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. (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. . . .