JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN
Joseph. Never again, if I will be thy love.
Asenath. How might that be?
Joseph [Playfully] That I cannot tell thee, till I know whether I be thy love or no.
Asenath [Imitating him] That I cannot tell thee, till I know whether I be thy love or no.
Joseph [Drawing her to him] Lie on my heart, and feel it beat against thine.
Asenath [Folding her arms about his neck] Thou art my love and my life. [Joseph draws her gently to the bower]
Joseph. Radiant and white art thou, as the snows on Mount Carmel.
Asenath. Radiant and strong art thou, as the sungod.
Joseph. I am lost in thee; I am dazed by thy beauty; I am stricken with awe by thy youth and innocence. [Very gently; taking her hands] Beloved—to-morrow—
Asenath [Surprised] Thou holdest me afar off.
Joseph. Let me speak of serious things.
Asenath. Is not love a serious thing?
Joseph. It is of love I speak.
Asenath. I cannot hear thee so far away.
Joseph. I cannot speak when thou art nearer.
Asenath. Oh, speak quickly, then.
Joseph. To-morrow at dawn my lord returneth, and I shall be free. My first errand will be to thy father.
Asenath [Chilled] My father—! [She moves away]
Joseph. Nay, Asenath, not so far!
Asenath. Thou hast brought broad day into our sheltering night.
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