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PROLOGUE.

Audience , I'm come a few plain words to say,

By way of prologue to my tragic play;

Joseph's the subject of this tragedy,

Your judgment will decide its destiny.

Respectful company, both great and small,

This subject, I presume, will fit you all:

Will lead you to a view, how Heaven combin'd

The good of others, by men's base designs.

If this should gain your approbating smile,

Our mind elated with that smoothing oil,

Our grateful thanks to you we will repay,

And cheerful act our part throughout the play.

And from this object we will never swerve,

The praise you give, by us shall be deserved.

Our author, moderate in his views,

Thirsts not for gain, nor wishes he to lose;

Contented he to gain your friendly smiles,

Thus to reward his labor and his toils.

It's at your bar he's willing to be tri'd,

A virtuous judge is on the prisoner's side.

Guilty of faults no doubt he will appear,

But human errors find acquittal here.

In confidence that you are on our side,

We'll all submit our merits to be tri'd.

      DRAMATIS PERSONSÆ
    • Joseph , Rachel's first son.
    • Simeon , Leah's second son.
    • Judah , Leah's fourth son.
    • Reuben , Leah's first son.
    • Jacob , their father.
    • Levi , Leah s third son.
    • Issachar , Leah's fifth son.
    • Zebulon , Leah's sixth son.
    • Gad , Leah's Zilpah's first son.
    • Asher , Leah's Zilpah's second son ,
    • Dan , Rachel's Bilhah's first son.
    • Naptali , Rachel's Bilhah's second son.
    • Alva , captain of Ishmaelites.
    • Steward , to Joseph.
    • Benjamin , Rachel's second son.
    • Dinah, Shunah, Zillah , and Tamah , Jacob's daughter, and daughters in law.
    • Pharoah , king of Egypt.

ACT I.

SCENE I.

A Grove.
Jos.
[ solus

Note: Contains 301 words in 10 sentences using 1624 chars.

He falls on the floor as if to sleep, till aroused by the entrance of his brethren
Enter Simeon and his Brethren.
Sim.

Note: Contains 14 words in 3 sentences using 82 chars.

Jos.
[ arises

Note: Contains 118 words in 5 sentences using 624 chars.

Sim.

Note: Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 98 chars.

Exit Joseph.
Jud.

Note: Contains 62 words in 2 sentences using 347 chars.

Sim.

Note: Contains 112 words in 4 sentences using 594 chars.

Reu.

Note: Contains 142 words in 4 sentences using 792 chars.

Jud.

Note: Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 99 chars.

Enter Jacob, their father, attended by two domestic servants, silence observed, and all pay him obeisance.
Jac.

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 84 chars.

To Reuben.
Reu.

Note: Contains 31 words in 2 sentences using 172 chars.

Jac.

Note: Contains 66 words in 3 sentences using 339 chars.

Jos.

Note: Contains 29 words in 2 sentences using 151 chars.

Jac.

Note: Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 9 chars.

Jos.

Note: Contains 97 words in 3 sentences using 578 chars.

Jac.

Note: Contains 41 words in 4 sentences using 227 chars.

Exeunt omnes.

SCENE II.

A Pasture.
Enter Simeon and his Brethren , from different ways.
Sim.

Note: Contains 50 words in 4 sentences using 256 chars.

Jud.

Note: Contains 70 words in 2 sentences using 354 chars.

Sim.

Note: Contains 53 words in 2 sentences using 244 chars.

Lev.

Note: Contains 26 words in 2 sentences using 136 chars.

Jud.

Note: Contains 34 words in 2 sentences using 183 chars.

Iss.

Note: Contains 33 words in 2 sentences using 160 chars.

Zeb.

Note: Contains 26 words in 2 sentences using 143 chars.

Gad.

Note: Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 97 chars.

Ash.

Note: Contains 40 words in 2 sentences using 208 chars.

Dan.

Note: Contains 26 words in 2 sentences using 126 chars.

Nap.

Note: Contains 25 words in 2 sentences using 142 chars.

Lev.

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 37 chars.

Sim.

Note: Contains 26 words in 3 sentences using 131 chars.

Reu.

