Class, PSg JSr COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. "" " j The Story of Asenath Daughter of Potipherah, High Priest of On By John Willy Copyright 1913 by John Willy The Author reserves all rights for stage presenta- tion of The Story of Asenath f \ -- _L PUBUSHED BY The Hotel Monthly 443 South Dearborn Street, Chicago ^ ^^iJ^ ^^^^'^ Genesis XLI, 45v. And Pharaoh called Joseph's name Zaphnath-paaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potiphe- rah priest of On. >Ci.A35i268 Introduction iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuniiiiiiiii The play, "The Story of Asenath, Daughter of Potiphera, High Priest of On," was written by me during the years, 1884 and 1885, and submitted for criticism to Frank B. Wilkie, managing editor of the Chicago Times, and John McGovern, journahst, who at that time was treasurer of the Chicago Press Club. Later, it was submitted to Cornelius Gardner, of the Chi- cago Evening Journal, who submitted it to Richard Mansfield. Also, it was submitted to others for their criticism. The play has remained in manuscript these twenty-eight years, and its publication in book form at this time is condi- tional that the rights for its presentation on any stage be reserved to the sanction of the author. The inspiration for this play was a desire to provide for near relatives who are blind, should accident befall me. The same motive prevails today. The characters who become blind in the play, and whose sight is restored, is a message of hope to the blind. JOHN WILLY THE STOEY OF ASENATH I III iiiiiiiiinniiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiNiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiittiiiiiiiiiiiiinitiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiw THE STORY OF ASENATH A Drama in Five Acts Pharaoh king of Egypt , PoTiPHERAH .... priest of On PoTiPHAR captain of Pharaoh's army Joseph 1 steward of Potiphar's household Zaphnath-paaneah j ruler of Egypt Felix butler to Pharaoh Og servant to Potiphar NuABA a story-teller, and father of Og Amos a surgeon Basil an acolyte and secret messenger for Potipherah Page master of ceremonies, king's pal- ace BoLAN captain of a ]\lidianite band of traders Jarez lieutenant of Bolan's band Captain in charge of the king's prison Oah king's constable First Officer Second Officer First ]\Iessenger Second Messenger First Sentry Second Sentry Physician Asenath priestess of Isis and daughter of Potipherah Zillah a priestess and companion to Asenath Priests, priestesses, acolytes, singers, dancers, sol- diers, citizens, robbers, slaves, etc., etc. in the king's service ACT I., SCENE I THE STORY OF ASEX\TH ACT r SCENE 1 The caravan of Bolan, a Midianitish merchant of Damas- cus, is returning from a journey into Egypt. The first rest is deing taken under a grove of trees hy the roadside, ten miles distant from the royal city of Meres, and about two miles from On, the dwelling place of the High Priest of the Sun. It is nearly time to resume the journey. Bolan is in conversation ivith his lieutenant, Jarez. Bolan : — I tell thee, Jarez, this is my last journey into Egypt. Jarez: — INIethinks thy wits belie thee, Bolan. 'Twas but yesterday and thou did'st bargain to bring cedar wood for Pharaoh. Bolan : — Ay, and that bargain would bring us wealth, Jarez ; but I tell thee again : this is my last journey into Egypt. Jarez : — And why thy last, Bolan ? Bolan: — Dost thou remember Joseph — old Jacob's brat — • whom I bought of his brothers and sold to Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's army? Jarez : — Ay, I remember him well ; a comely brat. Thou bought 'st him for twenty pieces of silver; and Poti- phar gave thee for him fifty pieces of silver and, a monkey — a blue-faced monkey. Ay, I remember. 'Twas fifteen years agone or more ; but 'twas a good trade, Bolan, a good trade ! Bolan : — 'Twas an evil business, Jarez, and bad fortune hath followed it. Did I not lose the silver by the way? and did not the ape kill my first born babe? My caravan then was thirty men, ten camels and fifty asses ; now 'tis but six men and yon few beasts. 'Twas an evil business. The brat hath saddled a curse on me. Jarez : — Thou hast a fit of melancholy, Bolan. 'Tis the food of the Egyptians that rebels in thy stomach and giveth thee ugly dreams. Hie thee home and 6 THE STOEY OF ASENATH act i., scene i. llililiiiiiiiNiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniinitiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiw the good wine of Midian will restore thee a cheerful countenance. BoLAN : — Hold thy prattle ! This Joseph is a curse. To-day he cost me spices valued at three hundred pieces of silver. Jarez : — What sayest thou ? BoLAN : — This morn I did go to the house of Potiphar bear- ing the costly spices of Ind. Potiphar 's wife did look on them with favor, and would have bought; then calling the steward of the household did bid him pay me three hundred pieces of silver. The steward of Potiphar 's household is Joseph — Jarez : — Joseph ! BoLAN: — Ay: old Jacob's son, whom Potiphar hath ad- vanced, giving to him power and authority. Joseph did know me, called me by name, and then did make himself known ; whereat my knees trembled. Then, taking a whip, he did belabor me unmercifully, voic- ing himself that I and my caravan leave the land ere nightfall and not to again visit Egypt under j)ain of being publicly whipped by negroes and to have my caravan confiscate. His face showed so terrible an anger that I tied the house, leaving my spices and taking not the price of them. This Joseph is now powerful and can work us harm. Jarez : — Thou hast indeed cause to fear. BoLAN: — Are the beasts well rested? We must speed our journey. Jarez: — I will burden the drivers to make ten miles ere sundown. BoLAN: — Stay, Jarez. See'st thou those women coming from yon vineyard? Are they not priestesses? Jarez : — They be, and they come this way. BoLAN : — We have done many a foul piece of business together, Jarez. I am tempted to one more and this for the last time. These women be sacred persons, and bear about them jewels of priceless value. To lift hand of violence against these women is by law of Egypt certain death. We can commit the crime and escape the penalty. Let us waylay them, rob them, divide the spoils and flee the land ere pursuers can o'ertake us. Jarez : — Good ! ACTI,S(^^ET THE STORY OF ASENATII 7 BOLAN : — Instruct the men. There be three women — two men to a woman. When they pass here rush upon them, bind them firmly and I will tear the jewels from their bodies. Quick, Jarez ; they are near- ing us. Jarez : — {Aside) We are trusty knaves. {Exit Jarez) BoLAN: — This is desperate work. I almost fear me of its success. But my men are equal to't. This bag will hold the spoils. They be almost here. That's right, my men ; lie low ; make quick attack ; when I snap the finger, jump. Tlie attack is made; the women scream, hut they are easily overpowered and their mouths silenced hy rude hands. Bolan busies himself stnpping jewels from arms anel necJis. Suddenly the men see strangers approaching and they run away. Joseph rushes in, followed hy several soldiers. He cap- tures and recognizes Bolan.) Joseph: — {To Bolan) Miserable whelp! thy doom is sealed. {To soldiers) Bind this cur! {To otJicr soldiers) Ezel, Ak, Baylum, Napri, Lotur, Bel! {pointing toward the fleeing rohhers) take those fellows dead or alive and report with them at On tonight. {Exit six soldiers after the rohhers. Joseph ad- dresses those who are hinding Bolan.) Set a heavy burden on this fellow's shoulders and drive him before you. {He picks up the hag containing the jewels that Bolan had taken from the priestesses and advances towards Asenath. He hands her the hag.) {To Asenath) Priestess, thy servant. Asenath : — Our thanks to thee, sir. Thou did'st arrive in timely season for i'escue. Joseph: — I would we had arrived in season to thwart the attack. Asenath : — How came you so suddenly upon the scene ? Joseph : — We journeyed from Meres, and as we did round yon hill, coming into view, did see the villains fall upon you. Thou knowest the rest. Asenath : — I pray thee, sir, tell me thy name and occupa- tion, that I may speak it unto my father. 8 THE STORY OF ASENATH act i., scene i. iiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiitiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiw 1 1 in in i iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Joseph : — My name, fair Priestess, is Joseph. Thy servant is steward of the house of Potiphar, the captain of the king's army. AsENATH : — Thou art brave enough to be captain of the king's army thyself. Joseph : — I did but as all men should do. AsENATH : — Sir, I would thank thee with more than words. Take this ring, and if aught befall thee, send it by a trusted messenger to Asenath, daughter of Potiphe- rah. Priest of On. It will keep thee under the sacred protection of the Priesthood of Egypt. {SJic takes a ring from hcv finger anel gives him. He kisses her hand.) Farewell, good sir. Joseph : — And art thou Asenath ? Asenath : — I am. Joseph: — My company is bound for thy father's house. Wilt thou accept our protection? With me is a chariot which my master doth send asking thy father's acceptance. Let Asenath and her women ride in the chariot. Asenath : — Sir, thy speech liecometh a prince. We will ride in the chariot. Joseph : — Thou shalt ride as becomes a princess, and my men shall cry "bow the knee" before thee. Asenath: — [To her maielens) Zillah, we will journey home. Noe, thou shalt be charioteer — ( To Joseph ) Sir, we are dutiful. (Exit) ACT I., SCENE II. THE STORY OF ASENATH 9 1IIIIIIIII iiiiiiiiiii iiiiiinii I iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiii inn i innnni nnnntn uinunnnnuinnnnnn ninuuinnnnnnnnininuinnnnununnninni ACT 1 SCENE 2 The place of audience and public ivorship in the Temple of Isis at On. It is a roofless court, built foursquare and paved ivith marble. Colonnades of massive granite pillars extend along the sides of the court. On a dais at the east side of the court is a picture of the goddess Isis done in a combination of metals and precious stones curiously inlaid in a block of marltle. On the north side of the court there is a chair of state, used by the High Priest on all occasions, except during the Feast of Isis, when it is occupied by the King. There is no sculpture of any kind in the court. Many of the pillars are covered ivith writings graved into the stone. It is the morning after the rescue of Asenath. The High Priest is seated. Priests and acolytes stand about him on either side and behind. Joseph stands in front, while his men bring in the presents ivhich Potiphar had sent in his charge. Asenath and Zillah stand a short distance off. Asenath : — See, Zillah, how proudly he carries himself ! Is he not handsome? Did'st ever see so perfect a form? Zillah : — He hath a noble form. Asenath : — His head, how truly