Page:Joseph and His Brethren A Pageant Play.djvu/108

JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN

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.

[She twines her arms about his neck and lays her head on his breast]

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!

[She bends over him and kisses him long on the lips. Suddenly, with a cry of intense horror, he breaks away from her]

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?

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