37. But bravery
also is usually not wanting to a good widow. For this is true
bravery, which surpasses the usual nature and the weakness of the sex
by the devotion of the mind, such as was in her who was named
Judith, Judith viii. 11 ff. who of
herself alone was able to rouse up from utter prostration and defend
from the enemy men broken down by the siege, smitten with fear, and
pining with hunger. For she, as we read, when Holofernes, dreaded
after his success in so many battles, had driven countless thousands of
men within the walls; when the armed men were afraid, and were already
treating about the final surrender, went forth outside the wall, both
excelling that army which she delivered, and braver than that which she
put to flight.