Note: Contains 318 words in 15 sentences using 1752 chars.

Lev.

Note: Contains 103 words in 7 sentences using 535 chars.

Reu.

Note: Contains 234 words in 8 sentences using 1338 chars.

Sim.

Note: Contains 144 words in 7 sentences using 774 chars.

Reu.

Note: Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 94 chars.

Lev.

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 69 chars.

Enter Joseph.
Jos.

Note: Contains 26 words in 1 sentence using 143 chars.

He is instantly seized and stripped of his party coloured coat, and fettered both hands and feet.
Reu.

Note: Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 85 chars.

Sim.

Note: Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 95 chars.

Reu.
With a look of pity to Joseph

Note: Contains 30 words in 2 sentences using 167 chars.

Exit Reuben.
Lev.

Note: Contains 45 words in 4 sentences using 242 chars.

Jos.

Note: Contains 192 words in 6 sentences using 967 chars.

Sim.

Note: Contains 67 words in 4 sentences using 372 chars.

Jos.

Note: Contains 185 words in 12 sentences using 977 chars.

Sim.
[ To his brethren

Note: Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 54 chars.

Jud.

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 73 chars.

Sim.

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 56 chars.

Jos.

Note: Contains 241 words in 9 sentences using 1288 chars.

Sim.
[ To his brethren

Note: Contains 81 words in 6 sentences using 434 chars.

Drawing his sword and rushing up to him, attempting to strike.
Jud.

Note: Contains 26 words in 2 sentences using 139 chars.

Jos.

Note: Contains 163 words in 9 sentences using 838 chars.

Enter Reuben.
Reu.

Note: Contains 46 words in 2 sentences using 249 chars.

Sim.

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 41 chars.

Reu.

Note: Contains 30 words in 2 sentences using 144 chars.

They hurry him off to the pit.
Jos.

Note: Contains 58 words in 2 sentences using 314 chars.

Joseph let down into the pit.
Exeunt Omnes.

ACT II.

SCENE I.

A Pasture.
Enter Judah, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Gad and Naphtali.
Jud.

Note: Contains 32 words in 3 sentences using 160 chars.

Sim.

Note: Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 91 chars.

Jud.

Note: Contains 65 words in 2 sentences using 348 chars.

Sim.

Note: Contains 38 words in 2 sentences using 188 chars.

Lev.

Note: Contains 56 words in 2 sentences using 317 chars.

They advance to the brim of the pit.
Jud.

Note: Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 17 chars.

calling to Joseph in the pit.
Jos.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 12 chars.

Jud

Note: Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 87 chars.

They draw him out of the pit.
Sim.
Enter a company of Ishmaelites

Note: Contains 19 words in 3 sentences using 100 chars.

Alv.
One of the chief of the company

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 76 chars.

Sim.

Note: Contains 49 words in 2 sentences using 238 chars.

Alv.

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 46 chars.

Sim.

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 73 chars.

Alv.

Note: Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 147 chars.

Counts the money
Exeunt Omnes, different ways

SCENE II.

A grove, near the highway.
Enter Reuben from a distant field to the pit.
Reu.

Note: Contains 352 words in 32 sentences using 1852 chars.

He weeps. A solemn silence reigns in the whole assembly
Jud.

Note: Contains 39 words in 3 sentences using 228 chars.

Reu.
[ Quickly replies

Note: Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 72 chars.

Jud.

Note: Contains 164 words in 9 sentences using 844 chars.

Lev.

Note: Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 98 chars.

Iss.

Note: Contains 37 words in 2 sentences using 180 chars.

Sim.

Note: Contains 36 words in 3 sentences using 179 chars.

Jud.

Note: Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 82 chars.

Reu.
[ Flying swiftly from his place with a drawn sword to kill Simeon

Note: Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 88 chars.

Nap.
[ Springing with great swiftness to his brother, caught him by the arm

Note: Contains 36 words in 2 sentences using 185 chars.

Exit Reuben
Jud.

Note: Contains 30 words in 2 sentences using 169 chars.

Sim.

Note: Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 87 chars.

Enter Reuben
Reu.

Note: Contains 78 words in 8 sentences using 420 chars.