balanced ! Did'st ever see so shapely a head, Zillah ? Zillah: — 'Tis a well formed head. Asenath : — Note his eyes, Zillah. Methinks they are soft as a gazelle's; piercing as an eagle's; bright as the evening star! Did'st ever see such wonderful eyes, Zillah? Zillah : — They are wonderfully keen. Asenath : — See how gracefully he moves. Mark his step ; the turn of his hand; those rounded limbs; those arms ! Dost note his color, Zillah ? How clear his skin ! See how his rich blood mantles ! Is he not a man to love, Zillah? Zillah : — He hath charmed Asenath. Asenath: — Answer me, Zillah: Is he not a man to love? Zillah : — He hath all the qualities that do charm the eye. Asenath : — Rememberst thou, Zillah, when I did give him the ring? I did but touch his little finger and my 10 THE STOEY OF ASENATH act i., scene ii. II n iiNiiiiii iiiinii I Ill I iiiiiiiiiiii nil ill niiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiii iiiiii iiii i i ii iiii iiiii ii iiii iiii iiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiii whole body was thrilled with pleasurable sensation! When he did kiss my hand, 0, Zillah ! Let us draw near him, Zillah, that we may hear the music of his words. Joseph : — {To Potipherah) Potipherah, great and learned priest, my master, Potiphar, sends greetings unto thee, and doth entreat thou wilt accept the peace offerings which are now before thee. Potipherah: — Thy master hath our love, therefore will I accept. Joseph : — Thy love he treasures. Thy gracious acceptance of his gifts is surety of thy love. Potipherah : — Is thy master well ? Joseph : — He hath robust health. Potipherah : — Sent he any request by thee ? Joseph: — But one, my lord. He doth even now lead an army to the country of the rebellious Hamites, and asketh thy prayers in his behalf, that he may return victorious and with much spoils. Potipherah : — I will invoke Osiris to fight his l^attles. {Rises and examines the cliariot) Tell me, if thou knowest, where thy master did procure this matchless etiariot. Joseph : — ]\Iy lord, it is the chariot of Nim, the king of Ethiop, whom my master did slay with his own arm in battle. Potipherah: — Can'st thou relate the circumstances of the battle ; the death of Nim, and the taking of the chariot ? Joseph : — From the soldiers I have heard the story, but I lack words to picture it unto thee as it was told me. Potipherah : — I would hear thy account of it : Speak. {Potipherak resumes his seat) Joseph : — The armies of Egypt and Ethiop met at Bo-afra where the river hath two channels. The army of Egypt numbered ten thousand trained warriors. The army of Ethiop was a countless horde. Potiphar ranged his men along a hillside facing another hill on which Ethiop 's army did await attack. Between the armies was a plain of two bow-shots in width. Nim and his people did mock and rail at our men, saying: "Pharaoh hath sent his women to fight. Where be the men of Egypt? Be they not afraid?" Potiphar did call his officers about him and did A«TI., SCENEii. THE STORY OF ASENATH 11 iiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii^ iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiu nil instruct them in a daring plan of attack. Then com- manded he that should any of his men turn their backs upon the enemy, their lives should be sacrificed and their wives and children sold into bondage. While he was yet speaking, Nim, mounted in his chariot, did approach to midway of the plain, and, calling in a loud voice, heard by both armies, did challenge to single combat the leader whom Pharaoh had sent against him. My master did accept the challenge forthwith, and, calling for his white charger, vaulted onto its back and galloped towards the enemy. Quick as thought they met — Potiphar lightly armed, Nim cumbered M'ith weapons. Nim being a giant in form and with brute daring did savagely cut and slash and roar, his charioteer managing the horses dexterously. Potiphar, quick of eye and limb, and perfect master of the sword, did maintain the advantage of science over strength, and by thrust and dart, quick and sure defense of his person, and supported by his conscious pride of winning glory for Egypt, did exhibit super- human powers. Meanwhile the eyes of both armies did watch most intently the terrible fight of their chiefs. Not a word was uttered. The savage horde of Ethiop was spell- bound. Egypt looked on with fear and trembling. Never before was such a fight witnessed. For the space of an hour the leaders exchanged blow for blow. Then it was that both showed signs of failing strength. Then to the lookers-on did watching become agony. Now, Nim's charioteer being wounded by unlucky thrust of his master, did fall lifeless from the chariot. Nim, unable to control his horses, dismounted. Potiphar sprang from his horse and met his fierce enemy hand to hand, foot to foot, eye to eye. A few desperate passes and the king was seen to reel. Potiphar 's arm was lifted for a sure stroke. A turn of his wrist, a quick stroke of his sword and the head of Nim rolled upon the plain. Picking it from the ground, Poti- phar lifted it exultantly on high and beckoned to his soldiers to charge the enemy. Then from Egypt's ranks went up a shout that rent the clouds : Glory to Potiphar ! Victory ! Vic- 12 THE STOEY OF ASENATH act i., scene ii. "iiiuiii I iiiiiiniiiiii mil I I Ill nil i i iiiiii in inni ini nnnniiii nun nii i nun i mil tory ! Then with a mighty onslaught they fell upon the enemy, leaving their dead upon the field to the number of tens of thousands. The Ethiops were as sheep before our warriors. Never was so great a victory. The spoils were princely. Our warriors were loaded with riches. To my master's share fell the chariot of Nim, whom he had defeated in single combat. In thankfulness for his victory, Potiphar doth give the chariot to the great High Priest of Isis and Osiris. I have spoken. PoTiPHERAH :— Thy master is indeed a great warrior. Me- thinks thou hast been even modest in thy description. (Potipherah departs, followed hy the priests and acolytes. Asenath and ZillaJi retire to original posi- tion. Men remove the presents. Joseph remains till the last present is taken away.) AsENATir: — {To Zillah) What a wondrous story! How finely he told it. Did'st ever hear so well told a story, Zillah ? Zillah : — 'Twas well delivered. AsENATi-i :— I will speak with him. I I\IUST hear his voice again. Zillah, go thou — Zillah : — Asenath is love-struck. Asenath :— 0, fie, Zillah. Go thou to my room and fetch me the silken headdress I do wear in the garden. {Zillah goes. Asenath advances to Joseph and addresses him.) Asenath : — Sir, I perceive thou art not an Egyptian. How long hast thou served Potiphar ? Joseph : — Fifteen years, fair Priestess. Asenath : — And art thou happy in his service ? Joseph : — I serve a kind master. Asenath : — I am curious to know thy history, and would ask thee prying questions. Joseph : — Since my servitude, fair Priestess — Asenath: — Call me Asenath, Joseph. Joseph : — Since my servitude, Asenath, my lips have been sealed. Asenath: — And therefore am I all the more curious to unseal them. Let us walk together in the garden, Joseph. Joseph : — Thy head, Asenath, is uncovered. Asenath: — Zillah doth fetch me a headdress. She will bring it unto me in the garden. ACT I., SCENE II. THE STORY OF ASENATH 13 iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiininiiiiiiiiiiiiiitiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiNiiii^ {They are leaving when Zillah comes tripping into the court and catches sight of them going out. She calls out.) Zillah : — Asenath ! (Asenath turns hack into the court) Asenath : — The headdress here so soon ! {Zillah puts it on Asenath's head) I will return in a little while, Zillah. If my father seeks me, tell him I do walk in the garden. {Exit Asenath and Joseph) Zillah : — I like not Asenath's manner with the steward. She is infatuated. I must acquaint her father of her apparent strange fancy. He will give her wholesome advice. Yea, if Asenath love this man — and I verily believe she doth — it forbodeth trouble. The flame must be quenched ere it burn too fiercely. Her father shall know of it at once. But what if he dis- credit me ? I will tell him she walketh in the garden with the steward — with a slave ! That will haste him to find her — {Going) He will find them. He will bring her to her senses. 14 THE STOEY OF ASENATH act i., scene iii. II iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiini^ ACT 1 SCENE 3 A scene in the garden of the Temple. Two paths come together to a sharp point. Near their junction is a large shade tree. At the foot of the tree and a little in the fore- ground is a double seat made of stout vine-stems, inter- locked. The paths are bordered witti a dense growth of tropical plants. {Enter Joseph and Ascnath) AsENATH : — Tell me thy story, Joseph. Joseph : — It were better I tell it thee not, Asenath. It is harsh and will offend thine ears. Asenath : — ]Methinks it is not in thee to speak harshly. Thy unwillingness to tell but makes the greater my desire to hear. Thou hast seen far countries. Thou hast a home in ^ far-away land — Tears ? 0, sir, I pray thee forgive me. I — I — {Asenath sits down. Joseph sits hy her) Joseph: — Asenath, thou did'st speak of home. I can tell thee of a home that will not sound harsh to thee. Let not these tears offend thee. There is a magic in the word home that o'ermasters these eyes even as the swollen waters o'ermaster the banks of the great river. The home of my early days was a land of hills and valleys, covered with rich verdure, and watered with ever-flowing streams; a land of great cedars and pleasant pastures; a land flowing with milk and honey. My father is Jacob, a patriarch of the house of Abraham, and greatest of the shepherd kings of Canaan. Asenath : — Then thou art a prince ! Joseph : — I was, but am not. Asenath: — Thou should 'st be: but let me not delay thy story. Joseph: — My father begat many sons, of whom I am the youngest and the child of his old age. On me were his affections centered. His love engendered envy among my brethren, to whom my carriage was haughty. They, angry at my taunts, the fruits of unseemly dreams, did resolve among themselves to put me away secretly, and would have killed me, had ACT I., SCENE III. THE STORY OF ASENATH 15 iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniNiiiiiiiini^ not Reuben, with more kindness of heart, resolved them to beware of bloodshed. — AsENATH : — Which of thy brothers was Reuben ? Joseph: — My father's firstborn. AsENATH :— And he loved thee ? Joseph : — Nay, he advised to lower me into a pit, which being done, I did give myself up for dead. After lying from morn till eve in the pit, my brethren did draw me up, and, taking the coat from my back, did sell me to Midianites, hated kinsman of our house, who were journeying into Egypt. Tied to an ass, beaten, and with indignities heaped upon me, the caravan, after ten days, reached Meres, where I was sold to Potiphar, and became his slave. AsENATii : — Can'st thou not purchase thy freedom? Joseph :— ^lauy a time hath Potiphar l)een offered my weight in silver if he would but part with me, yet doth he set a value on my services that money tempts him not. AsENATH: — Would I could purchase thy freedom. Joseph : — Thou hast a noble spirit, Asenath, and I thank thee. Asenath : — It is cruel that thou should 'st be a slave. Joseph : — My once-free nature rebels at the thought : but, in truth Potiphar doth use me kindly. Asenath : — Potiphar shall make thee free. Joseph : — Why should Asenath so concern herself for my welfare ? Asenath : — IMethinks thou art — art — ! ask me not, Joseph, for indeed I do but follow a strong impulse within me. Thou seemest more worthy in my eyes than other men ; — a prince, and a slave ; a slave, and with authority over free-born Egyptians. Thine is a strange lot. Joseph^, it would delight me to see thy home among the cedars. Joseph : — The Priestess of On dwelleth in splendor. The tents of my fathers would not delight thee. Asenath : — An such men as thou dwell in them : what more could Asenath covet? Joseph : — The lovely Asenath would shrink from the rude customs of my people. They be shepherds, despised of the Egyptians. Asenath: — They be men — strong men! Asenath see'st a glory in strength. 