Page:Joseph and His Brethren A Pageant Play.djvu/98

JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN

from many-colored and shaded lamps hanging from the ceiling. Heavy tapestries conceal the doors. The whole scene conveys the impression that it is seen through a thin mist, like a scene in a dream.[[1]]

[Zuleika, robed in a rich surcoat of cloth of gold covered with embroidered emblems of magic, her loose hair crowned with a golden diadem of dark-green stones, is seated in a great throne-like chair, her hands resting on its arms. In front of her, on a tripod made of three bronze serpents intertwined, is a great globe of crystal in which weird changing lights and colours dimly come and go as she speaks. Into this she stares fixedly, with wide eyes. Her lips move silently for a while, but at last her words become distinguishable.]

Zuleika [Without moving; speaking as if unconsciously] Is love casting a veil over my soul's sight? What mist is this betwixt me and my beloved? I see him, but he is shrouded from me. Who was with him? There was one with him who set his soul in a storm, so that I saw his image blurred, as in troubled waters. Or is it the storm in my soul that sets the crystal a-quiver? Ay! I am taken in mine own springes! I have laughed at love, and watched, laughing, the death of lovers, and now a vulture is tearing at my heart. [She sinks back in the chair] Tomorrow, the rough warrior returneth, flushed with victory. Joseph is free, and I am a slave. To-night, then, or never! [She leans forward again to gaze into the crystal] Why doth Wakara tarry? Will he not come? Is he coming? Clouds and night! A curse upon the useless toy! [She rises] At least, when he cometh, his heart shall flame as mine flameth now! [From a small cabinet she takes various ingredients. She crosses to the tripod under the goddess. From a hook on it she takes a small golden vessel which she

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