it to withstand a siege which was designed against it by Nebuchodonosor, king of the Assyrians, from whom he had rebelled and who was advancing with great force against them.

Vain were the precautions of Arphaxad. "Howl, oh gate; cry, oh city!" Thy beauty and thy strength could not save thee! One after another fell her seven walls, and her towers, and Ecbatana was laid low in the dust. Arphaxad fled to the mountains, but was pursued by the Assyrian-his darts pierced through the unfortunate king, and he died with his last look fixed in anguish upon his ruined Ecbatana, which lay smoking before him; while his horsemen, his chariots, and his wealth fell into the hands of Nebuchod

onosor.

The victor returned in triumph to Nineveh, where he feasted his army twenty days. The feasting over, he prepared his war-chariots once more, breathing slaughter against those nations who had refused to assist him in his siege of Ecbatana. He had sent to the people of Damascus, and Judea, and Arabia, and

ing gifts to the Lord that he might show himself as the "shield of triumph."

Still no earthly means were neglected to repel the invading army. They were expected to come through the hills of Galilee, and upon the strongholds, situ

voice, and the remainder were. now destined to feel the vengeance of his fiery spirit.

He called together his chief officers, and in their presence swore to be revenged upon the rebellious cities, and to slay with the sword all their inhabitants. His purpose was warmly applauded by his soldiers and nobles, who were eager for the excitement and license of war.

The most trusty and valiant of all the generals of Nebuchodonosor, was Holofornes, a fitting agent for a revengeful king; for to valour he added a most cruel and unsparing disposition.

To him the Assyrian king gave the command of his armies. Holofornes, with a vast army of chariots and horsemen and camels and asses, followed by the tribes around, who swarmed like vultures to the prey, set out to execute his master's commands. He ravaged and destroyed all before him. Mesopotamia was laid waste, and the plains of Damas

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were overrun; the wheat harvests were trampled down; flocks and herds destroyed; cities spoiled, and people slain. Many of the nations around were

All the passes were fortified and victualled for a year, while Bethulia and Betomestham prepared to stand in the invader's path, and check his course, and even sacrifice themselves rather than permit the lawless idolater to place his foot in their holy temple, so lately purified upon their return from captivity.

Holofornes first found himself checked in his glorious career in the mountain passes of Galilee.

A noble widow dwelt in Bethulia: her husband, Manasses, was a man of wealth and rank, but while overseeing his men in the barley-harvest, was struck by the sun and died. Judith, his widow, never ceased to mourn for her husband, to whom she was tenderly attached; and still wore widow's apparel, and fasted and dressed in sackcloth except on the feasts of new moon, and other festivals of Israel. By the strength and elevation of her character, she comforted her town's people, and infused into their hearts some of her own courageous spirit. The women of Bethu lia, especially, relied upon her for counsel and support; for they felt as women must always feel, when a great and successful

army approaches a city, Powerless themselves, they could but look upon the contest in which were perishing their hus bands and children. The excitement of the combat might conceal its horrors from those engaged in it, but the observer from afar sees all its peril, and all its distress. The warrior knows, if he fall in battle, his name will live in the records of his country, but there are few feminine hearts which can thus be consoled for the loss of their dearest and best. Honour fails to heal the wounds of a lacerated bosom.

ン d of

There seemed no help for the citizens of Bethulia. Sadly did they gaze upon their cisterns and founts in the city, as day by day the waters diminished, and provisions failed, and they knew they

die a death, or be given the enemy who were raging, for them below. At last the water failed, and the citizens fell fainting in the streets, and many died each day. Then the people, rendered weak by suffering, called upon their rulers to surrender to the Assyrians, this being now the only hope for their lives. They assembled in a tumultuous manner before the house of Ozias, the governor of Bethulia, crying, "God be judge between us and you. You do us a great jnjury that you do not require peace of the children of Assur. We have no helper. God hath sold us into the hands of Holoformes. Send for him, then, and give him the city as a spoil, and we will obe his slaves, for this is better than to die of thirst, and see our wives and children die !":

Weeping and groaning was heard on all sides, and they "cried to God with a loud voice," saying, "We take to witness Lagainst you, heaven and earth, and God, the Lord of our fathers, if ye do not surrender quickly.".

