Zuleika. Joseph is in his house.
Simeon. But he knoweth I seek him!
Zuleika. He mocketh thee. He cannot disclose Joseph, for whatever he hath, he hath from Joseph. His wisdom is Joseph's; his reading of dreams is Joseph's. Yea, he hath even wedded the woman Joseph loved. How can he disclose him?
Simeon. He knoweth me for Joseph's brother—why hath he not slain me? Why did he not slay us all when we were here?
Zuleika. Were ye all here?
Simeon. All, save Benjamin.
Zuleika. Why art thou a hostage?
Simeon. That Benjamin may be brought.
Zuleika. When Benjamin is brought, then shall ye all be slain, for then
Simeon. Then what?
Zuleika. Then no avenger can arise—unless
Simeon. Unless?
Zuleika. Wilt thou suffer the slayer to live?
Simeon. Woman!
Zuleika. Wilt thou not free thy brother?
Simeon. Egypt loveth the man—worshipeth him as a god—the Nobles—Pharaoh himself
Zuleika [Laughing] Thinkest thou the Pharaoh loveth him? Who is the king in Egypt? Not the Pharaoh, but this upstart. Do the Nobles love him, whose gold, whose cattle, whose lands and whose bodies he hath taken for a peck of corn? Strike! and Egypt shall call thee the Deliverer! [She throws off her veil]
Simeon. Woman! Thine eyes blaze through the night!
Zuleika. Strike! And thou shalt see them blaze with another flame!
