BENJAMIN BROUGHT TO JOSEPH.
Old Jacob's sons came back to him, report,
How they were us'd at the Egyptian court:
Taken for spies, and Simeon left behind,
Till Benjamin shall make the man more kind.
This news old Jacob griev'd unto the heart,
Who by no means with Benjamin would part;
But when the want of corn did pinch them sore,
And they were urg'd to go again for more;
They told their father they were fully bent,
To go no more except their brother went.
Then take your brother and arise and go,
Said good old Jacob, and the man will show
You favour, that you may all safe return,
And I no more my children's loss may mourn.
Then taking money and rich presents too,
To Joseph they their younger brother shew.
Then he his steward straitway did enjoin
To bring those men to his house with him to dine.
When Joseph came, he kindly to them spake,
When they to him did low obeysance make,
He ask'd their welfare, and desir'd to tell
Whether their father was alive and well.
They answer'd Yea, he did in health remain,
And to the ground bow'd down their heads again.
Then Benjamin he by the hand did take,
And said, Is this the youth of whom ye spake,
Then God be gracious unto thee my son,
To whom he said; which when as soon as done,
Into his chamber strait he went to weep,
For he his countenance could hardly keep.
Then coming out, and sitting down to meet,
He made his bretheren all sit down to eat:
He sent to each a mess of what was best,
But Benjamin's was larger than the rest.
Then what he further did design to do,
He call'd his servant, and to him did shew;
Put in each sack as much corn as they'll hold,
And in the mouth of each return his gold,
And see that you take my silver cup,
And in the sack of the youngest put it up.
The steward fill'd the sack as he was bid,
And in the mouth of each their money hid.
Then on the morrow morning merry hearted
With this their good success they all departed;
But Joseph's steward quickly spoil'd their laughter,
Who by his master's orders strait went after,
And to the eleven brethren thus he spake,
Is this the return you to my master make?
Could you not be contented with the wine,
But steal the Cup in which he does divine?
This is unkind. And therefore I must say
You've acted very foolishly to day.