Ash.

Note: Contains 122 words in 4 sentences using 635 chars.

Jud.

Note: Contains 66 words in 3 sentences using 329 chars.

Sim.

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 79 chars.

Lev.

Note: Contains 35 words in 2 sentences using 188 chars.

Jud.

Note: Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 120 chars.

Exeunt omnes

SCENE III.

Jacob's Tent.
Enter Simeon and Levi.
Jac.

Note: Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 90 chars.

Sim.

Note: Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 82 chars.

Jac.
[ Quickly

Note: Contains 42 words in 5 sentences using 217 chars.

Lev.

Note: Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 114 chars.

Sim.

Note: Contains 47 words in 3 sentences using 229 chars.

Jac.

Note: Contains 15 words in 4 sentences using 74 chars.

Speaking these last words his tongue faltered, his body trembled, and he sunk down into the chair
Lev.

Note: Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 32 chars.

Benjamin, his son, and daughters flew to his assistance
Together

Note: Contains 10 words in 4 sentences using 55 chars.

Din.
[ Flying about, wringing her hands, tearing her hair in the utmost distraction

Note: Contains 75 words in 8 sentences using 410 chars.

Shu.

Note: Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 47 chars.

Zil.

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 59 chars.

Zillah and Tamah rubbing his forehead and temples, till life began to return
Tam.
[ Putting her hand to his breast

Note: Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 46 chars.

Jac.
[ Fetching a deep sigh, and rolling his eyes

Note: Contains 217 words in 19 sentences using 1110 chars.

Seems to faint. Benjamin supports him by the arm. They carry him off
Exeunt omnes

ACT III.

SCENE I.

Joseph's Palace.
This scene represents the sons of Jacob going to Egypt to buy corn of Joseph ; but he is unknown to them
Enter Judah, and his brethren before Joseph; they all bow before him with the most humble reverence
Jos.
[ With a borrowed sternness

Note: Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 67 chars.

Directing his eye to Simeon
Jud.
[ For he being speaker

Note: Contains 63 words in 3 sentences using 350 chars.

Jos.
[ With a menacing countenance

Note: Contains 65 words in 4 sentences using 341 chars.

Jud.

Note: Contains 106 words in 3 sentences using 591 chars.

Jos.

Note: Contains 70 words in 4 sentences using 379 chars.

Jud.

Note: Contains 80 words in 6 sentences using 441 chars.

Jos.

Note: Contains 147 words in 4 sentences using 733 chars.

Jud.

Note: Contains 152 words in 4 sentences using 808 chars.

Jos.

Note: Contains 24 words in 3 sentences using 142 chars.

Guards take them off

SCENE II.

A Palace.
Enter Joseph and attendants.
Jos.
[ To his attendants

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 71 chars.

They enter
Jos.

Note: Contains 172 words in 4 sentences using 876 chars.

Exit Joseph
Jud.

Note: Contains 91 words in 8 sentences using 491 chars.

Reu.

Note: Contains 142 words in 5 sentences using 736 chars.

Sim.

Note: Contains 136 words in 4 sentences using 707 chars.

Enter Joseph
Jos.

Note: Contains 69 words in 4 sentences using 370 chars.

Exeunt omnes

SCENE III.

Jacob's Tent.
Enter Judah and his Brethren, from Egypt.
Jac.

Note: Contains 28 words in 3 sentences using 157 chars.

Jud.

Note: Contains 251 words in 9 sentences using 1303 chars.

Jac.

Note: Contains 94 words in 6 sentences using 519 chars.

Reu.

Note: Contains 148 words in 6 sentences using 798 chars.

Jac.

Note: Contains 115 words in 7 sentences using 612 chars.

Jud.

Note: Contains 80 words in 3 sentences using 411 chars.

Jud.

Note: Contains 31 words in 2 sentences using 163 chars.

Jud.

Note: Contains 306 words in 16 sentences using 1587 chars.

Jac.

Note: Contains 96 words in 6 sentences using 511 chars.

Ben.

Note: Contains 206 words in 6 sentences using 1017 chars.

