Page:Joseph and His Brethren A Pageant Play.djvu/77

Potiphar [To Joseph] Thy shoulder, boy. Her beauty turneth my heart to water. I am afraid of too great joy.

Joseph. May the joy last forever, my lord.

Potiphar. Thou art too young—thou knowest not love.

Joseph. I knew it not till I was brought hither. But now—

Potiphar. What! Tell me her name—

Joseph. A bondman can breathe no names—

Potiphar [Embracing him] Ask what thou wilt—

Joseph [Eagerly] My lord—

Potiphar [Seeing the bridal procession] Nay!— Nay!—Away!—Zuleika!

[Enter Minstrels, playing upon their instruments, then Ladies, and, lastly, preceded by the six Girls, who strew flowers before her, Zuleika, with Asenath by her side, and with Wakara following her. Zuleika is in a magnificent bridal dress. She comes forward towards Potiphar, but her eyes are fixed on Joseph, who is standing behind his master]

Potiphar [To the minstrels] Cease your minstrelsy!

Zuleika. My lord—

[She bows low]

Potiphar [To all present] I bid you all a kind farewell.

Menthu [Leading forward Asenath] Farewell, great warrior.

Joseph [Motioning to the Slaves and Maidens to go. To Potiphar] Farewell, my lord.

Potiphar. Ah! I am grown selfish in my joy. [To All] Stay, friends.