ADVERTISEMENT.

N the following drama, I have taken

IN

the liberty of introducing the fuppofed character of Phafear, and the incident which is the confequence of his project of vengeance; by which fuppofition a contraft is produced, that renders the character of Jofeph more affecting, and conduces to establish thofe principles which I could not fo well unfold without thefe means. Metaftafio has, in his piece, given Jofeph his real name, which, at the moment of discovery, appears to me to have a ridiculous effect, when he exclaims, Giuseppe io fono, I am Jofeph, fince he has been Jofeph all through the piece.

The fcripture does not inform us what name Jofeph bore in Egypt; but we learn that Pharaoh obliged him, on his promotion, to quit his own and take a new one. I have, therefore, called him Orafis, till the moment of making himfelf known to his brethren.

M

JOSEPH

MADE KNOWN TO HIS

BRETHRE, N.

Say not thou I will recompenfe evil.

PROV. XX. 22.

He that followeth after righteoufnefs and mercy, findeth life, righteousness and honor.

PROV. XXI. 21.

I Wish, Zares, to speak to thy mafter

in private.

ZARE S.

At prefent his duty detains him with

the king.

M 2

PHA

PHASE A R.

I will wait.- -But tell me, Zares, wherefore refufeth he to fee thefe Hebrewmen, on whom he hath heaped fo many benefits?

ZARES.

I know not, my Lord and I am the more furprised at it in that he seems deeply interested concerning them. These ftrangers have given a narrative, in a writing which I have presented him, of the famine which at prefent devours their land. Orafis was deeply affected : I beheld his tears. He bade me question the Hebrews concerning their father; and his joy was great, when he heard the old man had not hitherto fuffered amid the public calamity.I hear

SCENE II.

PHASE A R.

Now will I avenge myself of a perfidious brother. Orafis knows the extent of his ingratitude, and will not refuse to serve me. That friendship, by which we are united, will make him participate the just resentment with which my bofom burns.

impatience. You now may render me the most important service.