That Father in heaven to her
The Glorious-in-mind did grant, for that firm faith she had
In the Almighty ever. Then heard I that Holofernes
Wine-summons eagerly wrought, and with all wonders a glorious
Banquet had he prepared; to that bade the prince of men
All his noblest thanes. That with mickle haste 10
Did the warriors-with-shields perform; came to the mighty chief
The people's leaders going. On the fourth day was that
After that Judith, cunning in mind,
The elf-sheen virgin, him first had sought.
[1] Gn.'s emendation to fill _lacuna_ of MS.
X.
They then at the feast proceeded to sit, 15
The proud to the wine-drinking, all his comrades-in-ill,
Bold mailed-warriors. There were lofty beakers
Oft borne along the benches, also were cups and flagons
Full to the hall-sitters borne. The fated partook of them,
Brave warriors-with-shields, though the mighty weened not of it, 20
Awful lord of earls. Then was Holofernes,
Gold-friend of men, full of wine-joy:
He laughed and clamored, shouted and dinned,
That children of men from afar might hear
How the strong-minded both stormed and yelled, 25
Moody and mead-drunken, often admonished
The sitters-on-benches to bear themselves[1] well.
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