Page:Joseph and His Brethren A Pageant Play.djvu/66

JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN

Men. How long must I wait for thy love?

Maids. As Jacob waited for Rachel!

[Jacob has watched the dancers with increasing excitement. He has seized Rachel's hand. He has been remembering his youth. Now he suddenly snatches a harp from the player nearest to him, and, rising to his full height and striking a great chord, cries aloud]

Jacob. As Jacob waited for Rachel!—

Issachar [Stopping the dancers.] Peace! Peace! Hear Israel speak!

[Sudden hush. Jacob proceeds in a sort of inspiration, accompanying his speech with the chords on the harp.]

Jacob—

For, lo! I stood by the well at mid-day,
And Rachel came thither with Laban's sheep;
And when I beheld her, I loved her.
I served Laban seven years for Rachel:
Seven years of my life I gave for Rachel:
And Laban gave me Leah to wife.
Leah was tender-eyed:
But Rachel was beautiful and well-favored,
And yet another seven years I served Laban for Rachel.
And Rachel was my wife, and I loved her.
But Rachel bare me no son.
Other sons I had, but my beloved was not their mother.
Then God remembered Rachel
And she bare a son and called his name Joseph.
And tonight, we are gathered to do him honor,
To do him honor whom I love with uttermost love,

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