hardly stand. He looks around half fiercely and half frightened, like a captured beast. The PHARAOH has risen at JOSEPH'S entrance.]
TEHUTI [To JOSEPH] Fear nought; come!
[JOSEPH sees the PHARAOH.]
JOSEPH. [Scarcely articulate.] The Pharaoh!
[He stretches his skeleton of a hand towards the PHARAOH in appeal, and advances, with his great, glowing eyes fixed on him.]
PHARAOH. Alas—! Nay, I will come down to thee!
[The CROWD murmurs its wonder at this. The PHARAOH comes down three steps. JOSEPH has reached the throne and makes as if to kneel.]
PHARAOH. Let him not kneel.
[The SOLDIERS keep JOSEPH up.]
PHARAOH. Set meat before him—give him to drink.
[The SERVANTS are about to fulfil this order, but JOSEPH has spoken first.]
JOSEPH. [With an effort.] Nay—nay! I lack nothing—God was with me in the prison.
PHARAOH. [Still standing.] Can'st thou hear me?
JOSEPH. Oh, very well, great King!
PHARAOH. What is thy name?
JOSEPH. [Radiantly carrying his memory back.] When I led my father's flocks to pasture, my name was Joseph.
PHARAOH. I have heard say of thee that thou can'st understand a dream to interpret it.
JOSEPH. It is not in me.—God shall give the Pharaoh an answer of peace.
[The CROWD has closed in again, but the curtains
