Joseph and His Brethren: A Pageant Play/Act II
ACT II
THE TEMPTATION
Genesis XXXIX
Imhotep Joseph Serseru Zuleikha Ranofer Asenath Menthu Wakara Heru Mehtu Ani Anset Tehuti Arilennu Sebni Taherer Atha Nesta
Tamai
Ladies, Nobles, Officers, and Slaves
ACT II
Scene 1—The Central Hall in Potiphar's House
One-half of the back is the pillared entrance, beyond which there is a distant view of the Pyramids. In the other half of the back is a sliding door up three steps, leading to Zuleika's room. There is a door R., and another L. In the centre is a throne-like chair without arms. The decorations of the walls, doors, pillars, etc., are all in very bright colours. There are several stands for incense. It is sunset.
Two Officers of Potiphar's household—Sebni and Tehuti—are discovered. Slaves come and go, busy on household matters.
Sebni. [To the slaves.] Hurry! Hurry! Our lord will be here!
Tehuti. To judge by the time it takes, Sebni, my lord Potiphar and the lady Zuleika will be fast bound.
Sebni. Ah, Tehuti, I would not wed so near the edge of war.
Tehuti. Is war near?
Sebni. They say the savages of the south grow restless.
Tehuti. I'd wait for no savages, were Zuleika my bride.
Sebni. Curb thy tongue, lest Joseph hear thee—
Tehuti. [Pensively.] Ay—Joseph—! Slave, and overlord!—Some men are born fortunate—
Sebni. [Alarmed.] Silence!—Silence!
Tehuti. If my bride, being on a journey, bought so fair a slave, and set him over her household—
Sebni. Joseph hath no eyes, save for the Lady Asenath.
Tehuti. Ha! The high priest's daughter! The Canaanite will singe his wings.
Sebni. Silence!—Joseph!
Joseph. My lord and his wife come from the temple. Is all being ready here?
Sebni. All is ready, my good lord.
Joseph. Friend, friend, call me by my name; for I am Lord Potiphar's bondman, as thou art. [To the slaves.] Throw incense upon the coals.
Tehuti. I hear the girls' voices. [He looks off R.] The lady Zuleika's handmaidens draw near.
Sebni. And with them the virgin Asenath.
Joseph. [With joy.] Asenath—!
Tehuti. Joseph—hast thou also heard rumors of war?
Joseph. [Thinking of Asenath] I, friend—? [Laughing.] Talk not of war! Hither cometh spring on the tripping feet, and laughter, and peace, and love.
Joseph. Joy to this house, whose threshold your feet have crossed.
Asenath. We come to welcome the bride; we come to deck her bower with the lily and the lotus; with the red pomegranate, and with the purple passion flower.
Joseph. [Gazing at Asenath] Happy the bride, with such flowers to greet her.
Asenath. [Laughing roguishly] Yet thou seest them not!
Joseph. [Eagerly] I see the fairest.
Asenath. [Demurely] The Shepherd of Dothan is soft of speech.
Joseph. [Starting back] The Shepherd of Dothan—! Alas! I had forgotten.
Asenath. [Coming towards him anxiously] What had Joseph forgotten?
Joseph. I had forgotten I am a bondman to Potiphar; a stranger in Egypt; a slave; a straw, blown by the wind; a leaf floating on the water. Mine eyes are the eyes of a slave, and must see nought; my tongue is a slave's tongue, and must utter no sound [Passionately] though here—here—a man's heart be beating.
Asenath. [Trying to touch him with her hand—but he avoids her touch] Poor heart! Is it beating for freedom?
Joseph. It is beating—[With intense eagerness] Asenath, Asenath, they whisper that war is at hand, that Pharaoh will send Potiphar forth to strike down rebellion. I will throw myself at my lord's feet; he shall let me fight at his side; fighting I will win freedom, and then, when I come back, a free man, mine eyes shall gaze into thine; and my tongue shall tell thee why my heart beateth so wildly.
Asenath. But in the battle thou may'st be slain.
Joseph. At least I shall be free!
Asenath. And I forever bound.
Joseph. Asenath—! [With agony] Oh! I forget my bonds!
Asenath. Rid thyself quickly of thy bonds, lest thou be too late.
Joseph. Too late?
Asenath. My father is the priest of the great goddess Neith.
Joseph. Alas, I know not thy strange gods.
Asenath. Thou shalt tell me of thine in happier days. My father is a stern man. There is one man at court, a great officer in the Pharaoh's household, who standeth next to him when he breaketh bread—
Joseph. [Laughing] Of monstrous girth: I know him well—
Asenath. He seeketh me to be his wife.
Joseph. He—! That ancient mountain—!
Asenath. My father loveth him. [The Girls come down] I plead I am too young; the Chief Baker pleadeth he waxeth too old. Oh Joseph, the day is near when I must choose—
Joseph. Choose—! There is choice, then?
Asenath. Ay—'twixt wedding the old lord, or leaving the world forever, in the sisterhood of Neith.
Joseph. [Violently] Neither one or the other! By the true God, I swear—!
Asenath. [Frightened] Hush!—The maidens—
Joseph. [Bitterly] Ay—I had forgotten again. Ho! I am here but to stir the incense poisoning God's air!
Asenath. Zuleika will ever have it so. I think God's air poisoneth her.
