IX.

* * * * * * * * [The glorious Creator's][1] gifts doubted she [not] Upón this wide earth; then found she there ready Help from the mighty Prince, when she most need did have Of grace from the highest Judge, that her 'gainst the greatest terror The Lord of Creation should shield. That Father in heaven to her The Glorious-in-mind did grant, for thát firm faith she had Ín the Almighty ever. Then heard I that Holofernes Wine-summons eagerly wrought, and with all wonders a glorious Banquet had hé prepared; to thát bade the prince of men All his noblest thanes. Thát with mickle haste 10 Did the warriors-with-shields perform; came to the mighty chief The people's leaders going. Ón 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.