The Story of Zulaikha and Joseph

When Zulaikha grew drunk on the wine of love, she seized the hem of Joseph's robe. The demon of lust had so consumed her that she fell upon Joseph like a wolf. The lady of Egypt kept an idol carved of marble, and she worshipped before it morning and evening. In that moment she covered its face and head, so it would not look upon her shameful act. Grief-stricken, Joseph sat down in a corner, his hand raised against his own tyrant desire. Zulaikha kissed his hands and his feet: 'You faithless, stubborn one, come to me.' 'Don't scowl with a heart of stone; don't ruin this sweet moment with your harshness.' Tears ran in a stream down his face: 'Turn back, and seek no impurity from me.' 'You felt ashamed before a face of stone; let me feel shame before the pure God.' 'What good is regret gathered up in the hand once you have wasted the whole treasure of your life?' 'People drink wine to bring color to their cheeks, but in the end it leaves them pale with disgrace.' 'Make your plea and turn back today, for tomorrow no chance to speak will remain.'