JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN
Joseph. Nay, if thy father deny me, Potiphar will go up to the Pharaoh himself, and Pharaoh shall do me justice.
Asenath. Dreamer, dreamer, thou art in a vain dream. My father will have me wed Serseru, or for ever wait in living death on the goddess whose name I bear—
Joseph. Whose name thou bearest—?
Asenath. What is Asenath, being interpreted, but one devoted to Neith?
Joseph. We will give Neith her fill of bullocks and goats, but, by the living God, not Asenath!
Asenath. Hush, blasphemer! Even Pharaoh cannot help us against the gods. The priests would rise up and slay him.
Joseph. Asenath, art thou brave?
Asenath. I know not.
Joseph. Wilt thou put thy hand in mine, and take flight with me?
Asenath. Hark!
Joseph. Footsteps!
Asenath [Seeing the newcomer] We are lost!
Joseph. Hither! Hither! [He draws her into the bower and pulls some of the vine down over its entrance]
[Enter Ranofer and Serseru. Serseru is an enormously fat old man]
Ranofer. I tell thee, Menthu is determined. Asenath shall be thy wife.
Asenath. That is Ranofer, the lord treasurer.
Joseph. [To Asenath] He speaketh too hastily.
Serseru. I saw no hindrance till now. She cast her eyes down when I speak, but at least there was no loathing in them. Now—
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