JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN
Dan. Have I naught? Have I no gems in which the sun is imprisoned?
Gad. I, then! Spices and sweet ointments!
Issachar [Aggressively] This is not for the sons of handmaids.
Asher. Shall I bring you the news, and have no reward?
Judah. Is it battle between us? Have you forgotten how we slew the men of Shechem?
Simeon. So will we deal with you also!
Gad. We fought, while ye prated!
Levi. On your heads be it, then!
Reuben. Peace—peace, I say!—I, Reuben, the eldest-born, speak!
All [Falling apart, and with respect] Reuben!
Reuben [Sternly] Are ye the brood of Cain, that each would have his brother's blood, on the day our Father Jacob hath set apart as a day of rejoicing?
Judah. Twice have I heard the day named as a day of rejoicing. What is the day?
Reuben. Have ye forgotten? Today, Rachel's eldest-born son hast cometh to manhood.
Judah. Joseph!
All. Joseph!—The dreamer—The upstart!
Simeon. No day of rejoicing for us.
Dan. Rather a day of dust and ashes.
Asher [Eagerly] Brothers! No word of my news to Joseph!
Issachar. He would turn it to his own good.
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