Page:Joseph and His Brethren A Pageant Play.djvu/46



SIMEON: [To the others.] Then the stranger will bid and bid, until he hath bidden—what they are worth.

JOSEPH: Simeon, thou art jesting.

SIMEON: I seek not thy counsel, dreamer!

JOSEPH: Thou wilt not do this evil thing!

SIMEON: Will I not? Stand by, and watch.

JOSEPH: [Hotly.] I will not stand by silently.

SIMEON: [Edging him towards the pit.] What wilt thou do, dreamer, what will thou do?

JOSEPH: I will cry aloud: These wares he got for a drink of water!

SIMEON: Ay, and what else? What else?

JOSEPH: And if that will not serve, our father Jacob shall hear of it.

SIMEON: Ay? Wilt thou report of me?

THE BROTHERS: [Closing in on JOSEPH, SO that he is forced towards the well.] And of me? And of me?

JOSEPH: Reuben! Reuben!

THE BROTHERS: [Cries.] Out on the dreamer! Death! Death!

JOSEPH: Reuben!

SIMEON. Anon thou wast thirsty—go! seek water!

JOSEPH. Reuben!

''[He screams as he falls backward into the pit. A long pause of horror.]''

JUDAH: Simeon—what hast thou done?

SIMEON: Sent him where he cannot tell tales.

LEVI: Is the boy—dead?

DAN: I dare not look!

ISSACHAR: Nor I.

SIMEON: I am not so faint-hearted. [He gazes into the pit.] I cannot see him.

JUDAH: [Listening.] Hark—No sound.—Alas! The boy is dead!