The Assyrians flee: the Hebrews pursue after them, and are enriched by
their spoils.
15:1. And when all the army heard that Holofernes was beheaded, courage
and counsel fled from them, and being seized with trembling and fear
they thought only to save themselves by flight.
15:2. So that no one spoke to his neighbour, but hanging down the head,
leaving all things behind, they made haste to escape from the Hebrews,
who, as they heard, were coming armed upon them, and fled by the ways
of the fields, and the paths of the hills.
15:3. So the children of Israel seeing them fleeing, followed after
them. And they went down sounding with trumpets and shouting after
them.
15:4. And because the Assyrians were not united together, they went
without order in their flight; but the children of Israel pursuing in
one body, defeated all that they could find.
15:5. And Ozias sent messengers through all the cities and countries of
Israel.
15:6. And every country, and every city, sent their chosen young men
armed after them, and they pursued them with the edge of the sword
until they came to the extremities of their confines.
15:7. And the rest that were in Bethulia went into the camp of the
Assyrians, and took away the spoils which the Assyrians in their flight
had left behind them, and they were laden exceedingly,
15:8. But they that returned conquerors to Bethulia, brought with them
all things that were theirs, so that there was no numbering of their
cattle, and beasts, and all their moveables, insomuch that from the
least to the greatest all were made rich by their spoils.
15:9. And Joachim the high priest came from Jerusalem to Bethulia with
all his ancients to see Judith.
15:10. And when she was come out to him, they all blessed her with one
voice, saying: Thou art the glory of Jerusalem, thou art the joy of
Israel, thou art the honour of our people:
15:11. For thou hast done manfully, and thy heart has been
strengthened, because thou hast loved chastity, and after thy husband
hast not known any other: therefore also the hand of the Lord hath
strengthened thee, and therefore thou shalt be blessed for ever.
15:12. And all the people said: So be it, so be it.
15:13. And thirty days were scarce sufficient for the people of Israel
to gather up the spoils of the Assyrians.
15:14. But all those things that were proved to be the peculiar goods
of Holofernes, they gave to Judith in gold, and silver, and garments
and precious stones, and all household stuff, and they all were
delivered to her by the people.
15:15. And all the people rejoiced, with the women, and virgins, and
young men, playing on instruments and harps.