Page:Joseph and His Brethren A Pageant Play.djvu/115

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—?

[Joseph is as much amazed as the others]

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—!

[Joseph starts, but at once he masters himself]

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.

[She has come down in front of Potiphar. She flings the cloak at his feet. With a cry of rage, he crushes it under his foot]