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JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN
Simeon. Issachar! Issachar! How much more of this insolence shall I suffer!
[Enter Levi]
Levi. These youths wax turbulent. Our father Jacob shall have a word for them!
Gad [With a mock bow] The solemn Levi! Brothers!
[Enter Zebulun]
[The sons of Leah: Simeon, Levi and Judah are together on one side of the stage with their retinues, the other brothers face them]
Zebulun. Why have our elders such frowning faces?
Gad. Hush, Zebulun! Oh, hush! Levi is about to speak!
Levi. And a blow shall follow the word!
[An angry roar was being heard from both sides. The Attendants on either side make ready their weapons; spears, slings and stones, bows and arrows]
[Asher comes hurriedly down the center]
Asher. Brothers! Great news!
[The quarrel is arrested]
Levi. What news, son of Zilpah?
Gad. Whence runnest thou, Asher?
Asher. I come from the fringe of the desert. Thither came a swarthy runner, seeking a well. For far in his wake, he said, followed a mighty train
Simeon [Anxiously] Thou showd'st him no well!
Asher. Ay, but I did
[All give a cry of anger]
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