Jac.
[ With a deep sigh

Note: Contains 107 words in 6 sentences using 558 chars.

Exeunt omnes

ACT IV.

SCENE I.

A Palace.
Enter the brethren in company with Benjamin — Enter Joseph and Steward.
Jos.

Note: Contains 56 words in 3 sentences using 306 chars.

To his Steward
Exit Joseph
Jud.
[ Approaching the Steward

Note: Contains 173 words in 7 sentences using 927 chars.

Enter Simeon, from prison, conducted by an officer, who leaves him with his brethren, and retires
Ste.

Note: Contains 91 words in 4 sentences using 444 chars.

Exit Steward
Lev.

Note: Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 174 chars.

Iss.

Note: Contains 28 words in 2 sentences using 144 chars.

Dan.

Note: Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 117 chars.

Reu.

Note: Contains 51 words in 4 sentences using 289 chars.

Sim.

Note: Contains 173 words in 7 sentences using 971 chars.

Enter Joseph — they pay him obeisance
Jos.

Note: Contains 27 words in 4 sentences using 149 chars.

Jud.

Note: Contains 53 words in 2 sentences using 268 chars.

Jos.

Note: Contains 29 words in 2 sentences using 148 chars.

Enter Steward
Ste.

Note: Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 92 chars.

They earnestly gaze on each other
Exeunt omnes
Fifteen minutes intermission
Enter Joseph and Steward
Jos.

Note: Contains 109 words in 3 sentences using 522 chars.

Ste.

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 39 chars.

Exit Steward
Joseph waits their return

SCENE II.

Hall of the Palace.
Enter Steward and the eleven Brethren.
Jos.

Note: Contains 28 words in 4 sentences using 141 chars.

They fall prostrate before him
Jud.

Note: Contains 228 words in 17 sentences using 1212 chars.

Jos.

Note: Contains 151 words in 8 sentences using 778 chars.

Lev.

Note: Contains 62 words in 8 sentences using 356 chars.

Jud.

Note: Contains 741 words in 29 sentences using 4037 chars.

Ben.

Note: Contains 81 words in 6 sentences using 410 chars.

Jos.

Note: Contains 10 words in 3 sentences using 67 chars.

Simeon, and Levi springing from their places with drawn swords, and rush between the guards and their brother
Lev.

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 57 chars.

Sim.

Note: Contains 45 words in 4 sentences using 240 chars.

Jos.
[ With a loud voice

Note: Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 101 chars.

They all depart
Jos.

Note: Contains 671 words in 29 sentences using 3557 chars.

Exeunt omnes

ACT V.

SCENE I.

Jacob's Tent.
Jac.
[ Solus — Standing at the door of the Tent, and sees his sons returning from Egypt

Note: Contains 51 words in 4 sentences using 279 chars.

Enter Judah and his brethren
Jac.

Note: Contains 45 words in 3 sentences using 264 chars.

Jud.

Note: Contains 218 words in 7 sentences using 1171 chars.

Jac.

Note: Contains 145 words in 9 sentences using 739 chars.

Sim.

Note: Contains 172 words in 11 sentences using 947 chars.

Jac.

Note: Contains 39 words in 3 sentences using 211 chars.

Jud.

Note: Contains 29 words in 3 sentences using 149 chars.

Jac.

Note: Contains 24 words in 6 sentences using 121 chars.

Benj.

Note: Contains 52 words in 4 sentences using 262 chars.

Jac.

Note: Contains 34 words in 5 sentences using 170 chars.

Benj.

Note: Contains 92 words in 4 sentences using 489 chars.

Jac.

Note: Contains 90 words in 8 sentences using 475 chars.

Exeunt omnes

SCENE II.

The street in Hiropolis.
The Hebrew caravan moving on towards Egypt. Joseph and his attendance meet them. The father and son espy each other. Each leaves his carriage and hastens to embrace each other
Jac.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 11 chars.

They embrace each other, weeping, and continue for a while speechless
Jos.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 14 chars.

Jac.
[ After regaining the use of his speech

Note: Contains 20 words in 4 sentences using 99 chars.

Jos.

Note: Contains 27 words in 4 sentences using 144 chars.

