JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN
Judah. Father, thy blessing!
Jacob. Where is Joseph?
Judah. Where should he be, but safe in thy keeping?
Jacob. I sent him to see whether all was well with you.
Judah. All is well with us, and with the flocks.
Levi. Simeon bringeth great treasure he won from the strangers.
Jacob. But Joseph? Where is Joseph?
Gad. We bring gifts for the lad.
Dan. Bless us, O Father, at the day's end.
Jacob. Why came ye not with the others?
Dan. We stayed to see the flocks folded; for the heavens are overcast, and a storm cometh up from the north.
Bilhah. I saw the clouds rising, and I feared the storm.
Jacob. But why tarrieth Joseph?—And Reuben?—where is my first-born?
Levi. Perchance they are together.
Rachel. Ay! For I bade Joseph cling to Reuben.
Jacob. Ah! Well-remembered! My heart grew heavy!
Simeon. Bless me, O Israel!
Jacob [Rises] The wily Simeon! How fared the day?
Simeon. Oh, well! Oh, marvelous well! Gad and Asher bent under the burden of the riches I won for us.
Jacob. And Joseph? Where is he?
Simeon. I was about to ask thee; for I bring a gift
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