JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN
places on the burning incense. From another vessel, also hanging on the tripod, she takes incense which she throws into the burner. The smoke rises thicker and green flames shoot through it. Then she stands with her extended arms before the goddess] Astarte, protectress of hapless women who ache with unfulfilled love, hear me, be near me, guide my hand as I brew the draught— [She throws the ingredients into the vessel; it hisses and sends up a puffy cloud of fresh steam] thus!—and thus! And thus! [She spreads her hands, palm downwards, over the vessel] Sear his eyes with my beauty—make his heart like the potter's clay in my hands—set an unquenchable thirst upon his lips— [With her thumbs touching, and her palms outwards, she raises her hands towards the goddess] Great Goddess of Love!—Goddess of the thousand names!— I call thee!—I summon thee! Fill the cup with thy poison. [The brew in the vessel boils over with hissings and splutterings, while the flames dance about it; she lifts the vessel off the tripod] Ha! [She pours the brew into a golden beaker standing on one of the little tables] Drink this with me, lover, and let come what will! [Fiercely to Wakara, who enters L.] Well?
Wakara [Throwing herself at Zuleika's feet] Dread Mistress
Zuleika [Eagerly] He is close at thy heels—?
Wakara. Hear me, lady!
Zuleika. He is coming anon, when the night is deeper—!
Wakara. He is not coming!
Zuleika. What! [After a momentary pause, she seizes Wakar by the throat in a paroxysm of fury] Thou liest! Thou liest! Thou hast not borne my message! Wretched slave, thou hast not seen him! [Throws her off] Well! Speak! Speak!
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