Asenath. [Frightened] Hush!—The maidens—
Joseph. [Bitterly] Ay—I had forgotten again. Ho! I am here but to stir the incense poisoning God's air!
Asenath. Zuleika will ever have it so. I think God's air poisoneth her.
Joseph. Dost thou, too, feel the dread? Where she walketh I think the flowers wither. Look; these are failing already.
Asenath. [Hushed] They say she hath led many men to their deaths.
Joseph. Then that is the evil spell about her: the dead men walk at her side.
Asenath. She is very fair.
Joseph. Her beauty blindeth and burneth: it is unspeakable.
Asenath. [Hurt by his words] Alas—!
Joseph. There is only one shield against it.
Asenath. What is that?
Joseph. Love.
Sebni. [At the door R.] My lord Potiphar draweth nigh.
Asenath. And the bride?
Sebni. Later. The lord of the house must be here to receive her.
Joseph. [To Asenath] Come! We will meet them on the threshold.
Mehtu. Asenath is gone with the Canaanite!
Anset. I would go with him to the end of the world!