Joseph. Dost thou, too, feel the dread? Where she walketh I think the flowers wither. Look; these are failing already.
Asenath. [Hushed] They say she hath led many men to their deaths.
Joseph. Then that is the evil spell about her: the dead men walk at her side.
Asenath. She is very fair.
Joseph. Her beauty blindeth and burneth: it is unspeakable.
Asenath. [Hurt by his words] Alas—!
Joseph. There is only one shield against it.
Asenath. What is that?
Joseph. Love.
Sebni. [At the door R.] My lord Potiphar draweth nigh.
Asenath. And the bride?
Sebni. Later. The lord of the house must be here to receive her.
Joseph. [To Asenath] Come! We will meet them on the threshold.
Mehtu. Asenath is gone with the Canaanite!
Anset. I would go with him to the end of the world!
Arilennu. Have ye seen Zuleika's eyes on him?
Nesta [With a comic shudder] Whoo! She will eat him up!
Anset. And never leave us a bone!
{[sc|Taherer.}} But he keepeth his eyes on the ground.
Arilennu. Save when Asenath is near.
Anset. Then they flash fire.
Mehtu. I would give my youth to see them flash so for me.
Arilennu. [To Tamai, who has stood silent, watching the door] Thou, what wouldst thou do?
Tamai [With utter devotion] If he spake to me—if he called me—Nay! I will not say what I would do, or what I would give.
Potiphar. Friends all—I thank you. What happiness the gods had in store they have showered upon me; and, not least, your loves. Shield me henceforth with your love against the strokes of fate.
Menthu. Peace dwell in the land forever, that nought may drag thee from Zuleika's arms.
Potiphar. Great priest of Neith, the lover give thee thanks, though the soldier must upbraid thee.
Menthu. [At the door] The bride! The bride!
Potiphar [To Joseph] Thy shoulder, boy. Her beauty turneth my heart to water. I am afraid of too great joy.
Joseph. May the joy last forever, my lord.
Potiphar. Thou art too young—thou knowest not love.
Joseph. I knew it not till I was brought hither. But now—
Potiphar. What! Tell me her name—
Joseph. A bondman can breathe no names—
Potiphar [Embracing him] Ask what thou wilt—
Joseph [Eagerly] My lord—
Potiphar [Seeing the bridal procession] Nay!— Nay!—Away!—Zuleika!
Potiphar [To the minstrels] Cease your minstrelsy!
Zuleika. My lord—
Potiphar [To all present] I bid you all a kind farewell.
Menthu [Leading forward Asenath] Farewell, great warrior.
Joseph [Motioning to the Slaves and Maidens to go. To Potiphar] Farewell, my lord.
Potiphar. Ah! I am grown selfish in my joy. [To All] Stay, friends.
[ALL, on the point of going, turn.]
MENTHU: What more, my lord?
POTIPHAR: When this marvel came hither, she brought me many gifts; but none more welcome than this lad, whom she had saved from death. And now, in the hour of love's triumph, Joseph hath told me he, too, is in love's thrall, but dare not speak, being a slave. What better gift can I give thee, Zuleikha, than Joseph's freedom?
[ASENATH gives a little cry of joy.]
ZULEIKHA: [Hardly able to restrain a cry of rage.] My lord—!
JOSEPH: [Throwing himself at POTIPHAR'S feet.] Oh my good lord—
POTIPHAR: I will load thee with gifts, and thou shalt go back to thine own land.
ZULEIKHA: [Hastily.] If Joseph love, perchance the woman he loveth is here, and, in sending him hence, thou art sending him from her.
POTIPHAR: Why, she shall go with him!
ZULEIKHA: Perchance she is the one who cannot go.
POTIPHAR: How might that be?—Speak, Joseph, who is she?
[JOSEPH and ASENATH exchange glances.]
JOSEPH: Under my favor, I cannot speak before all these.
ZULEIKHA: [Amiable, but with suppressed fury.] Is it one of my maids?
JOSEPH: No, my lady.
THE SIX MAIDS: [In the background, involuntarily.] Alas, no!
POTIPHAR: [Laughing] Keep thy secret until we are alone. If she be as Zuleika saith, I will importune the Pharaoh himself, and no bar shall hinder thee. [Leading his guests off] Farewell! Farewell!—
Zuleika [Darkly; looking after Joseph] Snatched from me? So? [To Wakara] Wakara—! Hither!— Knowest thou whom he loveth?
Wakara. Who, lady?
Zuleika [Impatiently] The slave . . . Joseph.
Wakara. Whom else can a man love when Zuleika is nigh?
Zuleika [An exclamation of triumph] Hah!—[She sees Potiphar turning to come to her] Peace—peace—fool!
Potiphar [Eagerly] Zuleika!—[He sees Wakara] Still attended!
Zuleika. My tiring-woman.
Potiphar [To Wakara] Perform thine office quickly.
Zuleika [Raising her hands to her head] This heavy coronet—
Potiphar [Amazed] Ha! Thy hair floweth out as the night floweth over the desert.
Zuleika The cloak—it crusheth me.
Potiphar. Bid the woman begone!
Zuleika. No such haste, my lord. [She sits on the throne-like chair] Now these jeweled sandals.
Potiphar [To Wakara] Be-gone, or perish!
