JOSEPH AND HIS MISTRESS.
How much for Joseph's loss old Jacob griev'd,
It was not now his time to be reliev'd:
And therefore let's to Egypt turn our thought,
Where we shall find young Joseph sold and bought,
By Potiphar a Captain of the Guard;
Sudden the change, but yet I can't say hard;
For Joseph mercy in this change did spy,
And thought it better than i' th' pit to lie;
And well might Joseph be therewith content,
For God was with him where so 'er he went;
And tho' he did him with afflictions try,
He gave him favour in his master's eye,
For he each work he undertook did bless,
And crown'd his blessing with a good success.
So that his master then him steward made,
And Joseph's orders were by all obey'd:
In which such diligence and care he took,
His master needed after nothing look.
But his estate poor Joseph long can't hold,
His Mistress love so hot, made his master's cold,
For Joseph was so comely, young and wise,
His mistress on him cast her lustful eyes;
Joseph perceiv'd it, yet no notice took,
Nor scarcely on her did he dare to look.
This vex't her so, she could no more forbear,
But unto Joseph did the same declare;
Joseph with grief the unwelcome tidings heard,
But he his course by heavens directions steer'd.
And therefore to his mistress thus did say,
O mistress I must herein disobey;
My master has committed all to me,
That is within his house, save only thee:
And if I such a wickedness should do,
I should offend my God and master too;
And justly should I forfeit my own life,
To wrong my master's bed, debauch his wife.
But tho' he thus had given her denial,
She was resolv'd to make a further trial,
She saw he minded not whate'er she said,
And therefore now another plot she laid.
Joseph one day some business had to do,
When none was in the house beside them two,
When casting off all shame, and growing bold,
Of Joseph's upper garment she takes hold;
Now Joseph you shall lie with me, said she,
For there is none in the house but you and me;
But while she held his cloak to make him stay,
He left it with her, and made haste away;
On this her lust to anger turns, and she,
Cries out help! help! Joseph will ravish me,
Whose raging lust I hardly could withstand!
But fled, and left his garment in my hand.