Page:Joseph and His Brethren A Pageant Play.djvu/114

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Joseph. The night is scare spent——

Potiphar. [Amazed] She sleepeth—? [Turning to face the maids] Arouse her.

[Tamai goes to the door at the back; tries it; knocks; leans against it, listening. Meanwhile]

Potiphar. Behold! Joseph, that was my bondman, is free. If he will abide with us, I will raise him to great honor! But if not, he shall go hence, burdened with gifts. [He takes off his golden chain and puts it on Joseph's neck] And, for a beginning, wear this chain for my sake.

Joseph. My gracious lord—! Ha! The chain is a token of freedom!

Potiphar. [Turning to Tamai, impatiently] Well? Well?—Zuleika?

Tamai. The door is fast, my lord. There is a noise of weeping within—

Potiphar. Of weeping?—Joseph—! Fear grippeth my heart! [To Tamai] Knock loudly.

[Tamai beats against the door. Then she listens. All are intently watching the door]

Tamai. I hear the rustle of her robes——

Potiphar. [Advancing one step towards the door.] Zuleika—!

[The door slowly opens. Zuleika crouches in the embrasure. She has covered herself from her head to her foot in a black veil under which her silver dress gleams. Her hair falls disordered about her. Her face is very white. She brings Joseph's cloak in her hand. Her arms are bare, she has stripped off all her jewels. A gasp of