Zuleika [With a low laugh] Go, Wakara.
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.
Potiphar. Zuleika!
Zuleika. If I give thee my love, to-morrow thou wilt scorn it!
Potiphar. Woman! Thou drivest fear out of my heart, and fillest it with madness!
Zuleika. Withdraw thy word from the slave!
Potiphar. That I cannot.
Zuleika [In tears] Scorned!—I am scorned!
Potiphar [Seizing her] Scorned—! Thou art loved! Thou art mine—! Zuleika! Zuleika!
Potiphar. What now? [Heavy knocking at door, at R.] Ha!
Wakara. The Hebrew slave—
Potiphar [Furious] Joseph!—
Zuleika [To herself] Joseph—! [With a low laugh] He loveth me!
Joseph. My lord! My lord!
Potiphar. Accursed slave! What is't?
Joseph. Alas, not my errand, my lord—
Potiphar. Who dares, then—?
Joseph [With a salute] The Pharaoh.
Potiphar [Startled] The Pharaoh—?
Joseph. Imhotep, the Lord Chief Butler, beareth a letter from Pharaoh—
Potiphar. Typho seize him!—Arouse the household. Have him hither with all homage.
Potiphar. [To Zuleika, indicating the door at the back] A plague on the marplot! Yet it were well if thou—
Zuleika. Oh, let me bide; I, too, would hear the news.
Potiphar. 'Tis nought. [Anxiously] The gods grant it be nought.
Joseph. The Lord Imhotep, Lord Chief Butler of the Pharaoh, the King of Kings!
Potiphar. The presence of my lord sheddeth radiance through my halls.
Imhotep. Friend, I come not of mine own will—
Potiphar. Let thy servant hear—
Imhotep [With great solemnity] This from Usertesen, the Pharaoh, the King of the North and the South, the King of Kings.
Imhotep. Read it.
Potiphar. I am a soldier and no scholar. Let Joseph read.
Joseph. To my trusted servant, the captain of my hosts, Potiphar, my majesty sendeth greeting. Certain rebellious tribes have arisen in the south, doing grievous hurt to the children of the sun. My majesty hath been very patient, but thereby the rebels have waxed proud, deeming us afraid. Now they are within two days' march. Wherefore my majesty biddeth thee take men and horses to-night and fall upon them swiftly and wipe them utterly from the face of the earth.
Potiphar. The King's word shall be obeyed.
Imhotep [Gravely] Friend, I will see thee on thy way.
Potiphar. That shall be to my honor: tomorrow at dawn.
Imhotep. The King's word saith tonight.
Potiphar. Tonight—!
Zuleika [Quietly] Thus thy slave read.
Joseph. [Looking at the tablet] It is tonight.
Potiphar [Beside himself] Hath not the King heard—? Doth he not know—?
IMHOTEP: [With grave surprise and reproof] Friend —the King's word is waiting—
POTIPHAR: [Helpless.] Ay—ay—I come. [With an outburst of fury:] And when I come upon the rebels, the very gods of cruelty shall pity them!
[Furiously he snatches at the weapons and armor his slaves hurriedly bring him. ZULEIKHA watches him, demurely amused]
JOSEPH: My lord, let me fight at thy side.
[ZULEIKHA is startled and anxious.]
POTIPHAR: [With a touch of contempt.] Thou, shepherd of Dothan? Nay, there shall be deeds no shepherd may look upon.
JOSEPH: [Hotly.] I fought with my brothers against Shechem!
POTIPHAR: I have other work for thee!—
JOSEPH: [With increasing heat.] My lord promised—
POTIPHAR: I promised thee freedom—[Gently.] but now, Joseph, I crave a boon.
JOSEPH: [Abashed.] My lord—! Do with me as thou wilt.
POTIPHAR: Fighters I have as the sands of the desert, but no friend I love as I love thee. Ah! thou shalt lose nought by granting my request. Lo! I make thee lord of my household while I am at the war, and whatever is mine I put in thy charge. Maidens and men, ye hear?
HERU: We hear and obey.
POTIPHAR: [With his hand on Joseph's shoulder] But, chiefest, I commit to thy keeping the lady Zuleikha. Joseph—Joseph—watch over her as though thou wert myself. Joseph [Innocently] As thou leavest her, my lord, so shalt thou find her.
Potiphar. As I leave her—! Zuleika, I dare scarce look on thee again, lest I forget the Pharaoh's word.
Zuleika [Putting her arm around his neck] Forget his word, my lord.
Potiphar [With a sort of suppressed roar] Woman! Woman! [Passionate embrace. He shakes himself loose. To Imhotep] Lead on!
Wakara. Be comforted, sweet lady.
Zuleika [With a note of mockery] Comforted—! [She breaks into a low, mocking laugh. Then, very tenderly] Joseph—
Joseph [Leaving the door] Ay, lady?
Zuleika. Did the Pharaoh truly write "tonight"?
Joseph [Amused] Of a surety!
Zuleika. Of a surety thou art very cunning.
Joseph. Lady, good-night.
Zuleika. Nay, come hither, and tell me of the old man, thy father, and of thy mother.
Joseph. I must keep watch and ward. Sleep soundly. I wake!
Zuleika [To Wakara] Open the curtains, girl. [Wakara does so. In the distance the tops of the Pyramids are touched with gold] Ahah—! The blessed dawn!
