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( He holds out his arms.

She retreats to the other end of the table.)

I did not think that there existed in all the world a woman as profoundly egoistic, as unscrupulously ambitious, as myself. You are my true mate. Come, we shall rule Egypt together!

ASENATH.
( in front of the table )

Am I to understand that this is a strictly business proposition?

JOSEPH.
No. It is a declaration of love. I adore you! I desire you! I cannot live without you!

ASENATH.
Please don’t be silly.

JOSEPH.
( hurt )

Is it possible that you do not believe in my love?

ASENATH.
It is a little difficult. . . .

JOSEPH.
You think that I am a hard man–and so I am. But when I look at you, I tremble and grow weak. My knees are become as water, and the blood roaring in my veins confuses me.

ASENATH.
Can I, a mere woman, so disturb you?

JOSEPH.
You have more than a mere woman’s beauty. Your hands are lotus petals. Your eyes are silver fireflies mirrored in a pool. Your breasts are white birds nestling behind the leaves of a pomegranate tree.

ASENATH.
You have a smooth tongue, Joseph!
One would think you really were in love at last. . . .

JOSEPH.
I love you more than anything else in the world.
You mean more to me than power, more than riches, more than freedom itself.

ASENATH.
I could almost believe that you are in earnest. . . .

JOSEPH.
Tell me, O lovely creature for whom my soul and body thirst,
how can I prove my sincerity? What proof can I give you?

ASENATH.
You can give me–that ring!

She points to the ring which Potiphar has given him.

JOSEPH.
( looking at her, then at the ring, takes it off, saying )

— Freedom!

He puts it on her finger. He draws her toward him.

She resists. The candle is knocked over, and all is darkness.

ASENATH.
( in the darkness, faintly )

Joseph! Joseph!