JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN
Jacob. Ay, for he was troubled with visions God had sent him in the morning watch.
Issachar. [Hotly] So are we, troubled with his visions!
Jacob. Know ye what he dreamed?
Gad. Ay. Reuben made haste to tell us.
Levi. Is the boy to be set above us?
Judah. [Kneels] My lord, we have toiled for thee, watching thy flocks day and by night, warding off ravening beasts, and tending the young lambs. Moreover, when thy herds grew more in number than the sands of the sea, we fought for new pastures and would have laid down our lives for thee. The men of Shechem can tell of the weight of our blows. What hath Joseph done, that thou lovest him more than us?
Simeon. We have bought and sold for thee, not thinking of our own gain, but ever to strengthen thy hands. What hath Joseph done?
Gad. Set thy face towards us, as it is towards Joseph.
Dan. We weary of Joseph's name!
Rachel. [To Jacob] My lord, shall the son of my handmaid speak scornfully of my first-born?
Bilhah. Dan is the elder, my lord!
Rachel. [To her] Out on thee!
Jacob. [To Benjamin] Bid Joseph come. [Benjamin runs out] Woe upon you all, that ye speak evil of your brother in his absence. [He sees Joseph] My son, come hither.
Joseph. [Making obeisance—not kneeling—to Jacob] Here I am, my lord.
Rachel. Joseph! My beloved!
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