Wakara. So soon, after so weary a night—!
Zuleika. Fool! I am so much nearer the night to come!
Wakara. Let me make fast the curtains. Sleep, lady, sleep.
Zuleika. Let the curtains be! I will not sleep while he waketh.
Wakara. While he waketh—? The lord Potiphar—? Thy lord and lover?
Zuleika. [Watching Joseph, who is seen passing in the distance] Ay—my lover and my lord!
The Scene Changes.
SCENE II
POTIPHAR'S GARDEN
PERSONS
Joseph Ranofer
Sebni Serseru
A Runner Asenath
Wakara
Slaves
Scene 2—Potiphar's Garden
It is a thick grove of sycamore, acacia, pomegranate, tamarisk, fig and olive. There is a vine-clad bower, R. Through an opening at the back the same distant view is disclosed as in the previous scene. The garden is flooded with moonlight, but there are patches of impenetrable shadow. The space at the back is bathed in light, and great stars seem to stand out solid against the deep purple sky. Throughout the scene there is a vague impression of singing—now a man's voice, now a woman's—in the distance.
Joseph, wrapped in a cloak, is giving orders to Sebni. Some distance away two Slaves bearing torches.
Joseph. Are guards at all the gates?
Sebni. They are, my lord.
Joseph. Here I myself will keep watch.
Sebni. [Mysteriously] My lord,—I take my life in my hands to speak—
Joseph. Well?
Sebni. [Nearer] Let me whisper, my lord:—The lord Serseru—
Joseph. The Lord Chief Baker—? What of him?
Sebni. He and another.
Joseph. What other?
Sebni. Ranofer—the treasurer—
Joseph. What of them?
Sebni. They are ever in close talk—my fellows have heard—and their talk means death—
Joseph. To me?
Sebni. I dare scarce breathe the name:—Lord Usertesen, the Pharaoh.
Joseph. [Concealing his horror] Thy fellows bring thee broken words—and thou weavest a tale—!
Sebni. Let not my lord's wrath be kindled—!
Joseph. Get thee to thy watch.
Sebni. [To Joseph] Lo!—a messenger.
Joseph. Whence art thou?
Runner. [Saluting] From the lord Potiphar.
Joseph. [Eagerly] Quickly, thy news!
Runner. [Producing the clay letter] My first errand was to the Pharaoh. This for thee.
Joseph. Ho! a torch!— [He reads: "Potiphar, the servant of the Pharaoh, by the hand of Neb, the scribe, to Joseph, the son of Jacob, greeting. The rebels are scattered; their treasure taken; their strongholds razed. I hasten homeward on the wings of love. If the runner reach thee at sundown, give him gold and bid Zuleika rejoice, for I shall be with her at dawn." [To the Runner] Here is gold from Potiphar—and here from me: for this is the best news that ever man gat. Haste to the lady Zuleika! [Exit the Runner; to Sebni] To thy watch! [To the Slaves] Make ready!
Joseph. [In deep thought] A plot against the Pharaoh's life—! Oh, it is well my lord is coming!
Asenath's Voice [Without, singing]—
In the scented garden I sought my love
When I was alone with the night:
The moon's face mocked me,
The stars twinkled with laughter;
But I heeded them not.
Moon, I cried, thou seekest after the sun,
Stars, ye seek after the moon,
And I seek after my love.
Joseph. Asenath!
Asenath. Thou heard'st my song!
Joseph. The moon never reacheth the sun—
Asenath. That is why her face is sometimes so dark.
Joseph. The stars never reach the moon—
Asenath. And sometimes they drop out of heaven for grief.
Joseph. But Asenath hath found her love.
Asenath. They say thy lord cometh tomorrow, and thou wilt be free, and I shall lose thee again.
Joseph. Never again, if I will be thy love.
Asenath. How might that be?
Joseph [Playfully] That I cannot tell thee, till I know whether I be thy love or no.
Asenath [Imitating him] That I cannot tell thee, till I know whether I be thy love or no.
Joseph [Drawing her to him] Lie on my heart, and feel it beat against thine.
Asenath [Folding her arms about his neck] Thou art my love and my life. [Joseph draws her gently to the bower]
Joseph. Radiant and white art thou, as the snows on Mount Carmel.
Asenath. Radiant and strong art thou, as the sungod.
Joseph. I am lost in thee; I am dazed by thy beauty; I am stricken with awe by thy youth and innocence. [Very gently; taking her hands] Beloved—to-morrow—
Asenath [Surprised] Thou holdest me afar off.
Joseph. Let me speak of serious things.
Asenath. Is not love a serious thing?
Joseph. It is of love I speak.
Asenath. I cannot hear thee so far away.
Joseph. I cannot speak when thou art nearer.
Asenath. Oh, speak quickly, then.
Joseph. To-morrow at dawn my lord returneth, and I shall be free. My first errand will be to thy father.
Asenath [Chilled] My father—! [She moves away]
Joseph. Nay, Asenath, not so far!
Asenath. Thou hast brought broad day into our sheltering night.
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—
Ranofer. What knoweth the child of love or loathing?
Asenath [With her arms around Joseph, her face against his] What knoweth she not?
Ranofer. This she knoweth: 'tis either wed thee, or leave the world and serve Neith.
