10 It came to pass on the fourth day, that Holofernes made a feast for his own servants only, and called none of the officers to the banquet. 11 And he said to Bagoas the eunuch, who had charge over all that he had, “Go now, and persuade this Ivri (Hebrew) woman who is with you that she come to us, and eat and drink with us. 12 Because listen, it would be a disgrace if we shall let such a woman go, not having had her company; for if we don’t draw her to ourselves, she will laugh us to scorn.”

13 Bagoas went from the presence of Holofernes, and came in to her, and said, “Let this fair lady not fear to come to my lord, and to be honoured in his presence, and to drink wine and be merry with us, and to be made this day as one of the daughters of the children of Ashur (Assyria) who serve in Nevukadnetsar’s (Nebuchadnezzar) palace.”

14 Yehudit (Judith) said to him, “Who am I, that I should contradict my lord? Because whatever would be pleasing in his eyes, I will do speedily, and this will be my joy to the day of my death.” 15 She arose, and decked herself with her apparel and all her woman’s attire; and her servant went and laid fleeces on the ground for her next to Holofernes, which she had received from Bagoas for her daily use, that she might sit and eat upon them.

16 Yehudit came in and sat down, and Holofernes’ heart was ravished with her. His passion was aroused, and he exceedingly desired her company. He was watching for a time to deceive her from the day that he had seen her. 17 Holofernes said to her, “Drink now, and be merry with us.”

18 Yehudit said, “I will drink now, my lord, because my life is magnified in me this day more than all the days since I was born.” 19 Then she took and ate and drank before him what her servant had prepared. 20 Holofernes took great delight in her, and drank exceedingly much wine, more than he had drunk at any time in one day since he was born.