Saw that the Hebrews strongly showed to them

The swing of swords. They went to make that known

In words to the chief thanes. They roused the highest

And fearfully told him, mead-weary man, The dreadful tale, the morning's quick alarm,

230

The cruel edge-play. Suddenly, I heard, The hero doomed to slaughter leapt from sleep,

And hosts of men sought the pavilion
Of baleful Holofernes, thronged in crowds;
They only thought to offer him their help, 235
Their lord, before the terror came on him,
The power of the Hebrews. All supposed
The lord of men and the bright maid to-
gether

Were in the shining tent, the noble Judith
And he, the lustful, loathsome, terrible. 240
None was there of the earls who dared to
wake

Or learn how it had been to the great chief With the holy woman the handmaid of God. Nearer the people of the Hebrews drew, Fought stiffly with war weapons, hilts, bright swords,

Requited old assaults, all grievances.

245

In that day's work Assyria was subdued, Its pride was bowed. Men stood about the tent

Of the chief, much stirred, and gloom was in their minds.