Page:Joseph and His Brethren A Pageant Play.djvu/85

JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN

[All present salute the letter with great reverence. Potiphar receives it on his knees, in both hands, and devoutly kisses it

Imhotep. Read it.

Potiphar. I am a soldier and no scholar. Let Joseph read.

[He hands the case to Joseph, who receives it with an obeisance. Joseph takes the tablet out of the case, and, holding it flat on the palms of both hands, reads:

Joseph. To my trusted servant, the captain of my hosts, Potiphar, my majesty sendeth greeting. Certain rebellious tribes have arisen in the south, doing grievous hurt to the children of the sun. My majesty hath been very patient, but thereby the rebels have waxed proud, deeming us afraid. Now they are within two days' march. Wherefore my majesty biddeth thee take men and horses to-night and fall upon them swiftly and wipe them utterly from the face of the earth.

[Zuleika's face expresses delight. Commotion among the bystanders]

Potiphar. The King's word shall be obeyed.

Imhotep [Gravely] Friend, I will see thee on thy way.

Potiphar. That shall be to my honor: tomorrow at dawn.

Imhotep. The King's word saith tonight.

Potiphar. Tonight—!

Zuleika [Quietly] Thus thy slave read.

Joseph. [Looking at the tablet] It is tonight.

Potiphar [Beside himself] Hath not the King heard—? Doth he not know—?

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