Joseph [Kissing Asenath] There is a third way.
Serseru. The fear of losing her weareth me to a shadow—
Joseph. Say an eclipse.
Ranofer. Plague thyself no more.—Now, as concerning Pharaoh—
Serseru [Frightened] Lower! Lower!
Ranofer. Who should be stirring so late?
Serseru. The Hebrew—Joseph—is on guard.
Ranofer [Producing a small box] Here is what I promised thee.
Serseru. I dare not. Imhotep, the Chief Butler, hath eyes like a hawk.
Ranofer. Listen. When Pharaoh drinketh, they pour wine first into Imhotep's cup for him to taste. While he is drinking, slip this into the vessel they have poured from. As it toucheth the wine it is melted, and Pharaoh's cup will be filled with death.
Asenath [Hiding her face on Joseph's shoulder] Horrible!
Serseru. How can I do that, unseen?
Ranofer. Stumble against the wine-bearer. Let thy long sleeve pass over the vessel.
Ranofer. Come away.
Serseru. [As they move off] When shall I do this thing?
Ranofer. To-morrow night, when Pharaoh is feasting Potiphar. Come.
[Exeunt]
Asenath. A plot against Pharaoh! It is too horrible!
Joseph. Nay—the horrible thing shall not be done. We will outwit them.
Asenath [Passionately] Swear I shall never be the murderer's wife!
Joseph. That will I readily swear! Get thee within! Gather courage for to-morrow.
Asenath. [Mastering herself] To-morrow—Lover, shall we ever meet again?
Joseph. Ay, shall we! I kiss sleep into thine eyes, and a smile into thy lips, and courage into thy heart. [He sees Wakara] Away!
Wakara. Joseph—Joseph!
Joseph. Who calleth?
Wakara. 'Tis I—Wakara.
Joseph. What is thine errand?
Wakara. The lady Zuleika hath news of my lord's return.
Joseph. I sent her the news.
Wakara. She biddeth thee come to her, to tell her more.
Joseph. There is no more to tell.
Wakara. She commandeth thee to come.
Joseph. Tell thy mistress I am on guard. I may not come.
Wakara. Thy mistress commandeth thee, her slave.
Joseph. Not hers, but her husband's. I will not come.
Wakara. I cannot carry so rough an answer.
Joseph. Speak it gently: I have no other.
Wakara. I will tell her. [Going, turns] And shall I tell thee my thought?
Joseph. If 'twill ease thy mind.
Wakara. I think thou art a fool!
[Exit]
The Scene Changes
SCENE III
ZULEIKHA'S ROOM
PERSONS
Joseph Mehtu
Zuleikha Anset
Wakara Arilennu
Tamai Taherer
Nesta
Scene 3.—Zuleika's Room.
Doors R. and L. At the back an opening through which only the deep sky and the wonderful stars are seen. The walls are painted with strange semi-human figures in the Assyrian manner, only vaguely discernible. In the centre, outlined against the opening, there is a mysterious gigantic figure of a goddess. Under it stands a tripod, from which the smoke of incense rises and hangs in purple clouds about the painted ceiling. There is a low couch covered with rich tapestries. Lilies, lotus-flowers, and other heavily scented flowers stand in costly jars. Several low tables on which are the curious implements of magic. The room is filled with the dim light 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]]
![[1]](http://www.stagebeauty.net/produce/joseph/joseph-09.jpg){kind=link}
[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 places on the burning incense. From another vessel, also hanging on the tripod, she takes incense which she throws into the burner. The smoke rises thicker and green flames shoot through it. Then she stands with her extended arms before the goddess] Astarte, protectress of hapless women who ache with unfulfilled love, hear me, be near me, guide my hand as I brew the draught— [She throws the ingredients into the vessel; it hisses and sends up a puffy cloud of fresh steam] thus!—and thus! And thus! [She spreads her hands, palm downwards, over the vessel] Sear his eyes with my beauty—make his heart like the potter's clay in my hands—set an unquenchable thirst upon his lips— [With her thumbs touching, and her palms outwards, she raises her hands towards the goddess] Great Goddess of Love!—Goddess of the thousand names!— I call thee!—I summon thee! Fill the cup with thy poison. [The brew in the vessel boils over with hissings and splutterings, while the flames dance about it; she lifts the vessel off the tripod] Ha! [She pours the brew into a golden beaker standing on one of the little tables] Drink this with me, lover, and let come what will! [Fiercely to Wakara, who enters L.] Well?
Wakara [Throwing herself at Zuleika's feet] Dread Mistress
Zuleika [Eagerly] He is close at thy heels—?
Wakara. Hear me, lady!
Zuleika. He is coming anon, when the night is deeper—!
Wakara. He is not coming!
Zuleika. What! [After a momentary pause, she seizes Wakar by the throat in a paroxysm of fury] Thou liest! Thou liest! Thou hast not borne my message! Wretched slave, thou hast not seen him! [Throws her off] Well! Speak! Speak!
Wakara. I bare the message faithfully; but he answered he must guard the house, and could not come.
Zuleika. [Darkly] He must guard the house—! [With a wild laugh] And the night flieth! Oh gods, how swiftly it flieth! He must come! He must come!—Go again
Wakara. Alas! What more can I say?
