13. I have come to see Holofernes, the ranking general of your forces, to give him a trustworthy report; in his presence I will show him the way by which he can ascend and take possession of the whole hill country without a single one of his men suffering injury or loss of life.”
14. When the men heard her words and gazed upon her face, which appeared marvelously beautiful to them, they said to her,
15. “By hastening down to see our master, you have saved your life. Now go to his tent; some of us will accompany you to hand you over to him.
16. When you stand before him, have no fear in your heart; give him the report you have given us, and he will treat you well.”
17. So they selected a hundred of their men as an escort for her and her maid, and these conducted them to the tent of Holofernes.
18. As the news of her arrival spread among the tents, a crowd gathered in the camp. They came and stood around her as she waited outside the tent of Holofernes, while he was being informed about her.
19. They marveled at her beauty, regarding the Israelites with wonder because of her, and they said to one another, “Who can despise this people who have such women among them? It is not good to leave one of their men alive, for if any were to be spared they could beguile the whole earth.”
20. Then the guards of Holofernes and all his attendants came out and ushered her into the tent.
21. Holofernes was reclining on his bed under a canopy woven of purple, gold, emeralds, and other precious stones.
22. When they announced her to him, he came out to the front part of the tent, preceded by silver lamps.
23. When Judith came before Holofernes and his attendants, they all marveled at the beauty of her face. She fell prostrate and paid homage to him, but his servants raised her up.