Brethren, be of good courage," said Ozias. God will not forsake us utterly. Letius endure five days, and in that time God may look in mercy towards us. If at the end of these days there come no help for Jus, I will do as may seem good to you."

The citizens were pacified with this promise, and departed each to his own dreary dwelling, there to struggle for life five days ere they be given up to slavery, or perhaps death. In silence they awaited

their doom-hope for assistance from on high nearly deserted them, and sighs alone disturbed the mournful silence of the so lately animated city. After the dispersion of the people, Ozias received a request from the noble widow, Judith, praying his presence at her house, accompanied by Charmis and Chabris when she would show him a way to save the city. They immediately repaired thither.

Hear me now, ye governors of Bethu

lia "*" said Judith, when they were seated. The words which ye have spoken to the people this day, are not right, saying ye will deliver the city to the enemy, unless God help us within five days. Who are ye, that thus promise the help of God, and tempt Him thus? Ye know ye cannot find the depth of the heart of man; then, know the mind of God, who hath made all things

-or

God

or

comprehend His purposes? eatened from His purpose, and if not a man that He may be forced

God may after that. Let us call upon Himii to do not save us within five days,He help us, and He will if it please Him, for we worship no no other God but Him, and He will not despise us, nor let Judea be wasted. Hear me, and I will do a thing which few women would do, but which is now the only way to save the nation. Accompany me this night to the city gate, and let me and my waiting-woman pass forth; and within the days which ye have promised to deliver the city to the Assyrians, the Lord will save Israel by my hand! Inquire not ye of mine act, for l will not declare it unto you till the things I propose shall be finished."

"Go in peace," said the governors, "and the Lord God before thee to take vengeance on our enemies!"

She then arose, and having anointed herself, she plaited her hair, adorned it with jewels, and arrayed herself in one of her rich dresses which she had not worn since the death of her husband, Manasses;

her feet were decorated with sandals of scarlet and gold, while bracelets, chains and rings, ornamented the rest of her person. She was a woman renowned for beauty, and now that her majestic person was attired in costly and graceful raiment, she well might hope to attract the notice of the Assyrian general. doidw quids

The man gazed upon her in astonishment, So beautiful and magnificently dressed, and alone. "Thou doest well to save thy life by fleeing to Holofornes," he said. Follow me, and I will conduct thee to his tent, and when thou standest before him, be not afraid, but say all thou wilt and he will entreat thee well."

It was now quite dark, and Holofornes scame from the tent, his servants bearing silver lamps before him. The general lifted her from the chariot, and led her into the tent. In the centre stood a couch, above which was a rich canopy of cloth, woven with purple and gold, and emeralds and precious stones. Holofornes seated himself, and motioned Judith to take a place beside him, but she threw herself upon the ground before him, imploring his mercy and protection, The Assyrian commanded his servants to raise her, saying, "Woman, be of good comfort fear not in thy heart, for I never hurt anything which is willing to serve King

Nebuchodonosor, the king of all the earth. If thy people that dwelleth in the mountains, had not set light by me, I would not have lifted up my spear against them. But now, tell me, why thou art fled from them and come to us; here thou art safe, for none shall do thee hurt, but entreat thee well, as they do the servants of our king, Nebuchodonosor."

"Remember the words of thy servant," said Judith, "and suffer thy handmaid to speak in thy presence. If thou wilt follow the words of thine handmaid, God, through thee, will bring wonderful things to pass. We have heard of the wisdom and policy of Holofornes; and it is everywhere reported that thou art the most powerful and excellent man in all Assyria, and mighty in knowledge, and wonderful in feats of war. Thy servant is religious, my Lord, and serveth God night and day, and He will reveal to me the moment when the people eat forbidden things, and consume the first-fruits of the corn, and tenths of wine and oil, which have been sanctified and reserved for the priests who serve the Lord in Jerusalem-things not lawful for our people to touch with their hands. Now, then, my lord, be guided by me. Permit thy handmaid to go out in the plain each night to pray, and God will tell me when they have done this sin, and I will tell thee; then shalt thou go forth with thine army, and thou shalt have an easy victory."