Zuleika [Haughtily] Say I command my slave!
Wakara. I said so, and he answered that he was not thy slave, but Potiphar's.
Zuleika. He dared—! My lord shall hear of this!—Ha! Ha! Ha! What am I saying—? [Suddenly, with ferocity] Was he alone?
Wakara. When I spoke with him, ay—but
Zuleika [Eagerly] But what—?
Wakara. I had seen the trail of a woman's robe
Zuleika. Was it one of my women?
Wakara. I know not.
Zuleika. Summon them all. Suddenly! Suddenly!
Wakara. Wake! Wake! Zuleika calls!
Zuleika. What else didst thou see?
Wakara. I saw Ranofer and Serseru slip out of the garden.
Zuleika. Were they with Joseph?
Wakara. No. They saw him not. They were deep in their plot. Where he stood he must have heard every word.
Zuleika. The plot against the Pharaoh? Ha! Now I hold him!
Mehtu. Wakara! What is it?
Anset. I am half clad!
Arilennu. I am half-awake!
Taherer. I am afeared!
Nesta. What ails thee?
Tamai. Why are we summoned?
Zuleika. [Dazed] You!—Did I summon you?—Ay! Wait! [To Wakara] Thou, seek him again. Say I command him hither by his troth to Potiphar. Say I know of the plot against the Pharaoh. [Struck by a new idea] Say Potiphar's life is in danger! Say that! Say that! Be-gone!
[Exit Wakara, R.]
Zuleika. [To the maids] The mirror!
[Nesta takes the mirror from a table]
Mehtu. The mirror, so late!
Zuleika. Is the night so old?
Arilennu. 'Tis but an hour ere the dawn.
Zuleika. Sayest thou so? Swiftly, then!
[Nesta gives her the mirror]
Taherer. But wherefore? Wherefore?
Zuleika. Is not my lord coming at sunrise?
Anset. Oh! That is glad news!
Zuleika [To Tamai, whose left hand is bandaged] Loosen my hair. Why, what is thy wound?
[All the girls laugh]
Tamai. [Trying to hide her hand] 'Tis nought. This morning I was cutting a melon, and the knife slipped.
[All laugh again]
Zuleika. Why do you laugh at her hurt?
Nesta. She hath only told half the tale.
Mehtu. She never knew she had cut herself till we showed her the wound.
Tamai [In distress] Forbear! Forbear!
Zuleika. Come! What is the jest?
Anset. She was wholly lost in gazing
Tamai. Mercy! Mercy!
Zuleika [Angrily] Gazing on whom? Must I grow angered?
Taherer. On my Lord Joseph.
Zuleika [Seizing Tamai's wounded hand, with rage] Thou!
Tamai. [In agony] My hand! My hand!
Zuleika. [Still holding her; fiercely] Thou wast with him anon in the garden!
Tamai. [With sincere sorrow] With Joseph, my lady—? Alas, no!
Zuleika. [With a bitter laugh] That ringeth true. [To the others] Which of you was it, then?
Nesta. Not I.
Taherer. Nor I.
Arilennu. Was he there?
Anset. Had I known he was there
Mehtu. I should have forestalled thee!
[Wakara enters R.]
Zuleika [Eagerly] Wakara!
Wakara. He is here.
Zuleika. Ah—! Bid him wait!
Wakara. [To Joseph] Thou art to wait.
Mehtu [Coming up to him caressingly] Thou—here!
Joseph [Courteously] Where is the lady Zuleika?
Anset [Close to him] What matter Zuleika?—My name is Anset.
Arilennu [Pushing her aside] Little he heedeth thy name! [She puts her head close to his shoulder] Thou shalt not kiss my hair.
Joseph [Simply] God forbid!
Tahrerer. Oh! Oh! . . . Some evil thing hath flown into mine eye! [Putting her face up to his cheek.] I prithee, gentle shepherd, pluck it out!
Nesta [To her] Here is the mirror. Pluck it out, thyself. [To Joseph] Heigho! I am glad I am not thy sister!
Joseph. [Simply] So am I. [To Tamai, who has stood apart, in mute adoration] Art thou hurt?
Tamai [Gasping with happiness at being spoken to] Oh—! It is nothing—my lord!
Joseph. Give me thy hand. Let me see.
Tamai [In an agony of shyness] Nay, it is nothing.
Mehtu. The cunning wretch!
Joseph [Holding Tamai's hand] How came this cut?
Tahrerer. Shall we tell him?
Tamai. [Covering her face with her hands, in a paroxysm of sobs] Cruel! Cruel!
Zuleika. [In the doorway] Begone!
All the Girls [Starting away.] Alas!
Tamai [Kissing the hand Joseph touched] He spoke to me! He touched my hand! [Exit]
Zuleika. [In a low, musical murmur] What seekest thou, son of Jacob?
Joseph. Nay, lady; I come at thy bidding.
Zuleika. Three moons my lord hath been at the wars, and thou hast avoided my presence. Is that the deed of a dutiful servant?
Joseph. I hold it so.
Zuleika. I hold it not so. Why hast thou avoided me?
Joseph. My lord made me overseer of his house: I rest neither by day nor by night.
Zuleika. [Scornfully] I know thy zeal for thy lord. I ask why thou scornest me?
