SIMEON: [To the others.] Then the stranger will bid and bid, until he hath bidden—what they are worth.
JOSEPH: Simeon, thou art jesting.
SIMEON: I seek not thy counsel, dreamer!
JOSEPH: Thou wilt not do this evil thing!
SIMEON: Will I not? Stand by, and watch.
JOSEPH: [Hotly.] I will not stand by silently.
SIMEON: [Edging him towards the pit.] What wilt thou do, dreamer, what will thou do?
JOSEPH: I will cry aloud: These wares he got for a drink of water!
SIMEON: Ay, and what else? What else?
JOSEPH: And if that will not serve, our father Jacob shall hear of it.
SIMEON: Ay? Wilt thou report of me?
THE BROTHERS: [Closing in on JOSEPH, SO that he is forced towards the well.] And of me? And of me?
JOSEPH: Reuben! Reuben!
THE BROTHERS: [Cries.] Out on the dreamer! Death! Death!
JOSEPH: Reuben!
SIMEON. Anon thou wast thirsty—go! seek water!
JOSEPH. Reuben!
[He screams as he falls backward into the pit. A long pause of horror.]
JUDAH: Simeon—what hast thou done?
SIMEON: Sent him where he cannot tell tales.
LEVI: Is the boy—dead?
DAN: I dare not look!
ISSACHAR: Nor I.
SIMEON: I am not so faint-hearted. [He gazes into the pit.] I cannot see him.
JUDAH: [Listening.] Hark—No sound.—Alas! The boy is dead!