Page:Joseph and His Brethren A Pageant Play.djvu/36




 * What is this robe of manhood and authority?


 * Not one of us hath it.


 * Over whom hath he authority?


 * Not over me, for one.


 * Our father will make him his heir.


 * [To Reuben.] First-born of his heart! Reuben, did'st thou hear?


 * [Soothingly.] Peace! Peace!


 * O Father—Mother—O my brothers! Ye have wrapped me about with love. Yea, and the blessing wherewith ye blessed me is already granted by God.


 * What now?


 * For lo, the dream I told my father at dawn is fulfilled. Sun, moon, and stars—you, my beloved— have bowed to me.


 * Ha!


 * [Gravely.] My son.

. Not as to a greater than yourselves. What am I, O Israel, in thy presence? Or who am I among these mighty sons of a mighty father?—Nay, but as the sun boweth to the earth to make her fruitful; as the moon boweth to shine on the young lambs; as the stars bow to gladden the waters; so have ye bowed to me with blessings and the gift of your love.

. Cunningly twisted!

. True son of his father!

. But he shall not win my birthright for a mess of soft words.


 * Now the day's labor summoneth us. What new thing is there, Reuben?


 * Asher telleth of a strange woman from