Joseph. I hold my lord's wife in the highest honor. Tell me now what thou hadst me hither to tell me.
Zuleika. Had I ought to tell thee?
Joseph. Why else was I summoned?
Zuleika. I know not. 'Twas nought.
Joseph. Ayof the plot against the Pharaoh.
Zuleika. [Contemptuously] Oh, that!—What is their Pharaoh to us?
Joseph. He is a man: therefore his life must be saved.
Zuleika. Is a man's life so much worth?
Joseph. And Wakara said that my lord Potiphar was in danger.
Zuleika. Wakara was dreaming.
Joseph. Is that not true? Then I take my leave.
Zuleika. Wait. There was another matter. But I cannot remember.
Joseph. My lord's return?
Zuleika. [Indifferently] Ay, perchance.
Joseph. All is ready.
Zuleika. Ay—thou hast toiled by day and night. Take this ring for reward.
Joseph. [Refusing it] I need no reward.
Zuleika. So proud and scornful—yet a slave?
Joseph. A slave only until tomorrow; and my lord hath made the slavery light.
Zuleika. Oh, but I have pitied thee! For I am in the same case.
Joseph. Thou! A great lord's wife!
Zuleika. I am alone in a strange land; as thou art.
Joseph. My lord will be here at dawn.
Zuleika. I shall still be alone.
Joseph. What love can bring, he bring it by himself.
Zuleika. Ay—he! [With an intention] But I?
Joseph. Why did'st thou come, if thou lovest him not?
Zuleika. Did I come of mine own will? Was I not sold hither by my kin—as thou wert? I tell thee, thou and I should cling together!
Joseph. Lord Potiphar is kind.
Zuleika. Kind—kind—! But is that love? Is that freedom?
Joseph. He hath promised me freedom to-morrow.
Zuleika. And so I lose the only friend
Joseph. I should have remembered, and left that unsaid.
Zuleika [Very tenderly] Thou goest hence to thy father and thy mother; to Reuben whom thou lovest—to all the dear, the familiar things of thy childhood. But I abide here; a loveless wife, rent from her gods and her kin; doomed to dwell among the strange faces forever.
Joseph [Earnestly] I pity thee.
Zuleika. Ah! The word is music in mine ear! Come nearernearer—give me thy hand—sit beside mesay thou pitiest me again. Forget thy bondage. We are alone. The house is hushed. Say, Zuleika, I pity thee.
Joseph [Moved] From my heart I pity thee.
Zuleika. Nay, but speak as I bade thee.
Joseph. I pity thee, Zuleika.
Zuleika. Ah! My name on thy lips! When did I last hear such music?
Joseph. Now let me go. The lilies and incense stifle me.
Zuleika [Takes the cup containing the philtre, and bends over him] A cooling draught—drink to thy freedom and mine.
Joseph [Putting it gently aside] It is not fitting the slave should drink with his mistress.
Zuleika. Drink! Drink!
Joseph [Gazing at her half in fear] Thy body bent over me—! Where before have I seen such sinuous grace?
ZULEIKHA: Touch the cup with thy lips!
JOSEPH: Away! My senses reel already! [The vessel is upset.]
ZULEIKHA: [With involuntary violence.] Hapless wretch! What hast thou done?
JOSEPH: Forgive me. Farewell.
ZULEIKHA: Nay, I am not angered. Nay, thou shalt not go. Art thou not in some sort mine? I saved thee from horrible death.
JOSEPH: I have not forgotten.
ZULEIKHA: I fear I saved thee to my sorrow, for thou art glad of thy freedom. Why art thou so glad?
JOSEPH: Is not every man glad of that?
ZULEIKHA: But thine eyes blaze at the word! [Fiercely.] Is there a maid who waiteth for thee in Shechem? [She clasps her hands about his throat.] Lo! I would lock my fingers about her throat as I lock them about thine, and press the life out of her!
JOSEPH: The clinging touch about my throat! Where have I felt it before?
ZULEIKHA: The maid! The maid! Tell me her name, so that I may send out a spell and wither her!
JOSEPH: There is no such maid in Shechem.
ZULEIKHA: Why should I heed her? Why should I be glad there is none? Alas, can'st thou not guess why? —Nay, answer not, lest thou put me to shame!—Yet, if no maid await thee, thou knowest not love, and thou can'st not guess half my sorrow in bondage.
JOSEPH: Wert thou torn from the one thou lovest?
ZULEIKHA: Nay—but the one I love is torn from me.
JOSEPH: That is a riddle!
ZULEIKHA: [She is now in his arms on the couch.] Can'st thou not read the riddle, foolish boy? Oh, see how his cheek burns with anger, when I call him foolish! What? Is my hair hot on thy face? Sweep it back! Nay, boldly! Ho! Its weight bendeth my head.
Joseph. It gleams and glitters—where else have I seen that glittering gleam?
Zuleika. Look into mine eyes.
Joseph. Thine eyes! Thine eyes! Where else have I seen that lambent flame?
Zuleika. Thine eyes burn into mine. [She puts both her hands over his eyes. He sinks back] I veil them with my cool hands.
Joseph. That touch—! Where else have I felt it?
Zuleika. Thy lips are parched—
Joseph. I thirst!—I thirst!
Zuleika. Drink—beloved!
