JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN
Nineveh, journeying with a great following into Egypt. They will reach our wells in Dothan anon.
Jacob: Go thither. Take the fruits and the rich woven stuffs and whatsoever the wayfarers need, and barter with them.
Gad: [Laughing.] The strangers are hard to deal with: Simeon shall do the bartering.
Jacob: [With a smile.] That will be to our increase. And to-night we will have feasting and song and merrymaking in Joseph's honor; and he shall come in among us to the sound of music; and I will place him in the high seat by my side, and show him to all my house, as my well-beloved son; and ye shall all bring your gifts.
Reuben: [To the SERVANTS.] Make ready!
[The Servants lead on the donkeys. Others bring the bales and the packages which they load on the backs of the donkeys. All this is done well at the back of the scene.]
Simeon: [To the others.] Did you hear? We are to bring gifts!
Dan: Who feasted, or made merry for us?
Issachar: Or who brought us gifts?
Gad: This Joseph is as a nettle against our skin.
Naphtali: AS a viper in the young grass.
Zebulun: Let us take counsel against him.
Asher: Ay; but let not Reuben hear us.
[With an obeisance to Jacob they all go out. The beasts are led off. The Slaves follow. The Women and the Children go up to watch them off, Jacob, Rachel and Joseph are alone.]
Jacob: Joseph
Joseph: Ay, Father.
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