Page:Joseph and His Brethren A Pageant Play.djvu/86



IMHOTEP: [With grave surprise and reproof] Friend —the King's word is waiting—

POTIPHAR: [Helpless.] Ay—ay—I come. [With an outburst of fury:] And when I come upon the rebels, the very gods of cruelty shall pity them!

[Furiously he snatches at the weapons and armor his slaves hurriedly bring him. ZULEIKHA watches him, demurely amused]

JOSEPH: My lord, let me fight at thy side.

[ZULEIKHA is startled and anxious.]

POTIPHAR: [With a touch of contempt.] Thou, shepherd of Dothan? Nay, there shall be deeds no shepherd may look upon.

JOSEPH: [Hotly.] I fought with my brothers against Shechem!

POTIPHAR: I have other work for thee!—

JOSEPH: [With increasing heat.] My lord promised—

POTIPHAR: I promised thee freedom—[Gently.] but now, Joseph, I crave a boon.

JOSEPH: [Abashed.] My lord—! Do with me as thou wilt.

POTIPHAR: Fighters I have as the sands of the desert, but no friend I love as I love thee. Ah! thou shalt lose nought by granting my request. Lo! I make thee lord of my household while I am at the war, and whatever is mine I put in thy charge. Maidens and men, ye hear?

HERU: We hear and obey.

POTIPHAR: [With his hand on Joseph's shoulder] But, chiefest, I commit to thy keeping the lady Zuleikha. Joseph—Joseph—watch over her as though thou wert myself.