them. We know many among ourselves who have given themselves up to bonds, in order that they might ransom others. Many, too, have surrendered themselves to slavery, that with the price ' which they received for themselves, they might provide food for others. Many women also, being strengthened by the grace of God, have performed numerous manly exploits. The- blessed Judith, when her city was besieged, asked of the elders permission to go forth into the camp of the strangers ; and, exposing her- self to danger, she went out for the love which she bare to her country and people then be- sieged ; and the Lord delivered Holofernes into the hands of a woman.^ Esther also, being per- fect in faith, exposed herself to no less danger, in order to deliver the twelve tribes of Israel from impending destruction. For with fasting and humiliation she entreated the everlasting God, who seeth all things ; and He, perceiving the humility of her spirit, deUvered the people for whose sake she had encountered peril.^