14. And it happened that, when the men had heard her voice, they called the elders of the city.
15. And all rushed toward her, from the least to the greatest. For, until then, they held no hope that she would return.
16. And, enflaming the lights, they gathered all around her. But she climbed up to a higher place, and she ordered them to be made silent. And when all had quieted down,
17. Judith said: "Praise the Lord our God, who has not abandoned those who hope in him.
18. And by me, his handmaid, he has fulfilled his mercy, which he promised to the house of Israel. And he has killed the enemy of his people, by my hand this night."