Page:Joseph and His Brethren A Pageant Play.djvu/35

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JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN

Gad. God increase thee.

Asher. God prosper thee.

Issachar. God reward thee.

Zebulun. God uphold thee.

[Simeon has stood apart with his folded arms and bent brows]

Reuben [Reproachfully] Simeon——

Simeon [Between his teeth] I cannot; nor I will not.

Reuben. Our father watcheth.

Simeon [Advancing against his will.] Joseph . . .

Jacob [Who has been anxiously watching, sinks back with a sigh of relief] All is well!

Joseph. [Smiling.] Ay, Brother Simeon——?

Simeon. Our brothers have left me no blessing to give thee.

Joseph. Yet bless me.

Simeon [Without unfolding his arms] God—judge thee.

[He turns away without kissing Joseph]

Jacob. [To Joseph] Come! [Jacob rises; Joseph comes to him, and he is about to kneel] Nay, today I bow to thee. He that goeth down boweth to him that cometh up. [The two handmaidens bring a cloak of camel's hair which they allow to fall open. Jacob takes it from them] Now upon thy young shoulders I lay the Robe of Manhood and authority. Lo, here, the coat of many colors; and each color shall be for a sign: azure for wisdom, scarlet for courage, green for prayer, and white for purity. I clasp thee to me, flesh of my flesh; thy young heart against my old heart, whose first-born thou art; I raise my hand towards the throne of God, and I cry: God bless thee!

[Long embrace. The Brothers mutter together]

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