Volume 2

History of Jephte
325
distance from the city that she met him, still she was the
first whom he saw belonging to his own family. When she
discovered her misfortune, she entered into herself and
asked for a reprieve of two months, that she might retire
into solitude to prepare by penance for her sacrifice, and
to mourn with her companions over her virginal death,
which would deprive her father of posterity in Israel.
With several of her young companions she went into the
mountains opposite the valley of Ramoth, where for two
months she dwelt under a tent in prayer, fasting, and
sackcloth. The maidens of Ramoth took turns in staying
with her. She mourned especially her vanity and thirst for
glory. The rulers held council as to whether she could be
freed from death, but it was not possible since her father
had sworn a solemn oath. It was consequently a vow that
could in nowise be commuted. I saw too that the daughter
herself desired its fulfillment, and petitioned for it in
words both wise and touching.
Her sacrifice was accompanied by every mark of grief,
her companions chanting songs of mourning around her.
She was seated on the same spot upon which the
memorial feast was celebrated. Here again a council was
held for the purpose of delivering her from death, but
stepping forward, she expressed her wish to die, just as I
had seen at the feast. She was clothed in a long, white
garment that closely enveloped her from the breast to the
feet; but from her head to her breast she wore a
transparent, white veil through which could be seen her
face, neck, and shoulders. She walked courageously to the
altar. Her father hurried from the scene without bidding
her adieu. Then she drank something red from a vessel
presented her. I think it was something to render her unconscious.
One of Jephte's warriors was deputed to give
the deathblow. His eyes were bandaged as a sign that he
did not incur the guilt of murder, since he would not see
the blow that was to kill the victim. She was then laid on