Holofornes was astonished at all he beard. He thanked Judith for her offered services, and declared himself ready to act as she might dictate; while the officers and nobles who stood around, declared, "There was not such a woinan on the whole face of the earth for beauty or wisdom."

At the evening feast, Holofornes called Judith to a seat near him.

At her request, he gave orders to the guard to permit Judith to go out and in, to her prayers without the camp, that she might unmolested watch for the propitious moment to attack Bethulia. Judith then retired to a tent prepared for her, where she reposed until midnight; when she arose, and followed by her maid, went out in the valley to pray. How mixed were the emotions which passed through the bosom of the devoted Judith as she watched out the

hours of night in that lonely plain. Her maid, stationed at some distance, was asleep, the watch-fires were out, the camp was silent, and of all nature, she alone seemed alive. As she revolved the great project for which she had come, the woman conquered, and her gentle nature revolted. "Shall I be a shedder of blood ?" she said. "Can it be right to murder him? I cannot do it; my whole soul shudders at the thought! I, who refused to crush the insect which offended me, shall I destroy man-shall I lay him low who now treadeth the earth so gloriously? O that there were some other way! How shall these small, these tender hands, smite the lordly Assyrian? Perchance he hath a wife who watcheth for him at home, and loves him as I loved my lost Manas ses. Shall I make her the lonely widow that I am? O, Father above, save me from crime!"

On the fourth day, Holofornes made a great feast. Calling Bagoas, his confidential servant to him, he said, "Go, now, and persuade this Hebrew woman whom I have placed in thy charge, to come unto my feast and drink with me. It is a shame to have this splendid woman here and not share more of her company; truly, she will laugh us to scorn."

Bagoas sought Judith. "Fair damsel," he said, "art thou afraid of my Lord that thou comest not into his presence? Come and drink wine, and be merry with us, and be made this day as one of the daughters of Assyria, which serve in the house of Nebuchodonosor."

Radiant in beauty, and in rich attire, Judith entered the banquet tent, and seated herself on a couch spread with soft furs which her maid had prepared for her, opposite to Holofornes. The Assyrian gazed in rapture, and resolved to leave nothing undone to gain this beauteous Hebrew to himself.

"Drink and be merry with us, Judith," he said. "Be not afraid of me, for my heart is filled with love for thee. Thou art the fairest of women, O Judith."

"I will drink, now, my Lord," said Judith, "because my life is magnified in me this day more than all the days since I was born."

Judith ate and drank what her maid had prepared, and so excited the Assyrian by

her beauty and wit, that he drank more than he had ever been accustomed, and: Judith foresaw he would be in a state fitting for her purpose. When the feast was over, and the guests departed, Bagoas dismissed the servants, while he closed the tent, and left Judith alone with Holofornes.

The Assyrian, insensible to the presence of his charming guest, had thrown himself on his couch, where he now lay in a drunken slumber. The propitious moment had arrived for the execution of the great purpose for which Judith had come. She listened-all was silent, and she approached the couch. The terrible enemy her country's destroyer, was before her; one blow of her hand, and Israel would be free!

"Shall I slay thee sleeping?" murmured Judith, "thou who wast so kind to me whose words of love but now have met mine ear? Yea, bloodhound! thou that wouldst slaughter my brethren - that: wouldst demolish our noly temple! thy hour is come! If that form be erect tomorrow if that arm be stretched out, Israel is lost! O, Lord God of all power! look down upon me now, and bless the work of my hand, for the exaltation of Jerusalem!"

At the head of the couch hung a falchion. Judith, taking the weapon in one hand, and the hair of her drunken foe in the other, and exclaiming, "O, Lord of Israel, strengthen me this day!" smote off the Assyrian's head. At her signal her maid entered, who, tearing down the jewelled canopy, wrapped the head in it, and placed it in her bag. Following her mistress, they left the camp unmolested, as if for their usual prayer, and hastened up to the gate of Bethulia.