Jac.

Note: Contains 31 words in 2 sentences using 185 chars.

Joseph seeing his sister, and brothers' wives advancing towards him, leaves his father and hastens to embrace them
Dinah.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 14 chars.

Weeping.
Jos.

Note: Contains 5 words in 3 sentences using 24 chars.

Weeping.
Shunah.

Note: Contains 5 words in 3 sentences using 26 chars.

Weeping.
Jos.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 14 chars.

Weeping.
Tamah.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 14 chars.

Weeping.
Jos.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 13 chars.

Zillah.

Note: Contains 12 words in 3 sentences using 60 chars.

Jos.

Note: Contains 43 words in 3 sentences using 225 chars.

Jud.

Note: Contains 26 words in 2 sentences using 147 chars.

Exeunt omnes

SCENE III.

The King's Palace.
Joseph takes his father and five of his brethren and presents them to the king. Enter Joseph and his father, and five of the brethren, viz. Judah, Simeon, Levi, Reuben and Benjamin.
Jos.

Note: Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 123 chars.

They bow respectfully
Pharoah.

Note: Contains 25 words in 3 sentences using 151 chars.

Jos.
[ Who replied for his brethren

Note: Contains 21 words in 3 sentences using 125 chars.

Pha.

Note: Contains 35 words in 3 sentences using 185 chars.

Jos.

Note: Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 95 chars.

Pha.

Note: Contains 28 words in 2 sentences using 158 chars.

Jac.

Note: Contains 100 words in 5 sentences using 530 chars.

Pha.

Note: Contains 48 words in 4 sentences using 235 chars.

Jac.

Note: Contains 51 words in 2 sentences using 259 chars.

Pha.
[ With astonishment

Note: Contains 30 words in 4 sentences using 149 chars.

Jac.

Note: Contains 65 words in 3 sentences using 351 chars.

Pha.
[ With surprize

Note: Contains 66 words in 6 sentences using 357 chars.

Jac.

Note: Contains 449 words in 18 sentences using 2634 chars.

Pha.

Note: Contains 117 words in 5 sentences using 629 chars.

Exeunt omnes

EPILOGUE.

Your poet, with his serious muse, designs

To close the play with his few broken lines:

And recommend to you that book of ancient days,

From whence was borrow'd what we now have play'd.

When we survey God's holy book Divine,

It shows to us the nature of mankind.

There is, within, that sacred, holy page,

Subjects to please and much improve the age.

For ancient history and for facts renown'd,

No book on earth is like the bible found:

From this good source of sacred truth sublime,

We've aim'd to please and exercise the mind.

Our play, to serious thoughts, is much inclin'd,

And shows how heav'n o'er rules man's bad designs.

A scheme, you've seen, design'd for Joseph's fall,

Order'd by God to save and bless them all.

Joseph's dream, tho' thought by some unwise,

Foretold he should to future greatness rise,

And at his feet his father's house should bow,

Save them from famine, tho' they saw not how.

Jacob, the sire, for sons and years renown'd,

To Egypt goes, there peace and plenty found,

His favorite Joseph in his arms to close,

To spend his days, from thence to heav'n he goes.

Since God, thus governs, for the good of man,

Let all submit to his unerring hand;

Trust to his wisdom and his laws obey,

He leads from darkness to the blaze of day.

And be assur'd, the worst design of man,

Can nev'r alter his eternal plan.

We've played our part, your good will to obtain,

Excuse our faults and friends to us remain;

Receive the odds, and ends your poet gives,

With you, may they remain, and in you live.

Excuse whate'er amiss, in him you find,

And let him see, you are to him inclin'd.

Blest with your praise, and joy shall long remain,

Our thanks attend you till we meet again.

CC-BY-4.0
Lizenzvertrag
Holder of rights
Mathias Göbel
Citation Suggestion for this Object
TextGrid Repository (2024). American Drama. Tragedy, Founded on the History of Joseph and His Brethren. Tragedy, Founded on the History of Joseph and His Brethren (1808). American Drama Corpus. Mathias Göbel. https://hdl.handle.net/21.11113/0000-0014-A46C-8