Joseph. The serpent's kiss! Hah! Now I remember! Thy sinuous limbs—I saw them in the well!—Thy shimmering hair—so the serpents shone as they writhed!—Thy flaming eyes—so theirs flamed in the darkness!—Thy fingers about my throat so they coiled about me!
Zuleika. [Approaching him, amazed] Beloved, thou art frenzied!
Joseph. Ay—and my frenzy hath dragged me to shame! How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
Zuleika [Violently, seizing him by the arm] What is thy God to me? I cling to thee! I clutch thee!
Joseph. Farewell!
[He dashes out. Zuleika is on her knees clutching the cloak he has left in her hand. After a moment's stupor she rises to her full height. She raises her hands, grasping the cloak in her left hand and her dagger in her right, to the goddess]
Zuleika. Smite him, thou! Slay him! Art thou a goddess and can'st not blast him? [With a sudden revulsion, she clasps the cloak to her breasts] Nay! I love thee! I love thee! [She sinks on the couch in a frenzy, and stabs and slashes the cloak with her dagger] I would this were thy heart! I would I had let thee rot in thy well! [Another change] Thy lips! Thy lips! [She presses the cloak frantically to her lips]
The Scene Changes
SCENE IV
THE SAME SETTING AS SCENE I
THE CENTRAL HALL IN POTIPHAR'S HOUSE
PERSONS:
Joseph Zuleika Potiphar Wakara Heru Tamai Ani Mehtu Tehuti Anset Menthu Arilennu Imhotep Taherer Nesta
Scene 4—The same setting as Scene 1
Dawn. The excited turmoil of the Slaves, etc. The speakers arrive by different entrances in joyful agitation; but the door at the back remains shut. Blare of trumpets. Confused murmur, as of a great crowd without.
Heru [Entering] The people rush hither to see him!
Mehtu [Rushing in from the garden] What mean the trumpets?
Ani. My lord returneth in triumph.
Tehuti. Summon your mistress.
Anset. What is't? What is't?
Sebni. The Pharaoh himself went forward to meet him.
Arilennu. My lover is with him!
Taherer. And mine! He will bring gifts.
Sebni. Where is my lord Joseph?
Nest [To Tamai, who comes in sadly] Why art thou not merry?
Atha. Joseph should be glad today. He winneth his freedom.
Tamai [To Nesta] Those ye love come; he I love goeth.
Heru. Lo! My lord Joseph!
Joseph. Hail your lord!
Potiphar. A fair greeting! [He raises Joseph and presses him to his heart] Rise, rise, dear youth. [He looks around, amazed] Zuleika?
Joseph. All is well with her, my lord.
Potiphar. [Impatiently] But why not here?
Joseph. The night is scare spent
Potiphar. [Amazed] She sleepeth—? [Turning to face the maids] Arouse her.
Potiphar. Behold! Joseph, that was my bondman, is free. If he will abide with us, I will raise him to great honor! But if not, he shall go hence, burdened with gifts. [He takes off his golden chain and puts it on Joseph's neck] And, for a beginning, wear this chain for my sake.
Joseph. My gracious lord—! Ha! The chain is a token of freedom!
Potiphar. [Turning to Tamai, impatiently] Well? Well?—Zuleika?
Tamai. The door is fast, my lord. There is a noise of weeping within—
Potiphar. Of weeping?—Joseph—! Fear grippeth my heart! [To Tamai] Knock loudly.
Tamai. I hear the rustle of her robes
Potiphar. [Advancing one step towards the door.] Zuleika—!
[The door slowly opens. Zuleika crouches in the embrasure. She has covered herself from her head to her foot in a black veil under which her silver dress gleams. Her hair falls disordered about her. Her face is very white. She brings Joseph's cloak in her hand. Her arms are bare, she has stripped off all her jewels. A gasp of amazement and foreboding goes up from the Crowd.]
Potiphar [Voiceless, staggering towards her] Zuleika!
Zuleika [In her dull, hollow tones] Come no nearer— touch me not—until thou hast avenged
All [Amazed, in a whisper] Avenged—?
Potiphar. [Creeping towards her; in a whisper] What is't? [Then, fiercely] What is't?
Zuleika. [With her eyes fixed on Joseph.] The Hebrew servant
Potiphar. [As if he had received a blow] Joseph—!
Zuleika. [Continuing.] Came in unto me to mock me
Potiphar. [Turns, leaps with a murderous face towards Joseph; some of the bystanders try to restrain him; in a horrible voice] Hold me not! [He stops short] Nay—too swift—too gentle! [He watches Joseph, who stands perfectly still, like a crouching tiger, and speaks without taking his eyes off him] Speak, woman!—Tell all! Tell all!
Zuleika. I lifted up my voice and cried, and he fled and got him away—
Potiphar [In a low growl] He fled and got him away— [Violently] Is it true? Is it true?
Zuleika. He left his garment with me. Know now, whether it be his or no.
Potiphar. Strip him!
Potiphar. Away with the cur! Lest I defile my hands!
Potiphar. [To Zuleika, but without looking at her; in a voice of horrible anticipation] Thou—thou—is there more?
Zuleika [With a magnificent gesture, displaying the dagger in her hand] Should I be on life?
Potiphar. [With a great cry of joy] Zuleika! [He falls at her feet, and kisses the hem of her gown]
Curtain