University of Virginia Library

Scene I.

—Potiphar's House.
Potiphar and Joseph.
Potiphar.
Wear this gold chain.

Joseph.
You honour me, my lord.

Potiphar.
Young man, my pride is lesser than my truth,
And fair desert should be respected well,
But most of all when native in a slave.
This chain I give thee, not to pay thy worth,
Only to honour it; for I have found
Since thou hast had mine office in thine hand,
Thy government has brought me more respect,
More honour and renown, than ever yet
Did wait upon mine own; and hence I know
Thy God is with thee, that thy office thrives,
And I am made partaker of the good;
Wherefore I love and honour thee as much
As wert thou born my brother. Thy respect
Has been to me as great as ever child's
Was to its sire:—Faith, it is very strange—
It seems man's pleasure is allied to tears,
For my eyes burn to talk upon thy love,
As tho' I did not leave thee here in trust,
But were about to quit thee without date,
Forecasting final separation.

Joseph.
My most just lord!

Potiphar.
I must go hence to-night:
The king doth send me on an embassy;
Yet I go not while thou remain'st behind;
Therefore the offices and trusts I leave
Sleep in my ear as things already done.
Use my house freely; tend my lady's will:
Thou'lt find obedience in my trusty slaves,—
Therefore command thy pleasures. Thou hast earn'd
A fair and honour'd fellowship with me,
Wherein I gain: so fare thee well, and peace
Be ever with thee, guardian of my house.

[Exit.
Joseph.
How have I earn'd a happiness like this?
Patience, great God, was all my quality;
Thou hast rewarded me beyond my worth.—
Ah! 'tis the way of bounteous Providence
With those whose stubbornness doth cede to peace:
And he who bears repeated trials well,
With gentle and rebukeless temperance,
Under the angel's wing doth take his stand;
And for his faith and human fortitude
Meets his reward on earth.—Oh! patience,
I never will forsake thee, though this joy
Were turn'd into a moan—protect me still.

[Exit.