Page:Joseph and His Brethren A Pageant Play.djvu/142

 hardly stand. He looks around half fiercely and half frightened, like a captured beast. The PHARAOH has risen at JOSEPH'S entrance.] TEHUTI [To JOSEPH] Fear nought; come!

[JOSEPH sees the PHARAOH.]

JOSEPH. [Scarcely articulate.] The Pharaoh!

[He stretches his skeleton of a hand towards the PHARAOH in appeal, and advances, with his great, glowing eyes fixed on him.]

PHARAOH. Alas—! Nay, I will come down to thee!

[The CROWD murmurs its wonder at this. The PHARAOH comes down three steps. JOSEPH has reached the throne and makes as if to kneel.]

PHARAOH. Let him not kneel.

[The SOLDIERS keep JOSEPH up.] PHARAOH. Set meat before him—give him to drink.

[The SERVANTS are about to fulfil this order, but JOSEPH has spoken first.]

JOSEPH. [With an effort.] Nay—nay! I lack nothing—God was with me in the prison.

PHARAOH. [Still standing.] Can'st thou hear me?

JOSEPH. Oh, very well, great King!

PHARAOH. What is thy name?

JOSEPH. [Radiantly carrying his memory back.] When I led my father's flocks to pasture, my name was Joseph.

PHARAOH. I have heard say of thee that thou can'st understand a dream to interpret it.

JOSEPH. It is not in me.—God shall give the Pharaoh an answer of peace.

[The CROWD has closed in again, but the curtains