, but the Allmighty Lord hurt him, and delivered him into the hands of a woman, which brought him to confusion. For their mighty was not destroyed of young men. It was not the sons of Titan that slew him, neither have the great giants set themselves against him: but Judith the daughter of Merari with her fair beauty hath discomfited him, and brought him to naught. For she layed away her widows garment, and put on the apparel of gladness in the rejoicing of the children of Israel. She anointed her face, and bound up her hair in a *hoove (not found in sources) to beguile him. Her slippers ravished his eyes, her beauty captivated his mind, with the sword she smote off his neck. The Persians were astonished at her steadfastness, and the Medes at her boldness.

Then howled the armies of the Assyrians, when my simple appeared dry of thirst.

The sons of the daughters have pared them through, and slain them as fugitive children: they perished in the battle, for the very fear of the Lord my God. Let us sing a song of thanks giving unto the Lord, a new song of praise will we sing unto our God. Lord, Lord, thou art a great God, mighty in power, whom no man may overcome.

All thy creatures should serve thee: for thou spakest but the word, and they were made: thou sentest thy spirit, and they were created, and no man can withstand thy voice. The mountains shall move from the foundations with the waters, the stoney rocks shall melt before thee like wax. But they that fear thee: shall be great with thee in all things.

Woe unto the people that rise up against my generation, for the Almighty Lord will avenge himself of them, and in the day of judgement will he visit them. For he shall give fire and worms in to their flesh, that they may burn an feel it forevermore.

After this it happened, that after the victory all the people came to Jerusalem, to give praise and thanks unto the Lord. And when they were purified, they offered all their burnt sacrifices and their promised offerings. And Judith offered all of Holofernes weapons, and all the Jewels, that the people had given her, and the canopy that she took from his bed, and hanged them up unto the Lord. The people was joyful, as the use is: and this joy by reason of the victory, with Judith endured three months.

So after these days every man went home again, and Judith was in great reputation at Bethulia, and right honorably taken in all the land of Israel.

Unto her virtue was chastity joined, so that after her husband Manasses died, she never knew a man all the days of her life. Upon the high solemn days she went out with great worship. She dwelt in her husbands house an hundred and five years, and left her handmaiden free, and died, and was buried beside her husband in Bethulia.

And all the people mourned for her seven days. So long as she lived, there was none that troubled Israel, and many years also after her death.

The day wherin this victory was gotten, was solemnly holden, and reckoned of the Jews in the number of the holy days, and it is yet greatly holden of the Jews ever since unto this day.

The end of the book of Judith