(They open the door. John, a young officer, pushes the man into
the room.) He dropped down from the window, straight into
my hands. We'd better teach him that some names are too
good for his mouth. Who are you?

JOSEPH: He is filthy and smells. I should say he's a prophet.

IST SERVANT: The town is full of them. A sick nation gets
prophets like a dying dog gets fleas.

JOHN: Well, speak, will you? Tell us your name.

The Prophet raises himself as though to speak, and calls,
Judith!"

JOSEPH: They're all alike. When I came in tonight I had to pick
my way over the beggars lying in the porch. They called out
for Judith in their sleep. The scum of the city dream of
her. . . . Gag him.

JOHN: Let's hear what he has to say. It might be useful.

PROPHET: The fairest and purest of our daughters . . .

JOSEPH: There it is; the same prophetic nonsense. The fairest
and purest of our daughters has to present herself to Holo-
fernes.

JOHN: Meaning Judith!

PROPHET: Judith! Save us!

JOSEPH: Gag him, and take him down to the cellars. (The
servants carry the Prophet away. Only the First Servant
stays.) Well, what do you want?

SERVANT: Let Judith do it, sir; let her save us.

Joseph threatens him and he runs off.

JOHN: I hope she's not here.

JOSEPH: She is still at the hospital, looking after the wounded.
I am waiting for her.

JOHN: Have you warned her?

JOSEPH: Of what? What's on your mind?

JOHN: They're determined to make a sacrifice of her. The
Council has decided. They intend to send Judith to Holo-
fernes this evening. I am only a few minutes ahead of the
High Priest. He is coming here himself to persuade her.

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