Page:Joseph and His Brethren A Pageant Play.djvu/104

JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN

[The girls surround Joseph, as if to tell him the real truth. Enter Zuleika, at the right door]

Zuleika. [In the doorway] Begone!

All the Girls [Starting away.] Alas!

[At a signal from Wakara, they go out R. Wakara follows them]

Tamai [Kissing the hand Joseph touched] He spoke to me! He touched my hand! [Exit]

[A pause. Joseph and Zuleika face each other. Zuleika has taken off her crown. Her hair falls almost to her feet. She has thrown off her sur-coat and stands in a long, transparent gown of silver tissue. Around her waist is a golden belt that was heavily studded with great gems]

Zuleika. [In a low, musical murmur] What seekest thou, son of Jacob?

Joseph. Nay, lady; I come at thy bidding.

Zuleika. Three moons my lord hath been at the wars, and thou hast avoided my presence. Is that the deed of a dutiful servant?

Joseph. I hold it so.

Zuleika. I hold it not so. Why hast thou avoided me?

Joseph. My lord made me overseer of his house: I rest neither by day nor by night.

Zuleika. [Scornfully] I know thy zeal for thy lord. I ask why thou scornest me?

Joseph. I hold my lord's wife in the highest honor. Tell me now what thou hadst me hither to tell me.

Zuleika. Had I ought to tell thee?

Joseph. Why else was I summoned?

Zuleika. I know not. 'Twas nought.

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