16 THE STOEY OF ASENATH act i.. scene m. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIinilllllllllllllNIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIU^ Joseph : — I would that thou wert an Hebrew maiden. AsENATH : — And I, that thou wert a prince in Egypt. Joseph : — My lips should be silent, Asenath. 1 have spoken too freely. My unguarded speech would sound in thy father's ears as treason. Asenath : — Fear not my father, Joseph. Speak unto me as thou would 'st to a Hebrew maid. Joseph : — Asenath, I must leave thee. Asenath : — Nay, nay ; stay yet a little while — a little while — Joseph — I — love thee. Joseph : — Nay, do not mock me, Asenath. Thou sayest that Avhich, were I the son of Pharaoh, would give me boundless joy. I pray thee take back thy w'ords. Spurn me ; revile me ; drive me hence ! To know that thou lovest me, and I, a slave, kept by law of caste and country' from showing thee affection. 'Twould be a living torment in my breast. Asenath : — 0, say not so — Joseph: — Call me "slave." Say thou wert in jest; 'twas thy humor. 0, speak, Asenath ! But say thou did'st mock me and I wdll be a thousand-fold grateful. Asenath : — Joseph, I did speak the secret of my heart. I love thee. I know thou lovest me. Thine eyes be* trayed that which thy tongue did curb. Joseph : — Asenath doth make me the most happy and the most miserable of men. Asenath : — Say not miserable, Joseph. The days of thy servitude are numbered ; then as a Prince of Canaan can'st thou openly woo me. Joseph : — To wed thee w^ere unspeakable happiness. Asenath : — Thy love to me is more than life. Joseph : — Fairest of women ! — {Kisses her) Joseph : — How can Joseph contain himself ! Toda}' I am beloved of Asenath ; tomorrow, the servant of Poti' phar. Until I be free, how can the knowledge of our love be hid from the people? They must not know that Asenath loveth a slave. They must not know that Potiphar's servant hath won the heart of Ase- nath, else would their anger know no bounds, and I be cast into prison. Asenath: — 'Twere well they know it not till such time as Potiphar doth release thee. ACT I., SCENE III. thp: stoey of asea'ath 17 iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiNiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin^ Joseph : — The Feast of Isis clraweth near ; 'tis scarce a hunclrecl clays. Perchance I shall attend in Pha- raoh's train. ASENATH : — Come, Joseph, come ! It shall be the clay of thy deliverance ! Joseph : — Sayest thou of a certainty ? AsENATH :— Verily, at the Feast of Isis shalt thou be made free. {Enter Potiplierah, unohserucd) Joseph : — And how will Asenath 'complisli this matter ? AsENATH : — The Feast of Isis is held but once in seven years. Then do the King and the Priests enter into solemn covenant, each with promise to support the other for the safety and glory of Egypt. 'Tis a covenant which, oft renewed, hath made our land greater and more powerful than all the nations of earth. At the covenant it is the custom of the High Priest to make known unto the King certain secrets of the priesthood, not to be divulged under penalty of the wrath of Isis. The King then permits the Chief Priestess to ask of him a favor, which, if within his royal power, is granted. And Pharaoh's word is law. Joseph : — What favor wilt thou ask, Asenath ? Asenath : — I will acquaint him that a young man, an Hebrew slave in the household of Potiphar, did bravely rescue me and my maidens from the hands of robbers. Then will I ask that he give the young man his freedom and passports that shall take him safely to the land of his kindred. Joseph : — Thy wit becomes a sage ! Asenath : — Asenath will follow her love to the home his tongue doth so eloquently picture. Joseph : — My love ! My life ! {Joseph embraces eincl Msses lier. Potipherah con- fronts them.) Potiphprah : — Asenath ! what viper is this thou art nurs- ing ? Come here, girl ! Away, fellow ! Away I Out of my sight ! Asenath : — My father, this is — Potipherah: — {To Joseph) Begone, thou vermin! or I will make thy carcass food for vultures. {Joseph stands. Potipherah draws a dagger and 18 THE STORY OF ASENATH act i., scene iii. iiiiiiniNiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitiiNiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiNiiiiin^ rushes savagely at him. Ascnath throws herself be- tween them. She arrests her father's arm.) AsENATH : — Stay, my father ; an thou kill him, thou also killest me. (To Joseph) Withdraw a little space, Joseph. {To Potipherah) Let my father hear me. PoTiPHERAH : — -What damned potion hath he given thee that thou should 'st be thus infatuate! AsENATH : — Blame him not, my father ; 'twas I, Asenath, did woo him. Potipherah -.—Thou ! woo him ! a slave ! The proud Ase- nath, my daughter, Priestess of On, woo a slave ! Child, thy mind is siek. The rogue hath east an unholy spell upon thee. Come home with me, child. Thou needest rest. Thy duties have been too heavy for thee. Go to thy maidens and rest thee awhile, my child. Thy malady will not vex thee long. Asenath : — ]\Iy father, I am not sick — more than my soul doth yearn for Joseph. I do love him. Did he not save my life from the hands of robbers? And is he not of royal blood? An his rank be restored, where could Asenath find a nobler consort ? Potipherah : — Be there not princes in Egypt to whom my daughter would be a thrice-welcome bride? Thy present yearning for this fellow is but an infatua- tion. 'Twill wear off on the morrow, e'en as the dew is absorbed in the air. Thy young blood is hot with the fever of excitement. 'Tis unnatural that thou mate with one of foreign birth, e'en though he be a prince. This fellow is a slave of Potiphar. 'Tis 'gainst the law for a free-born Egyptian to wed a slave. Think solierly, Asenath ; thou knowest 'tis so. Come child, walk home with me. Asenath: — My father, I am thy daughter — daughter of a Prince of Egypt— daughter of the High Priest ; and the laws of Egypt say that I may not wed any but a prince of royal blood. Potipherah :— Thou knowest the law. Asenath : — This Joseph, whom I love, is a prince. Is he not of the house of Abraham, the great Prince of Canaan, of whom tradition sayeth : Egypt's mighty king, the great Ramenes, did make welcome as his guest ? ACT I., S( ENE III. THE STOKY OF ASENATH 19 iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiunniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiliiiliiiiiiliiiliiiiiiliiiiiiiliiiliiiiiiiiiiliiiiiiiiiiliiiiiililililililiiw PoTii'iiERAH : — Tut, tut, child; he hath fed thee with honied words till thy conceit of him hath unbalanced reason. "A Prince," said he? An impostor, child; a slave ! My daughter doth bring shame upon the priesthood. Enamoured of a slave ! Asenath, the slave that beguiles thee shall have a righteous pun- ishment. AsENATii : — {Boldly) Harm him not ! {Earnestly) I love him. My nature cries for him. I am his. He is mine. Where is his equal in Egypt — so perfect a man? Shall I forget him and die? My father, I say unto thee: if Joseph be not thy son, I be not thy daughter. PoTiPHERAH: — {Aside) I must humor her. Asenath, I will enquire into the young man's his- tory. An his story be true, I will not set my face against him. Asenath : — Speak to him now, my father, that I may know thou meanest well. POTIPHERAH:— (To Joseph) Hast thou fed her ears with romance ? Joseph : — I have spoken honestly, my lord. {Ascnatlh affectionately embraces her father) PoTiPHERAii : — {To Asenath) Come home now, child. {To Joseph) Young man, we shall see thee at the Feast of Isis. Asenath: — At the Feast of Isis, Joseph! Till then Isis guard thee. Joseph : — Till then, farewell. — {Exit Potipherah and AsenatJi. She lool-ing hack.) Is this a dream, or do I move in things of substance ? {Touches his arm) This is flesh. {Touches the ground) That is earth. Yonder walks Asenath and her father. And Asenath gazes back at me ! {Holds his arms towards her. Loolis at his hand) This ring she did give me. 0, this is life, .joy, ecstasy! "At the Feast of Isis thou shalt be made free!" Asenath will ask it. Pharaoh will grant it. My day of jubilee is at hand ! {Exit) 20 THE STORY OF ASENATH act i., scene iv. iiniiiiiiiiiii Ntiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiim ACT 1 SCENE 4 A place in the Ttmplc garden icJtere several paths meet. The grounel between the paths is thicMij studeleel ivith hright-colored powers. Several kinds of fruit trees are in view, some in full blossom, others heavily laden with fruit. In the distance is a high wall. [Enter Potipheredi in deep thouejht. Shortly after- wards enter Og, who, when he sees the priest, is about to retrace his steps.) PoTiPHERAii : — Og, eome hither. Og: — {Prostrating Jrimself) Thy servant, my lord. PoTiPHERAii : — Arise. . . . How long is't since thou wast Potiphar's steward? Og : — About a year, my lord. POTIPHERAII : — Who is this man that Potipliar hath placed above thee? Og : — He is an Hebrew slave, who hath found favor in the eyes of my master and mistress. POTIPHERAII : — An Hebrew slave, sayest thou ? 'Tis strange he should be advanced above an Egyptian. Og : — ]\Iy lord, the yoke galleth which maketh me answer his connnand. PoTiPHERAH : — (Aside) I will make a tool of this fellow. {To Og) Thou lov'st him not? Og : — ^ly lord speaketh the truth. POTIPHERAII : — I. too, hate the slave. He is a mischief- maker and seeketh liy unholy arts to win my daugh- ter's love. He hath supplanted thee in the affections of thy master, therefore dost thou hate him. He hath fawned upon my daugter to entice her from me, therefore am I concerned and do take thee into my confidence, knowing that with thy aid, we can effect his disgrace. Og : — My lord is the soul of wisdom. Let him but suggest and his plans are accomplished. PoTiPHERAH: — Did'st thou not say the slave had found favor in the eyes of Deza, thy mistress? Og: — My lord, 'tis said she looketh upon him with a lustful eye. ACTi,scLNEi\ IHF SIORY Ol' \SL.