Page:Joseph and His Brethren A Pageant Play.djvu/145

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attention.] it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass!

PHARAOH. [Sternly.] Is there more wisdom in thee than in all the wise men of Egypt?

JOSEPH. [With humble dignity.] It is not in me. It is God.

MENTHU. [Stepping forward.] O King, wilt thou believe him so lightly?

ANSU. Bid him show thee a sign and a token.

IRI. Thou shalt see his God is powerless!

PHARAOH. [Gravely.] Ay!—Joseph, how shall I know thy words are true? [The CROWD eager.] JOSEPH. While I speak, behold, a great sorrow falleth upon the King, and still while I speak, cometh a great joy.

[The CROWD turned to each other in amazement.]

MENTHU [Triumphant] Behold, O King—!

[Suddenly a great wail of mourning women is heard off the right.]

[T PHARAOH leaps to his feet. The CROWD, at the right, rushed across to the left in fear. The PRIESTS, etc., come down to the right at the front. JOSEPH stands still.]

PHARAOH. What is that wailing of women?

[Enter a physician, at the right side, and throws himself at the PHARAOH'S feet.]

PHARAOH. Speak! Speak!

PHYSICIAN. Great Pharaoh, thy little son is dead.

[The PHARAOH quivers, but stands firm. The CROWD gives a great cry of horror, which merges into a