Page:Joseph and His Brethren A Pageant Play.djvu/133



[Meanwhile the hall has gradually filled with the PRIESTS, MAGICIANS, SOOTHSAYERS, NOBLES and LADIES.] [Enter TEHUTI, at the right side, in the robes of state, preceded by the four TRUMPETERS.]

DEDEFRE. Lo! Tehuti! The Pharaoh approacheth.

[As the TRUMPETERS reach the inner aisle, they blow a long flourish. [In unison] The CROWD fall into a sort of rough order.]

TEHUTI. Behold, Usertesen, the Pharaoh, King of the South, King of the North, King of Kings, draweth near. On your faces all! Hail the King!

[Meanwhile a band of SOLDIERS has marched across the stage in quick time and taken up a position behind the throne]

[Now the PHARAOH enters; an imposing, awe-striking figure. NOBLES follow him; two with great palm-fans. He strides majestically up the steps of the throne, taking no notice of the CROWD. He sits on the throne. His hands rest on his knees; his face is set; he looks straight before him. Meanwhile the crowd murmurs with a sort of subdued awe]

CROWD. Long life to the Pharaoh! Hail, Pharaoh!— May the King live forever!

[As soon as the PHARAOH is seated the CROWD rises, and quietly sorts itself out into its component parts, so that for a moment the stage is a bewildering kaleidoscope. Then the PRIESTS, the MAGICIANS, the SOOTHSAYERS, the SOLDIERS, the NOBLES, AND the LADIES, etc., are in separate groups.