\ATir 21 II II I Milt PoTiPHERAii : — Deza is a woman of strong passions. I know fnll well she doth love this Joseph. Go thou to her. Tell her Joseph is enamoured of Asenath. Tell her Asenath did meet him in secret and thou did'st hear them exchange vows : — Og: — My lord, she will not believe — POTiPHERAH : — Peace, man ! She will lend thee a willing ear. She will ply thee with a thousand questions, which thou must answer with words I will put in thy mouth. I know her nature. Jealousy will brew within her until she become even as a wild beast. Then shalt thou counsel her to entrap him, so that he become an abomination in the eyes of Potiphar. So shall his ruin be complete and thou be restored to thy stewardship. Og : — My lord counselleth well. Thy servant will haste this matter. PoTiPHERAH : — Nay ; use thy vantage with caution. "Watch thou closely, both thy mistress and the steward. Her passion is like unto that of the tiger — beyond the bonds of restraint. Neither can she hide it from the eyes of the servants of her household. — Og: — 'Tis even so — PoTiPHERAH : — Thou shalt observe her offer him favors in a manner unbefitting a mistress to her slave. The steward hath control of himself, and, being shrewd, will evade the punishment of discovery by holding himself aloof from her presence. When thou shalt find her in a vexed mood from disappointment, then shalt thou tell in her ears the words I have spoken unto thee — Og : — Every word, my lord. PoTiPHERAH: — Thou shalt acquaint her that this Joseph hath conspired with the lady Asenath for his free- dom, to be granted through the mouth of Pharaoh on the day of the Feast of Isis. Use thy wits, man. Be bold. I will prepare me a plot for his entrap- ping which I will deliver unto thee ere thou depart. Mark thou the words, and falter not in their execu- tion. An thou do thy part well, the knave will not live to see the Feast of Isis. Og: — My lord, I will obey thy every command. {Exit Potipherah) 22 THE STOEY OF ASENATH act i., scene iv. miiiiiii 1 1 1 1 I I I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitiiiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiNiiiiiiiiiiiini^ Og: — {Gives a long, surprised wJiisilc) 0, Oh! Here's a pretty pass. Ha, ha, ha! "Won his daughter," said he? Ha, ha, ha, ha! Now's my time. So, ho, my pretty gamecock; I'll spoil thy feathers; I'll quiet thy crowing, "Tell thy mistress that her steward is enamoured of Asenath." Tell herf I'll risk my life to tell her. See my hated rival dis- placed? What would I not give to see it? I never felt like a villain till now. The High Priest com- mands; 'tis not villainy, 'tis justice. A slave in authority ! 'Tis a virtue to cut him off. I '11 do it, if my tongue palsy in the attempt. "Thou shalt ))e restored to thy stewardship," said the priest. I should be steward now, but that this upstart Hebrew did beguile his way into my master's favor. But I'll end him. I'll rout him. I'll serve Og, first; the Priest, next; and my master, third. I have an oily tongue. Hath not Deza many times listened to my story-telling? Am I not the great story-teller of Meres? Shall my talent not serve me in this business? Deza will be vexed and will send for me to spin a merry tale; and a merrier one than I'll spin was never spun. Ha, ha, ha ! I w'ill tell her of our journey to On ; the adventure by the way ; the ring Asenath did give him ; and then I will tell her a story of passion — how Asenath and Joseph did meet in secret ! did embrace ! did vow eternal friend- ship ! did plan his liberty ! I will prepare me a story that shall work upon her more potently than Potipherah doth dream of. "I will put words in thy mouth," quoth he. Thou may'st give me a cue, Sir Priest, but thou can'st not better my words. Oh, what a scene I'll make! W'hat mischief I'll raise! {Uncont roll able laughter) Poor Joseph! (Laugh- ter) What wall become of Joseph? (Laughter) Between Deza and Asenath 'tis uncomfortable, Joseph, uncomfortable. (Exit, laughing immoderately) (CURTAIN) ACTlI..scE^L] iHC ^rom or \senath 23 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINIII llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll ACT 2 SCENE 1 Ninety days have elapsed. That part of the Temple garden where numerous paths centralize. {Enter Basil and Felix from opposite directions) Basil : — Felix ! And dressed again in the garb of royal butler? Ten thousand welcomes, my old friend. (Shakes both hands heartily) Felix : — I thank thee, Basil. Basil: — What happy chance brought thee out of the prison ? Felix: — ]\Iethinks it was the king's humor. Basil: — A most excellent humor, Felix; and still better to give thee back thy station ! Felix : — And best of all, good Basil, to restore me to my family. Basil : — Spoken like the man thou art ! Tell me, good Felix, how liked 'st thou the prison? Felix : — So ill, Basil, that 1 have sworn never to cage a bird. Basil: — Till thou catch one? Felix : — And I catch one, I give him liberty, or death ! Basil: — Thou hast liberty, Felix, yet thy face weareth not a pleased look. Felix : — Basil, thou art my friend ? Basil : — As I ever have been. Felix: — And thou wilt be a priest some day? Basil: — 'Tis so ordained. Felix : — Thou knowest somewhat of the priestly power, and the mysteries? Basil: — A very little as yet. Wherefore thy questions? Felix : — To answer thee fully, I should unbosom myself of a trouble that weigheth heavily on my mind. Basil : — I will hear thee. Felix: — If thou hast the patience. It may be thou wilt make sport of that I tell thee. 24 THE STOEY OF ASENATH act ii., scene i. iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiNiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiNiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiin^ Basil : — I will hear thee as gravely as could Potiplierah. Felix : — Basil, 'tis said : ' ' Those who be friends avail themselves each of the other in time of need." As thou art my friend, I'll tell thee my trouble e'en though it weary thee. Basil: — Thou 'It have to begin soon, or I weary e'er thou do begin. Felix: — With me in the prison was a Prophet, who fore- told that which should come to pass. Basil .- — That which he made thee believe should come to pass. Felix : — Nay, that which afterwards did truly happen as the Prophet foretold. Basil : — ^What did happen ? Felix: — I\Iyself taken from the prison and restored to my former otSce of butler to Pharaoh. Basil: — Thy Prophet divined at random and the prophecy was by chance fulfilled. Felix : — Nay ; verily I believe he divined with certain knowledge of the future. Basil: — Thy reason, Felix. Felix: — The king's baker, who was in the prison with me, he was hanged in the time and manner the same as the Prophet foretold. Basil: — Felix, there be the divining cups which reveal the mysteries of things past and present. That which shall come to pass is not revealed even to the Priests. I have heard enough of this prophecy ; now for thy trouble. Felix : — The Prophet intrusted in my care a ring — Basil : — ^Which thou hast lost ? Felix: — Ay, and would give all I possess to have with me this day. Basil: — Thou fearest witchcraft? Felix: — I fear something; I know not what I fear. It haunteth me as it were the ghost of evil. Basil: — Thou art weak of mind from long imprisonment. An thou allow this silly fear to master thee, thou 'It lose thy reason. Be a man, Felix. Shake off thy gloom. Feast thy mind with happy thoughts — Felix : — He bade me give the ring to Asenath — Basil: — The Priestess? Felix: — Ay, and bade me swear by Isis — yea, upon my life — that I would deliver it into her hand. ACT II., SCENE I. THE STOEY OF ASENATH 25 IllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllilllUIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIUIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIItt^ Basil: — Now thou art interesting. For what purpose sent he the ring to Asenath ? Felix : — I know not, save to gain his freedom. He did credit the ring with marvelous virtues — Basil : — Of what nature ? Felix :— The protection of the Priesthood. Basil: — Art sure of this? Felix :— Basil, the Prophet spake as an honest man. Quoth he : " When it shall be well with thee, remember me. When Pharaoh goeth to the Feast of Isis, then give thou the ring to Asenath. When she question thee, tell her he who sent the ring lieth in prison, wrong- fully accused by Deza, the wife of Potiphar. Tell her I am innocent of the crime for which I suffer. Tell her this, ' ' quoth he, ' ' and Pharaoh himself hath not greater power to set me free ! ' ' Basil : — And thou believedst him 1 Felix : — With my whole heart. Basil: — Thou hast almost won me to tin' belief. How camed'st thou to lose the ring? Felix : — Yestermorn, while saying good-bye to my wife and babe. In play with my little one, he took the ring from me and swallowed it ; then was choked. . . . The agony of my boy !— I see it now — ]\Iy wife bearing him, in frantic haste, to the surgeon. . . . Myself leaving ... to obey Pharaoh's command — tearing my heartstrings in this most unnatural part- ing. Basil : — Felix, I marvel not thou art sad. Can I lift but a tithe of thy sorrow, thou shalt have my best service. Felix: — Canst thou — canst thou tell me if my boy be alive ? Basil: — I grieve to tell thee, nay. Felix: — Hast thou friends among the priests who will divine for thee? Basil : — The divining cup at On is read by none, save only the High Priest. Felix: — Barest thou enquire of him? Basil : — Not this day. Felix : — Tomorrow ? Basil : — He cannot be approached until after the Feast of Isis. Felix : — Basil, methinks a curse goeth with the miscarriage of the ring. 0, this bitter doubt ! How I long to be 26 THE STOEY OF ASENATH act ii., scene i. NiiiiiiiniiininiiiiiiiiiiiiiiNiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiNiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiw home ! and 0, how great my misgiving ! Basil, thinkest thou a curse on me would be visited on my child ? Basil: — I know not, Felix — yet — See, yonder cometh Potipherah. Let us not meet him. (Exit) (Enter Og) Og : — Ah, here cometh the Priest. {Enter Potipherah — Og salaams) Potipherah : — I see by thy dress thou art again steward. Og: — My lord, to thee I am much indebted. Potipherah : — How worked the plot ? Og: — Excellent, my lord. i\Iy mistress did swallow the story whole; did put forth questions that verily did puzzle my wit to answer; did show her passion for this Joseph in every look ; and then she did conspire for his disgrace in the eyes of her