Page:Joseph and His Brethren A Pageant Play.djvu/80

JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN

[Wakara removes the sandals. Zuleika's toes are covered with gems, and on her ankles are flashing anklets.

Potiphar [To Wakara] Be-gone, or perish!

Zuleika [With a low laugh] Go, Wakara.

[Wakara kisses Zuleika's feet, and slips out, R. Zuleika lies back on the couch and watches Potiphar, who stands gazing at her with rapture

Zuleika [With a touch of mockery] Well—? She is gone, my lord.

Potiphar. Forty years have I faced strange deaths, yet never until now knew I fear.

Zuleika. Of what is my lord afraid?

Potiphar. Of thy beauty.

Zuleika. Gaze on my beauty, till fear be fled.

Potiphar. The longer I gaze, the more will fear grow. [He advances a step] This is mine? All mine? Dare I come nearer? Dare I touch thee?

Zuleika. Come nearer. Give me thy hand.

Potiphar. [Sinking on his knees and seizing her hand] Thine is like a burning coal.

Zuleika. It is hot with shame.

Potiphar. Shame!

Zuleika. My lord hath scorned my gift.

Potiphar. What gift have I scorned?

Zuleika [Watching him keenly] I gave my lord a slave. My lord hasteneth to be rid of him.

Potiphar. Joseph—? Ah! Why speak of him now?

Zuleika. Why, truly? What is one slave more or less, even though I gave him?

Potiphar. I thought to please thee!

Zuleika. By scorning my gift? So thou wilt soon scorn all I give thee.

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