Page:Joseph and His Brethren A Pageant Play.djvu/144



[The CROWD stir. The idea among the PRIESTS, etc., is "What will JOSEPH make of that?"]

[JOSEPH stands with his hands tightly interlocked and pressed close against his breast, his face turned upward and his eyes wildly staring. Just as the murmur of the CROWD behind him begins to assert itself, his voice rings clear above it. He speaks in a sort of ecstasy and the words pour forth rapidly as if he had no control over them.]

JOSEPH. The dream of the Pharaoh is one.

[The CROWD is arrested, and listens eagerly.]

JOSEPH. [Quietly but rapidly] God hath shewed the Pharaoh what He is about to do. The seven good kine are seven years, and the seven good ears are seven years: the dream is one. And the seven thin and ill-favoured kine that came up after them are seven years; and the seven empty ears blasted with the wind shall be seven years of famine. [Horror of the CROWD.] This is the thing which I have spoken unto the Pharaoh: What God is about to do He sheweth unto the Pharaoh. [With increased dignity and intensity.] Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout the land of Egypt—[The CROWD gives a silent "Ah!" of joy; JOSEPH continues, sternly.] And then shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land; and the plenty shall not be remembered in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous. [The CROWD in distress. JOSEPH proceeds with impressive and authoritative power.] And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice [He turns and faces the PHARAOH, who is leaning forward with breathless