lord. Yea, she did force me to counsel her a way for his entrapping. — • Potipherah : — Ah ! Og: — Then counseled I that she entice him and seize his coat, using the garment to convince her lord of the slave 's baseness. — Potipherah : — Wiselj^ counseled. Og : — My words pleased her ; she was swift in putting them to effect ; she trapped him skillfully, and made so much ado on her lord's return, that the slave was sent to the dungeon e'er it was given him time to answer the charge; — yea, or even to learn the full measure of it. Potipherah : — Is he dead ? Og: — Nay, my lord. Potipherah : — Why not ? Og : — On the morrow, when Joseph should be hanged, then did my mistress petition that his life be spared until such time as it should be convenient for her to wit- ness his death. His life is now in her hands. And Avith savage delight goeth she about, eager to learn how Asenath will take the news of his treachery. Yea, she hath commissioned me to bring her full tidings of such grief (!) as the lady show when she doth learn of his plight. Potipherah : — Thou hast done thy part well. But there is one thing more I would have of thee. Asenath, as yet, knoweth not of this affair. There shall come a time ACT II., SCENE I. THE STOEY OF ASENATH 27 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIW today when I will ask thee to speak that thou knowest concerning this Joseph ; then speak boldly e 'en though it be before Pharaoh. Og : — I will, my lord. {Exit Potipherah — Og salaams) By the smiling crocodile, this is a strange world ! The Priest I did think so righteous, weareth a heart burdened with malice. I, who for a year have dared not lift my head, am now entreated by my betters. Not for good ends, 'tis true ; but I gain by it. 0, how I hated that Hebrew ! I like this rascality ; there's a flavor in it — a toothsome flavor ! But who cometh here? Felix, the king's butler, as I do live! {Enter Felix) A long and merry life to thee, Felix. {Thcij grasp hands) I give thee joy at being restored to the king's favor. Felix: — As warm a greeting fits thee from me, good Og, for I perceive that fortune hath covered thee with a goodlier mantle than thou did'st wear a year ago. Og : — Ay, and long hope I to wear it. The fellow from whose back 'twas taken lieth where, but a while ago, thou didst house. Didst see him there, Felix ? Felix : — We lodged in the same ward. The young fellow did say he was innocent of any crime that should hold him in dungeon. Og: — Innocent, said he? Ha, ha, I like that. Innocent! Ha, ha, ha! He'll not say that three days hence. He'll choke, Felix. The journey of three suns will see him hanged. Think of him innocent ! Ha, ha ! Come, Felix, let us to the Temple. {Leads him ojf) These rascal eyes of mine would feast upon the worship dancers. JMethinks the vir- gins of On be more supple of limb than the dancing girls of Pharaoh's court. {Exit) 28 THE STOEY OF ASENATH act ir., scene ii. 'iiiiniiu I I I I iniiiiiiiiiiii I II iiiiiiiiiinii iiiiii iii ii iiiiiii i i in i iiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiini i iiiiii ACT 2 SCENE 2 The place of puhlic ivorship in the Temple. A congrega- tion is assembled. Pharaoh is seated in state. To the left of the throne stand the priests and acolytes: to the right, the officers of the king's retinue. Potipherah stands in fr&nt of the throne. Potipherah: — {To acolytes) Jusotop and Basil, bring forth the Bread of the Covenant. {They fetch it, and hring it on a tahlc having four arm lifts) {To Pharaoh) The sacred mysteries which have this day been revealed unto Pharaoh, these must he, under the extreme penalty of our religion, keep with- in himself. That Pharaoh may so bind himself that he do safely guard them, let him now break bread of covenant that shall hold him accountable unto Isis. {Acolytes bear the bread to in front of tlte picture of Isis. Pharaoh and Potipherah advance to the pic- ture and stand upon the dais. Priests and acolytes group on both sides of the picture. The congrega- tion foryns a semi-circle in front.) {Potipherah and Pharaoh break bread) {Potipherah then faces the audience) {To audience) Behold the vast vault of Heaven. It is Osiris, the Great First God. Behold the Sun. It is Isis, the wife of Osiris. She is the mother of all. She is the giver of all. Egypt is her chosen people. In the heart of Egypt's king, dwelleth the Spirit of Ra, the son of Isis and Osiris. Listen to the seven laws which Isis gave unto Egypt. {Chorus of priests and acolytes chant) The Chorus : — Glory be to Isis. Potipherah : — The first and greatest law is : A man shall have but one wife; her he shall love, honor and cherish, and he shall know no other woman. The wife shall be true to her husband. She shall keep his house in order and shall delight in bearing him children. ACT II soNEii rHI> SrOK\ OF ASENATH 29 I The Chorus : — Glory be to Isis. PoTiPHERAH : — The second law is : Speak the truth. The Chorus : — Glory be to Isis. PoTiPHERAH : — The third law is : Do ye unto others as ye would they should do unto you. The Chorus : — Glory be to Isis. POTIPHERAH : — The fourth law is : Honor old age. The Chorus : — Glory be to Isis. POTIPHERAH : — The fifth law is : Every man shall sow before he shall reap. The Chorus : — Glory be to Isis. POTIPHERAH : — The sixth law is : One week of each year every man shall give the labor of his hands to the building of a Temple. The Chorus : — Glory be to Isis. POTIPHERAH : — The seventh law is : The first-fruits of the land shall be brought to the Temples and laid upon the altar of the Gods. Every man shall bring his portion. The Chorus: — Glory be to Isis. Help us 0, ^Mother, to keep thy laws. {Pharaoh, Potiphcrah, priests and officers return to original places. The congregation cUstrihutes along the sides of the court.) POTIPHERAH: — {To PharaoJi) It is by custom ordained that Pharaoh do now give audience to the Chief Priestess, and, to show his fidelity to the priesthood, do grant such humble request as she shall ask. Pharaoh : — That which the Priestess shall ask is granted e'er the asking. POTIPHERAH: — Your Majesty, 'tis now the hour of noon. Asenath, the Priestess, doth lead the virgins in the Adoration of Light. When the services be done, then will she make known her desire. {Enter Asenath, leading six priestesses, all danc- ing. They advance rapidly to the picture of Isis, how three times, then advance to Pliaraoh, how once. Then they do the Star dance. The first positions of 30 THE STOEY OF ASENATH act ii., scene ii. "'««'"»' niiiiiiiiiiiniiii Ill I iiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiniiii iii i iiiiiiiniinii m nami iii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiinniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiini nm ,m iitii nm the dancers are shown in the accompanying dia gram:) A dancer at each of the points: B, C, D, G, J and E awaits a signal from Asenath at A. The signal is given B, C and D, ivJio are each about two feet from Asenath, and they dart outwards about ten feet to points F, H and K respectively ; and, the dancers at G, J and E at the same time dart inwards to C, D and B. TJius: B goes to F, hack to C, out to H, hack to D, and so on round and ronnd the central figure. In like manner, G darts in to D, out to J, in to B, out to E, in to C, and so on. Asenath is dressed in a robe of silk, buff and white colors. At first positions in diagram, the dancers at B, C and D are dressed in buff colored robes, and those at C, J and E in white robes. The figure movements are very quick and the effect is supposed to represent a twinkling star. ACT II., SCENE II. THE STORY OF ASENATH ' 31 liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiM At the close the dancers form in single file — Asenath leading, and those in white preceding those in hujf. The column moves to the picture of Isis so rapidly that the effect is supposed to represent a shooting star. The seven priestesses kneel at the dais. Zillah, ivJio is of their number, steps up to the dais and sings The Song of Isis. Zillah -. — (Sings) Isis, Maker of Light, to Thee we sing : Thou art the grandeur of the Heavens ; the glory of the morning. Sleeping and waking, Thou art with us ; Thy breath is life. Thou givest eyes to see and ears to hear; Thou fillest our hearts with gladness. Thou carest for the little ones — the children of our people. Thou makest the mother to love her babe, and the father to be joyful in his offspring. Thou art the Mother of Love. Keep us, Mother, in Thy Love and let Thy Spirit dwell in us. Thou art Isis the good; Isis the beautiful; Isis the all in all ; Isis the everlasting. Lovely and pleasant are Thy ways : Thou shalt reign for ever and ever. Tlie priestesses do the Sun dance. This is done hy symbolizing the beetle as the origin of life; the lotus floiver as the bit^th and expansion of life; and the circling stars as eternity. The priestesses group around Asenath and at a given signal dart away from her, each one taking a separate and erratic course, and all striving to pro- duce the most irregidar motions. They move over all the available space and fitter a prolonged buzzing sound. This peculiar movement is supposed to rep- resent the flight of the beetle; also the unborn soul seeking habitation in a human body. In the meantime Asenath has moved to the center of the conri. She brings order out of chaos by shouting: Asenath : — A Mother ! Immediately the dancers move towards Asenath anel form a close circle around her, standing alternate white and buff. This is the lotus bud. Birth comes 32 THE srOR\ OF \SEXATH act ii., scene ii. I I iiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiittiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiNiiiiiiiiiiiiii with the opening of ihc flower. Tliis is done by the six dancers moving slowly outivarels, balancing at every step, wntil each of them lias advanced about ten feet. Here the "Sun" dance proper begins. The positions at its opening are sliown in the accom- panying diagram: B, C, D in buff; G, J, E in white. Tltc dancers move simidtaneously in the direction of the arrows and govern their speed so as not to collide at the crossing of the lines. This moving in a circle repre- sents the life of mortals continued in the {then known) six planets, which will forever circle the sun. At the close, Asenath leads the six priestesses ta Isis. They bow three times, then advance ta Pharaoh, bow once; then exit, dancing rapidly. POTIPHERAH : — {To Basil) Basil, tell the Priestess Asenath Pharaoh doth await her presence. {Exit Basil) {Reenter Asenath, followed by maidens and Basil} ACT II., SCENE II. THE STORY OF ASENATH 33 iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiHiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin^ 1 1 1 1 ii 1 1 1 1 1 1 i i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 iiiinin Pharaoh: — {1\> Ascnath) Fair Priestess, thou art wel- come : 1 will esteem it honor to listen to a petition from thy