1. Then Holofernes said to her: "Be steadfast in soul, and do not be terrified in your heart. For I have never harmed a man who was willing to serve king Nebuchadnezzar.
2. But if your people had not despised me, I would not have lifted up my lance over them.
3. But now, tell me, for what reason have you withdrawn from them, and why has it pleased you to come to us?"
4. And Judith said to him: "Receive the words of your maidservant. For, if you will follow the words of your maidservant, the Lord will accomplish an excellent thing by you.