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.