lips. AsENATH : — The favor I do ask is of modest limit, yet of odd fashion. The granting of it may not he a pleas- ure to thee. Pharaoh: — Is there a greater than Pharaoh in Egypt? Let the beautiful Asenath but speak her desire, and I will grant it, even though it cost the price of ten cities. Asenath : — There is in the household of Potiphar, captain of the army, an Hebrew slave, Joseph by name, who, but three moons past, did, with great bravery rescue me and my maidens from the hands of robbers. Asenath doth now beseech Pharaoh that he do take the young man out of bondage, and do also give him passports that shall carry him safely to the home of his kindred. Let Pharaoh but grant this requeM and Asenath shall have joy at showing gratitude for her deliverance. {Felix, ivho is prcseuf, sliows facial expression of pleasurable surprise. His countenance changes as tlie scene progresses. He is dumb.) {PJiaraoh, about to grant Asenath' s rrrjucst will- ingly, is interrupted by Potipherah.) Potipherah : — Pharaoh, the king, is in kind humor and I do crave a few words, that Pharaoh, in his gracious conforming to the wish of Asenath, be not embar- rassed. Pharaoh : — What embarrassment can lurk in so simple a petition ? Potipherah : — Asenath hath unwittingly asked that which, if thou grant, will be a precedent that shall endanger the throne of Egypt. Pharaoh : — How sayest thou ? Potipherah : — The laws which Pharaoh doth administer are heaven-born. They do bind together and make powerful a nation whose virtues do so stand out that we be honored and feared of all the earth. Great- est and most potent of our laws is that one which doth guard the sanctity of our homes. Whoso vio- lateth this law becometh an outcast, the stigma of which doth so follow him that Pharaoh on his royal throne hath not power to pardon the offense. The 34 THE STORY OF ASENATH act ii., scene ii. iniiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiNiiiniiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiNiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiniiiiiiiniiniiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinii^ slave for whom Asenatli petitions now lietli in the king's dungeon, convicted of the crime tiiat doth most revolt our people. AsEKATii: — {Exciirdlii) And liow know you this, my father? POTIPHERAH : — ]\Iy daughter, a new steward administereth in Potiphar's househokl and doth now attend our ceremonies. I did en(|uire of him of the welfare of the young man Josepli, to whom hut a while ago we did give unhounded thinks. Then told he me of the young man's downfall and imprisonment. {Asenatli gets intensely excited, hut can't speak) Pharaoh: — (To Potiplicrah) Is thy informant hefore us? PoTiPHERAH : — He is, your ]Ma jesty. Pharaoh : — Bid him stand fortli. PoTiPHERAH : — Og, advance. Pharaoh: — {To O;/) Art tliou steward for Potiphar? Og: — I am, your ]\Iajesty. Pharaoh : — Knowest thou Joseph 1 Og : — As a brother, your ]Ma jesty. Pharaoh: — KnoAvest thou tlie cause ol" his disgrace? Og : — I do, your jMajesty. {Ascnafh gels icildhj exciiul) Potipherah: — {To Asenatli) My daughter, thou art not well. I pray thee retire to thy apartment. AsENATH: — I stay here. Potipherah : — AVhat this man will say is not for the ears of maidens. Asenath : — I will stay. Potipherah : — Asenath. thou i\IUST NOT stay. Come with me, I pray thee. Asenath : — My father : and the man speak blasphemy, shall I not know it ? Daretli he to speak a lie before Pharaoh? Joseph is NOT C4UILTY of the crime thou dost load upon him. I will hear the evidence. Phaeaoh: — {To Og) Speak on. Og : — My master did lead an army against the Ilamites, and, quickly returning, victorious, did find his house- hold in great commotion ; Deza, his wife, liewailing and w^earing sackcloth. "The Hebrew!" quoth she, "The Hebrew slave thou didst bring into thy house! Hath he not assaulted thy wife ! Hath he not fled ! Is not this his garment which he did leave in his haste?" Tlien Avas Potiphar exceeding wrotli and ACT II., SCENE II. THE STORY OF ASENATH 35 iiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiililiiiiliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiliiiiiiiiiiiliiiliiiilliiinililillllilliiiiiiillliliilliiw I II I I iiiiiii commanded that the slave be bound and east into prison. Your Majesty, I have spoken. {Asenath, exerting a ivonderful self-control, ad- vances toward Pharaoh. She speaks sloivly.) Asenath : — Pharaoh, the king, cannot now set him free. Let Pharaoh then spare his life. I ask no more. Pharaoh: — (To Asenath) The young man hath com- mitted a crime, the penalty for which is death. Jus- tice wills it that Deza be avenged. {To Og) Thou say est the young man is in prison. How long hath he lain there since accused by his mistress ? Og : — Th^ space of two moons, your JMajestj'. Pharaoh : — Knowest thou the cause why his execution Avas not put into effect the day following his arrest, as the law calls for? Og: — My mistress did request the captain of the guard to delay the execution until such time as suited her pleasure to be an eye-witness. Pharaoh: — Had she named a day for his taking off? Og : — The day after to-morrow at high noon, your Majesty. Pharaoh : — {To company) By delaying the time of his death, Deza hath established a precedent which I, Pharaoh, do follow. I decree that Joseph, the He- brew, be hanged in the king's prison one hundred years from high noon to-morrow. And furthermore, I decree that no violent hands be laid on him until the one hundred years be fulfilled. {Pharaoh is about to leave his throne, when Asenath advances toward him.) Asenath : — Stay ! Pharaoh is a just king. Let the king be a witness to my vow. {To her father) ]\Iy father, come with me to the altar. {Me takes her hand. They ivalk to in front of Isis. Potipherah leaves Asenath there and walks backward a few steps. Asenath prostrates herself before the picture; then slowly rises; then motions her maidens to approach. They advance and stand around her. Turning to Isis, she says:) Holy Mother Isis, Thou who knowest our inmost thoughts, to Thee cometh Asenath, Thy Priestess, grief stricken and with desolate heart. Take of me, Mother, a virgin offering. Myself, my whole 36 THE STOEY OF ASENATH act ii., scene II. giiiiiiiiiiiiiiiNiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinin^ affection I give. Before these witnesses, I, Asenath, swear to forever hold my body sacred, to live and die a virgin, loving and serving only Thee. {Potiplterah takes her hand) PoTiPHERAH : — -{To company) Asenath hath done this thing in purity of heart. Whosoever shall lift his finger against her, or speak of her in reproach, for him the sun shall not shine and his days shall for- ever be utter darkness. CURTAIN At Till.. SCENE I. THE STORY OF A8ENATH 37 iiiiiiiiiiliiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiN ACTS SCENE 1 {Tivo years have elapsed) That part of the Temple garden where numerous paths centralize. Potipherah is ivalking alone. {Enter Basil, running. He Msses the Priest's hand) Potipherah: — Basil, thou hast tarried long. What news from Meres? Basil: — News and news, my lord. The city is in commo- tion! Such news of startling import is heard that the people flock around the story-tellers in dense masses — such a running and questioning and babble ! Some have gone stark mad, drunk with so much news! Potipherah : — Tell thy news, man. Basil : — My lord, it so burdeneth me I know not where to begin. Potipherah : — Thy news ! As it cometh to thy mind. Out with it. Basil : — t)eza is dead — taken in adultery — slain by her husband, who did kill both her and her lover. (Enter a servant) Servant: — {To Potipherah) ]\Iy lord, messengers from Pharaoh Avould see thee on urgent business. Potipherah : — Bring them hither. {Exit servant) {To Basil) Well? Basil: — Pharaoh hath found one who could make known the meaning of his dream.- — Potipherah: — Not so, Basil. Basil: — A young man, a soothsayer of the Plebrews, hath gained the king's ear and hath set the king's heart against the Priesthood. Yea, the king hath publicly proclaimed him ruler of his household and of Egypt. Only in the throne shall Pharaoh be greater than he. I did see him with my own eyes, riding in the king's 38 THE STOEY OF ASENATH act iii., scene i. iiiiilii III n iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiHiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii^ chariot, and runners went before him crying, "In the name of Pharaoh, bow the knee. ' ' PoTiPHERAH: — This is news indeed! How gained he so great an influence over the king? Basil: — 'Tis said he ministered to tlie king's vanity, my lord, saying: thus and thus shalt thou do and thy power shall be increased a thousand fold. — PoTiPHERAH : — A flatterer ! a trickster ! Basil: — The king, by his favorite's advice, hath com- manded that one-fifth of the harvest of the land be garnered into the king's storehouses. "For," said the soothsayer, "is there not a famine to come? and shalt thou not then give bread to thy people that they die not?"— POTIPHERAH : — A fool ! Famine in Egypt ? Bah ! Basil: — Then said the soothsayer: "Would Pharaoh live for ever ? Then let him build himself a mound whose top shall overlook the mountains. In the years of famine shall not the people work for the bread Pharaoh has to give them ! Shall they not hew them stones and raise unto Pharaoh a monument that neither time nor the hand of man can destroy!" PoTiPHERAH: — Go thou to the house, Basil. I will follow thee when yon messengers have finished their busi- ness with me. {Exit Basil) {Filter the king's messengers, who how, anel pre- sent a scroll whereon is imprinted the royal seal) POTIPHERAH : — I listen to Pharaoh. First Messenger : — Prince Potipherah, Pharaoh hath com- manded that thy daughter Asenath be given unto Zaphnath-paaneah to wife. Potipherah : — ^What ! "What ! INIy daughter — Pharaoh — Asenath — Pharaoh hath commanded ? What say ye ? Sirs, ye speak idly. Pharaoh is ray friend, my pupil. Pharaoh would not, could not command as ye have spoken. Second IMessenger : — Prince Potipherah, we be the bearers of the words of the king. Pharaoh hath commanded that Asenath be given unto Zaphnath-paaneah to wife. Potipherah: — And who is this Zaphnath-paaneah that Pharaoh willeth shall be my son? ACT iir., SCENE I. THE STOEY OF A8ENATH 39 iiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiNitiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiNiiiiNiiiiiiiiiw iiiiiiiiiiiiiiinniiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiNiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiN^ Second Messenger: — He is a man well favored of body, young in years, old in wisdom. Pharaoh hath put a gold chain about his neck and hath made him to be ruler over Egypt. Whence he came, we know not. He rideth in the second chariot and runners cry ''Bow the knee!" before him. POTIPHERAH : — What service hath the young man done Egypt that