Wise Man: O King Pharaoh, I beg thee to let me speak.
King: Speak, Wise Man.
Wise Man: O King, I pray thee to be kind to these people. When these Hebrews first came down from the land of Canaan, a young man named Joseph saved our land from great famine. These Israelites are his children's children and we should treat them kindly.
King: Treat them kindly! We have been kind to them long enough; we must destroy them. I will command that every Hebrew boy baby be killed!
[Exeunt King and courtiers followed by soldiers.]
Princess: O most gracious father, have mercy upon them.
Act II
SCENE I
Place: The home of a Hebrew family.