"Open! open now the gate!" cried the successful Judith to the guard. "God, even our God, is with us, to show his power yet in Jerusalem, and for the downfall of Assyria !" The watchman ran down joyfully to admit her, and brought her to an open space near the gate, where stood the Governors and a large concourse of people around a large watch-fire; who had thus been waiting and watching for her since the evening of her departure. "Praise! praise God" cried Judith, advancing towards them. “Praise God,

for He hath not taken away his mercy from the house of Israel, but hath destroyed our enemies by my hand this night! Behold the head of Holofornes !" she continued, as her maid held up the head, "the chief Captain of the army of Assur! and behold the glittering canopy under which he did lie in his drunkenness! The Lord hath smitten him by the hand of a woman! As the Lord liveth, who kept me in my way as I went, my countenance hath deceived him to his destruction, and yet the Spirit of Good hath preserved me from sin."

The people were astonished; they gazed on the heroic woman in silence, and then, as if by one impulse, bowed themselves and worshipped God.

"Blessed be thou, O, our God!" they said. "This day thou hast brought to nought the enemies of thy people."

Hear me now, my brethren," said Judith; "take this head and hang it upon the highest place of your walls; and soon as the morning shall appear, and the sun. come forth upon the earth, send out all the soldiers from the city, as if to make a sally upon the Assyrians-but go not down. Then shall they assemble themselves and put on their armour, and go to the tent of Holofornes, to awaken him; and lo, when they find him so mysteriously dead, fear will fall upon them, and they shall fly. Then pursue them, ye Israelites, and they shall be a spoil to your arms.'

Judith related minutely all she had done since leaving the city. The people listened attentively, and when she finished, they shouted aloud for joy, and accompanied her with all honour and reverence to her home.

When the morning broke, the head of Holofornes was hung out upon the wall, and the Israelites assembled without the gates. As soon as they were perceived the Assyrian guard ran to awaken their captains.

Awaken our Lord Holofornes," they said to Bagoas; "for the slaves have the boldness to threaten battle. Let us go up and destroy them."

Bagoas knocked at the tent, but receiving no answer, ventured to enter, when the headless body of their general met his astounded view. Crying with horror, and rending his garments, he ran to the tent

of Judith, and her absence confirmed all his suspicions.

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Treason, treason!" he cried, rushing out among the soldiers; "the slaves have dealt treacherously, and this Hebrew woman hath brought shame upon the house of Nebuchodonosor. Holofornes is slain!"

"Holofornes is slain!" re- echoed through the camp, and the soldiers trembled at the sound. The dread of the Israelites' God, which they could not avoid feeling, had never left their bosoms; and now, completely terrified, they every moment expected this awful God to appear, and strike them as he had their general. The people rushed madly about. Confusion prevailed; and, in spite of all the efforts of their officers, the panic spread from rank to rank, and the army fled, half of them knowing not all that had happened, but only hearing that the avenging God of the Hebrews was pursuing them.

The wicked flee when no man pursueth."

The step of the avenger, however, was not far behind them. The inhabitants of Bethulia rushed out after the fugitives, and sending messengers to the towns around, the people ran out, and soon the miserable Assyrians were assailed on all sides by the citizens of Betomestham, and Chobai, and the people of the hillcountry of Galilee, and of the sea-coasts. Thousands were slaughtered, and Israel was free!

The spoils were great from the camp of the Assyrians, which fell into the hands of the Bethulians.

Great was the joy of the inhabitants of Jerusalem at their deliverance, and the name of Judith of Bethulia was in every one's mouth, with terms of wonder and praise. To do her all possible honour, Joacim, the High-priest, resolved to visit and thank her for the salvation of her country.

Accompanied by a long train of the priesthood, and the great and good of Jerusalem, he arrived before the gate of Bethulia. Judith came forth to meet him, and knelt before him. Blessings were showered upon her by every voice.

Arise, my daughter," said the HighPriest. "Thou art the exaltation of Jeru