Pharaoh should thus honor him? Second Messenger : — We will speak thee honest : None. PoTiPiTERAH : — None ? Second ^Messenger: — The king dreamed a dream, twice re- peated, whereat he was troul)led. To the priests, the magicians and the wise men, he spake the man- ner of the dream, but none could interpret. Thou, Potipherah, Priest of On. wast consulted, but even thy ripe learning could not give the interpretation of the dream. It was told Pharaoh, by the mouth of Felix, his butler, that there was in the king's prison a young man, an Hebrew, a servant of the captain of the guard, who could understand the dream and interpret it. He Avas brought before the king, and, hearing the dream, did upon the instant interpret, prophesying great and wonderful things to come to pass in Egypt ; all the nations coming to Pharaoh for bread. His words so pleased Pharaoh that the king placed a ring upon his finger and clothed him in fine linen and made him ruler over the king's household and over Egypt. Potipherah : — My daughter, sirs ! my daughter ! I would know good and sufficient reasons why Pharaoh hath singled her from all the virgins of Egypt to bestow upon his favorite. First Messenger : — My lord, we can give no reasons other than the king's command. Potipherah : — Would the king Avillfully wreck his throne ! First ]\rESSENGER: — Prince Potipherah, Pharaoh's word is law. We but obey him in saying thy daughter Asenath must accompany us to ]\Ieres. Potipherah : — Sirs, she shall not ! See : yonder she cometh, a virgin Priestess who hath taken the holy vows of chastity ; whose life is consecrated to Isis. She but now cometh from the altar. Take her but a day, an hour, a minute, from her sacred duties and the throne of Egypt is saddled with a curse that shall blight and 40 'rHL sroin oi' \sk\ \t k \( i m ,sle\i- i III I II I wither and destroy; that shall make this fair land desolate! that shall raise each man's hand against his neighbor! that shall make the women and chil- dren from the Northern to the Southern sea, slaves, subjected to the vile passions of barbarian con- querors ! {Tike messengers are terrifieeJ at the fieree earnest- ness U'itli which he speaks) {Enter Asenath ) AsENATH : — ^ly father, what would they do that thou warn- est them with so awful a threat? PoTiPHERAH : — It coneerneth thee, child. Pharaoh is arro- gant and sendeth by these messengers an impudent command that thou marry an upstart servant who hath recently been advanced in the king's house- hold. Asenath : — I marry ! {To Messengers) Sirs, it cannot be. Pharaoh himself did witness my taking the vow of chastity. It is a mistake. He hath forgotten. PoTiPHERAH : — He hath NOT forgotten! Asenath : — Calm thyself, my father. No hai-m shall come of this. ]s not our religion true? And I be in danger, will not Isis shield me? Is she not greater than Pharaoh ? POTIPHERAH : — Ascuath, thou art yet a child and thinkest as a child. Thou hast learned to put thy trust in the powers of good. The fabric of our religion hath heretofore been reverenced by the king and his sub- jects. Now hath the king violently assailed it. He did ask the Priests of Egypt to make known the meaning of an idle dream. When we did not satisfy him with answers, then sent he for a slave, whose trick of fortune telling had given him renown among the king's menials. This fellow shaped a plausible answer to the king's dream, and in pay- ment therefor is bestowed with extravagant marks of royal favor. Asenath : — Can that which is false stand before Pharaoh ? Can falsehood defy truth? Can it harm thee, or me ? POTIPHERAH :— Asenath, the fellow is a Hebrew, a wor- shiper of strange gods. He hath influenced the king against us: therefore doth the king in his foolish ACT III.. SCENE I. THE STORY OF ASENATH 41 11,11, ,|g|„ ||||,|,|,|,|,|„||,|,|||l||,l Illllllll mil I Illllllllll I Illllllllllllllll «««« » «i«i««i «»««" I I ™»»i»""»» I '"" ' '""" «"««»«»"»""i''i spite think to belittle our power and the Divinities we worship, yea, even to making the Chief Priestess of Isis a creature of his whim ! Asenath, thou hast yet to learn: "Put not thy trust in the sons of men." Asenath :—:\Iy father, in so saying, thou dost confess a weakness which shameth thee. Our Gods, be they but myths, that thou, who hast always declared them King of Kings, shouldst now quail when an earthly potentate but lifteth his finger against them! As Isis liveth. there is no earthly power can harm me ! {Poiipherah lools on her in amazement. She ad- vances to hint and takes a signet ring from his finger. ) {To Messenger.^) Sirs, take you this token to Pharaoh. Bid him prepare a marriage feast on the first day of the New :\Ioon. At high noon of that day, Potipherah and Asenath will appear before the king's throne. You have our answer. {The messengers hesitate about going. Potipherah stands speechless, gazing in astonishment at his daughter.) Asenath:— (To messengers) Sirs, I pray you leave us. Rest ye in the house a while and refresh ye and feed your beasts. First Messenger:— (To Potipherah) Prince Potipherah, doth Asenath speak for thee? Potipherah : — Her words be~iTiy words. First I\rESSENGER :— And shall be so delivered unto Pharaoh. ( Exit Messe nge rs ) Potipherah: — Child, child, thou knowest not what thou hast done. I must open thine eyes. See thou yon stately palace? It was built by thy forefathers of ten generations. In that palace, when it was yet but a few stones. Nor, the first of the priests, did shape and fashion certain mysteries with which he awed the people. He did invent the names of Gods and Goddesses, giving to each certain powers, and did preach them as being watchful over mankind, re- warding and punishing according to their desserts. He built altars and offered sacrifice. To his altars, a deluded people brought the firstfruits of the land— Asenath : — A deluded people ! 0, my father ! 42 IJIL SlORi or \&E.\ \Tn vcmi., scene i. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINIIII PoTiPiiERAii: — From shapeless rock, he gave form to Sphynx, and with his own hand, graved the seven laws upon its guarded tablet. These laws are not from Heaven, nor is the writing a Heavenly gift — AsENATH : — Not from Heaven ! PoTiPiiERAH: — Nor, alone, created both the laws and the writing. AsENATH : — 0, my father, do not tell me so ! POTIPHERAH: — My daughter, I must tell thee all: The great learning of Nor and the earnestness with which he preached, brought unto him riches, and the fear and the reverence of men, from Pharaoh on the throne, to the poorest of his subjects. Only to the first-born of his line hath this secret been confided. All the priests of Egypt, with the exception of my- self, have the faith which, but an hour ago, thou hadst. {Asenath cries — Potiplicrali takes her two liands in liis) I have no son in whom to confide, and did think when I passed away, the Divine origin of our re- ligion would be so deeply rooted as never to be questioned. But thou, my daughter, art in danger and I must save thee. Our priesthood is a sham. By trickery we have gained power ; by trickery we must hold it, even at the cost of taking away thy beautiful faith. {Asenath listens in- liorrifiecl astonishment. She passes her hands to lur temples and gazes earnestly, douhtingly, despairingly into Jicr father's eyes. He continues:) Our teachings are good. Their observance hath made this nation a prosperous and happy people. Let the people's faith be weakened and we would be outcasts ! The Pharaoh who now sitteth on the throne hath in his confidence one who quaileth not before us ; who believeth in the God of the Hebrews — the One God, Supreme over all nations and peo- ples, to whom, in conq->arison. he thinketh Egypt's Gods are but pigmies. Through secret messenger T have heard he is bold in challenging Egypt's Gods against liis God. AsENATii: — O, that Tsis were real! Who now can help us? ACT III., SCENE I. THE STOEY OF ASENATH 43 iiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiHiiNW Tell me, my father, is the God of the Hebrews a real God? PoTiPHERAH : — j\Iy child, I know not, yet would I fain be- lieve him a myth, even as be Osiris and Isis. Hear me further, child : Pharaoh is beloved by his peo- ple. He is a great conqueror. He hath divided the spoils of his victories ; therefore the people love him. To the priests, he hath given vast treasures. We in return gave him such flattery that he hath grown vain and exacting. When we could not interpret his dream, then was he suspicious of our power and, turning his back upon us, did consult this Hebrew, who hath framed an answer to please him. Our sole power over the king now lieth in a trick, which, per- chance may be successful. The king will yet have a coward conscience. We will meet him and confront this Zaphnath-paaneah even as thou hast said, even at the wedding feast. Thou shalt marry him. — AsENATH : — No ! No ! POTIPHERAH : — Yea, my daughter, thou SHALT marry liim : but the priests of Egypt shall, through Potipherah, gain a victory that shall be a lasting lesson to those who would dispute our power. Pharaoh, Zaphnath- paaneah, the Royal household, all who set at meat — except thee and me, shall rise from the table sight- less and shall call piteously for help — Asenath — child — look at me— Do not recoil. Let me take thy hand : Listen : My father sought him roots and plants and from them extracted the healing virtues that give relief to those in pain. On the river's bank, he found a plant whose properties affected the mind, causing a sleep to fall upon those to whom he administered. From this same plant he took a juice, sweet as wine of ]Midian, which, when mixed with wine and drank, affected not the mind, but caused the sight to fail, leaving such as partook of it in total darkness for the space of three days. In the cellars of my house, there is enough of this drug to make sightless all the men in Pharaoh's army. I will see to it that some of this drug appear at the marriage feast. It shall be mixed with the wine and shall be poured into Pharaoh's cup and into the cups of all those who partake of the feast. Only thou and I, my daughter, 44 THE STORY OF ASENATH act iii., scene i. «i"'""i a, Priest of On, do solemnly pronounce it. I, Nuaba, the story-telkn'. have spoken the truth. First Citizen : — Thou lovest to hear the sound of thy own voice. Nuaba. We have heard thee tell that which was already known unto us. Now speak tliat which we do not know, the name of the Ilebi-ew dog. Nuaba : — He is Zai)hnath-paaneah. First Citizen: — ]\Ieaneth thou he whom Pharaoh hath made to be ruler over us ? Nuaba : — He is the man. First Citizen: — How knowest tliou? Nuaba : — He is a Hebrew. The king made a feast unto him. First Citizen: — Canst thou j>rove thy words? Nuaba : — 1 was in the Palace. Og. my own son. the steward of I'otiphar, was sent to tlie dungeon under sentence once pronounced upon the He])rew. who also served Potiphar. I heard Pharaoh say unto the Hebrew: "Thou art free as a free born E.gyptian." I heard the king say: ''I have made a feast unto Zaphnath- paaneah." T left the Palace and none came away after me, save these messengers. ACT v., SCENE I THE STOKY OF ASENATH 75 '"""I'liii ' > iiiiiiiiitt mill II 1 1 1 III III 1 1 1 mill Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Ill iiiiiiii iiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiii iiiitiii iiNiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiii niiiiiiiiu First Citizen : — The Hebrew is now in tlie Palace? NijABA : — Ay, and in authority. First Citizen : — Monstrous ! NuABA : — Ye allow it. Second Citizen: — The Hebrew is at fault I Third Citizen : — He is a pestilence ! First Citizen:— Shall the Palace house that which brings a curse ? NuABA : — An ye be men, No ! Third Citizen :—AVe be ruled by that which should be carrion. First Citizen: — And shall be carrion. NuABA: — The man is a wizard. First Citizen : — A dead wizard can do us no harm. Third Citizen : — Let us kill him ! Voices : — Kill him I NuABA:— Stay! He wearetli the King's seal. The guard will defend him. First Citizen : — There be men in :\reres to outnumber the guard as a hundred is to one. Ho I All ye that hear me : Pouse ye the city I Cry it forth : Let every man to arms! Delay not an instant! Meet by the River, at tlie King's Landing ! Cry ye: Save the King! Voices: — Save the King! First Citizen : — Cry ye : Down witli the Hebrew dog ! Voices : — Down with the Hel)rew dog ! First Citizen :— Begone. Rouse the city as with fire ! {Tlu )■( is a gnat (lispcrsio)), all shouting) Voices : — To arms ! V( )icES : — Save the King ! Voices : — Down with the Hebrew dog ! Voices: — To the King's Landing! NuABA : — My son hath an enemy. His enemy is a dog of a Hebrew. Doth Og take the Hebrew's punishment for naught ? Not while Nuaba hath a tongue. (Exit) 76 THE STORY OF ASENATH act v., scene ii. iiiiiiiiii!iiiuiii!i:iii»i!iiiiii{illlillilili!ililllliillliiliiiill[|||iiiiiiiliiiiliiitiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiin^ ACT 5 SCENE 2 The audience ehaiiiber in the King's Palace. {Enter Joseph anel Ascnath. Asenath is Mind) AsEXATii : — I forget this darkness when thou art with me, Joseph. Zai'uxath-paaneah: — Darkness is cruel company in the daytime, Asenath. My presence is but poor relief to you. Asenath : — Such relief, Joseph, that methinks I see with your eyes. How beautiful a thing is sight ! I know that when I, shall see again of mine own eyes, the blind people in Egypt will have a friend in Asenath. Zaphnatii-pa^^neah : — A sympathizing friend, truly. Asenath : — And more, Joseph. Tho'ugh it be taught hy our Priests that the blind are accursed, yet will I strive to lighten the burden of their misfortune. Zapiinatii-paaneah : — It is a proverb, Asenath, that those who have suffered can best relieve suffering. How M'ill my wife minister unto the sightless ones? — ■ How can she give a light to those who are in dark- ness? Asenath : — I will tell you, Joseph, of a strange vision which came to me last night. It may seem an idle tale, but I cannot keep it from you, my husband. Zaphnath-paaneah : — It cannot be an idle tale, Asenath, for I know from your speech it hath an influenee for good. Asenath : — I was in bed. You had not yet returned from the night inspection of the garrison. I felt the dark- ness of the night a thousand-fold more dark with the absence of eyes. Suddenly an apparition came lie- fore me. It was as if a light glowed within my brain, the light taking the form of a damsel whose height was not more than a span. Her robe was white. Her face beamed with a glory of incomparal)le })rightnoss. Slowly she moved as it were from the sockets of my eyes to half an arm's length from my face. Then she stood a while and gazed upon me with the look of one whose heart is touched with compassion. So lovely was she that my soul was ACT v., SCENI 11 THE STORY OF ASENATH 77 iiiiiiiiiiiiKiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii I iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiHiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiHii 1 1 n 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I I 1 1 1 1 silenced with awe, — an ecstatic wonderment; for the being while so clearly visible was yet transparent, and while apparently a substance, yet remained in mid air. She raised her hands as if to bless me. She spoke, and her voice was like unto the sweetest music. that I could remember all she said ! Zaphnath-paaneah :— In what manner did the Spirit ad- dress you, Asenathf AsENATH: — She called me by name three times: Asenath, Asenath, Asenath. Zaphnath-paaneah : — And then ? Asenath: — For the space of about twenty heart beats was silent. Then she said : I am the Spirit of thine eyes. By me hath the Creator of All Things revealed unto thee the work of His hands. Zaphnath-paaneah : — Of a truth it is so, Asenath. The eyes are the windows of the soul. Asenath : — I know it now, my husband ; yet before Avas I as one having a jewel of priceless value, the which I prized not, for it was with me even as a shadow. 0, now that I am blind, hoAV precious is that sight which is withheld from me ! Zaphnath-paaneah : — An affliction ofttimes serves a good purpose, Asenath. But tell me further, I pray thee, of that M^hich the Spirit spake unto thee. I would hear all the wonderful words. Asenath : — That cannot be, Joseph. The words have gone from me. I feel their influence, but cannot speak them. Zaphnath-paaneah : — The substance of them, Asenath, — their import? Asenath : — It was of charity — of helping the helpless. The Spirit commissioned me, saying: When your sight shall be restored, remember those who live in dark- ness. Let your eyes be their eyes. Speak unto them and refresh their souls with the knowledge of that T show unto you. Zaphnath-paaneah : — A noble commission, Asenath. Asenath: — Will my husband be with me in ministering unto the afflicted ? Zaphnath-paaneah : — Thou hast enlisted me, Asenath, for all I can do. Asenath : — How shall I begin, Joseph? 78 TIIK STORY OF ASENATH act v., scene ii. iniiiiiiiiiuiiiiiii;iiiiiiiiiiiNiitiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiNiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiNiniiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiNii!iiiiiii«^ Zaphnath-paaneaii : — jMetliinks, my love, thou art already ministering. A convert has heen made liy thee this day. Speak unto others as thou hast spoken unto me, wife, and all the blind in Egypt will have eyes. AsENATH : — To see as through a veil, dimly. Zaphnath-paaneaii :— As the eagle, which, soaring sky- ward, sees the whole earth at a glance. Asenath : — that I had the power to work miracles ! Zaphnath-paaneaii : — Asenath, thou saidst a while ago that thou dost see through my eyes. When, in time to come, thou slialt see of thine own eyes, and those who be blind shall hear the sound of thy voice and l)e guided by thy hand, then will thy mission carry with it the sunshine whicli is l)egot of human kind- ness, which shines so ])rightly in the dungeon as on the housetop, and which knows no night. Asenatpi : — 0, my husband! It is coming! There is a mist — a clearing away — 0, Avhat a flood of light ! {She places her liaiids over her eyes) Zaphnath-paaneaii: — A most welcome visitor, Asenath. Asenath: — {Removing her hands) How joyful I feel! Zaphnatii-paanea]! : — And happy indeed am I. {Tie lasses her) {Enter Felix. Tie salutes, firsi Asenalh, then Z aphnatli-paaneeih ) Felix: — {To Zaphnath-paaneah) ]\Iy lord, the watchman reports a crowd of people marching toward the Pal- ace, the leaders armed and brandishing their weapons. Zaphnath-paaneaii: — {Tu Felix) kSunnnon the Captains to the guard room. Bid them haste. {Exit Felix) {To Asenath) The people of the city have had their patience sorely taxed, Asenath. They have re- solved to use force in gaining entrance to the palace, so that they may learn the cause of this strange seclusion. Asenath: — There must be no l)lood shed. Joseph, or it will be on my father's head. Zaphnath-paaneaii: — There shall none be shed, Asenath, if I can prevent. Thou hast eyes now, love. Seek thy room a while until the peo7:>]e are pacified. T nuist to the captains. {Kisses her) {Exil Joseph) ACT v., SCENE II. THE STOEY OF ASENATH 79 iiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii I mil iiiiin iiiiiiiiiniii iiiiuiiiiiiiii iiiiiiu i '" ii i in ii in ii iiiiiii AsEKATii: — {Gazing after liim) '"Tliou hast eyes now, love,'' lie said. With what raptuiv do they meet his eyes ! My footsteps would follow him — slave to these eyes — that they may always see him. 0, fie, Asenath, it is unseemly to be so outwardly love-struck. "Seek thy room," he said. 'Tis his first command and 1 will obe.y. {Exit AscuatJi) {Enter Potiplierah from another door) PoTiPHERAii : — A mob advances with show of violence. If these wits serve me, the people have heard of tlie curse of Ra-appa and they seek the Hebrew's life. — It mu.st be so— It is so. Shall I prevent? Think twice, Priest. Thy daughter a widow. Would slie again give thee affection? — Thy king in thy power. Art sure of it? — Zaphnath-paaneah dead, and I am again without a peer. None can then l)etray me. save my daughter — my own flesh and blood. Will she? No, she shall not. Hark! That is noise of fighting. The mob has entered the Palace. Let them do their deed. I will hide me till 'tis done; then play the hypoci-ite in bewailing his death. {Exit Potiplierah) {Enlu- Zapltnath-paancali, icalhing hacJiwards. Ten soldiers follow, all doing their best to shield hi}n from the mob, who have sinyhd hint cut for their vengeance. The soldiers arc can ful not io harm their assailants. They surround Zaphnath-paaneah in the room. The mob is frantic to catch him) Voices : — {From the mob) The Hebrew dog ! The wizard ! Hang the upstart ! He hath bi-ought a curse upon Pharaoh! Kill him ! Kill him ! {A desperate struggle ensues and the soldiers arc overpowered) Zaphxat IT-PA ANEAii : — {To mob) Stand back, ye fools! {There is a temporary halt) Your king is alive. First Citizen: — Thou hast brought a curse upon him: therefore, shalt thou die. Zapiinatii-paaneaii : — Your king brought the curse upon liis own head. Potipherah would save him, ])ut with- out avail. 80 THE STOKY OF ASENATH act v.. scene ii. iiiniiiuiiiiiihuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii^ First Citizen : — Hear him ! He slandereth the king ! Zaphnath-paaneaii : — The curse shall be removed ere .sun- down. I swear it upon my life. {Enter Asenath) First Citizen: — Thy life is not worth the swearing. {To moh) The rope, fellows. {A man throws a sUp-noosc over Zaplmatli' paancah's head and shoulders, pulls it tiejht and hi)ids him firjnlij) Drag liim to the east gate. Hang him to the first tree without the Avails ! {Asenath,, ivho at first is peiralyzed witti astonish- ment, rushes to the reseue anel fttroics her arms around Zaphnatli-paan<