And it came to pass, when she had ceased her crying unto the Lord, that she rose from the place where she had lain prostrate before the Lord, and said unto them: "Who would despise the people of the Hebrews, whose women are such comely virgins, fit to be fought for on their behalf?"

And she called her handmaid, and went down to her house, and put off her sackcloth, and stripped off her garments of widowhood.

And she washed herself, and anointed herself with precious ointment, and braided her hair, and put a tiara upon her head, and put on her garments of gladness, and put on her sandals, and her bracelets, and her anklets, and her earrings, and her rings, and adorned herself with all her adornments.

And the Lord increased her beauty yet more, because her adorning was not for lust, but for virtue; therefore the Lord increased her beauty, so that she appeared in the eyes of all with incomparable splendor.

And her handmaid carried a bottle of wine, and a cruse of oil, and flour, and dried figs, and bread, and cheese, and departed.

And when they came to the gate of the city, they found the elders of Uzziah waiting for the city.

And when they saw her, they were astonished and greatly marvelled at her beauty.

Nevertheless, they asked her nothing, but let her pass, saying, "The God of our fathers grant thee grace, and strengthen all the counsel of thy heart by His power, that Jerusalem may glory in thee, and thy name be reckoned among the saints and the righteous."

Then all who were there said with one voice, "Amen, Amen."

So Judith went forth from the gate, she and her maid, praying unto the Lord.

And it came to pass, when she came down from the mountain at the dawning of the day, that the outposts of the Assyrians met her; and they seized her, saying, "Whence comest thou? And whither goest thou?"

And she answered, "I am a daughter of the Hebrews, and I have fled from among them, because I am convinced that they shall be a prey unto you; for they have made light of you, and have refused to surrender willingly unto you, so that you may prevail against them by mercy."

For this cause I thought in myself, and said, 'I will go unto the presence of Prince Holofernes, to tell him their secrets, and to show him by what entrance he may prevail against them, and slay not a man of his army.'

And when those men heard her words, and they looked upon her face, their eyes were astonished at the great marvel they had of her.

And they said unto her, "Thou hast saved thyself by taking this counsel, to come down to our lord; know therefore, that if thou standest in his presence, he will deal well with thee, and thou shalt find great favour in his heart." Then they took her to the tent of Holofernes and told him about her.

And when she entered into his presence, Holofernes was forthwith captivated by her eyes.

And Judith beheld Holofernes sitting in a tent woven of purple, and gold, and emerald, and jewels.

And she looked upon his face, and fell down before him prostrate upon the ground; and Holofernes' servants raised her up at their master's command.