FullReads

JOSEPH.
I dreamed–that I saw a dragon with many heads. And each head had the face of a beautiful woman. I was frightened. But I took up a sword and struck. And all the heads except one were severed. All except one. And this one had upon it a crown of iron and a crown of gold. And then the dragon took the crowns from its head, and offered them to me! I did not know what to do. . . . And then I awoke.

ASENATH.
Shall I interpret your dream for you, Joseph? The dragon with the many heads signifies the women of Egypt, who are all in love with you. The one that remains when you have struck off the rest, is the one who will succeed where all the others have failed. The crown of iron signifies power. The crown of gold, riches. She offers them to you. . .

JOSEPH.
( leaning forward )

Asenath–do you really think it means–

ASENATH.
( coldly )

I really think it means that you have a persecution–mania. You imagine that every woman you meet has designs on you. . . . I suppose you think that I came here to make love to you?

JOSEPH.
No, my dear Asenath. I know better than that. When young women come to my room at midnight, it is only to borrow a book to read–or to ask my advice about their personal affairs. I know, because they tell me so. Which did you come for–a book, or advice?

ASENATH.
Neither. I came to give a book to you–and to give you some advice…. Do you remember telling me, once in Heliopolis, that the man who knew enough about the climate of Egypt to predict a famine could make himself the richest man in the kingdom? Well–here is everything you want to know, in an old book I found in my father’s library in Heliopolis. This is the book I came to give you.

She holds out a scroll.

JOSEPH.
( taking it )

Dear Asenath–

ASENATH.
( interrupting him )

And now the advice. It is this. Ally yourself to the wisest woman in the land of Egypt–one who can teach you to interpret the dreams of Pharaoh. Then you shall become the second in power in the kingdom.

JOSEPH.
The second in power in the kingdom!
Asenath–do not mock me. Can you do this?

ASENATH.
I swear that I can and will!

JOSEPH.
( overcome )

You do love me….

ASENATH.
( jumping up )

Love you! What nonsense!

( Scornfully )
Love!

JOSEPH.
You–you don’t love me?

ASENATH.
Not in the least!

JOSEPH.
But–but–then what are you doing it for?

ASENATH.
I am doing it for myself. Do you think I wish to stay in Heliopolis all my life? No–I want power and riches–and I intend to have them. But I cannot get them, unfortunately, without wasting my time with some man.

JOSEPH.
And I–?

ASENATH.
You are the man.

JOSEPH.
Admirable!

ASENATH.
Hate me if you will–

JOSEPH.
On the contrary!

( He goes toward her.)
Wonderful creature!

ASENATH.
( retreating )

What do you say?

JOSEPH.
I say that you are a woman after my own heart.