JOSEPH'S ADVANCEMENT.
More than two years Joseph in prison lay,
Yet had no prospect of the happy day
Of his release; nor any means could see,
By which he could be set at liberty;
But God who sent him thither to be try'd,
In his due time his mercy magnify'd.
For as King Pharaoh lay upon his bed,
He had strange things which troubled his head,
He saw seven well fed kine rise out of Neal,
And seven lean ones eat them in a meal.
Again he saw seven ears of corn that stood
Upon one stalk, and were both rank and good:
Yet these were eaten up as the kine before,
By seven ears very lean and poor.
What this imported Pharoah fain would know,
But none there were that could the meaning show.
This to the Butler's mind poor Joseph brought,
Who till this day of him had never thought.
Great Prince! I call to mind my faults this day,
And well remember when in gaol I lay,
I and the Baker each our dreams did tell,
Which a young Hebrew slave expounded well:
I was advanc'd and executed he,
Both which the Hebrew servant said should be.
Go, said the King, and bring him hither strait,
I for his coming with impatience wait.
Joseph was put in hastily no doubt,
And now more hastily was he brought out.
His prison garment now aside was laid,
And being shav'd was with new cloaths array'd;
To Pharaoh being brought, canst thou, said he,
The dream I've dream'd expound me?
'Tis not me, great Sir, Joseph reply'd,
To say that I could do't were too much pride,
And so 'twould be for any that doth live,
But God to Pharaoh will an answer give.
Then Pharaoh did at large his dreams relate,
And Joseph shew'd him Egypt's future fate.
Seven years of plenty should to Egypt come,
In which they scarce could get their harvests in.
Which by seven years of dearth eat up should be;
As were the fair kine by the lean he see.
For Famine Sir, said he, provide therefore,
And in the years of Plenty lay up store.
What Joseph said, seem'd good in Pharoh's eyes,
Who did esteem him of all men most wise:
Since God, said Pharoah has shewn this to thee,
Thou shalt thro' all the land be next to me.
Then made him second in his chariot ride,
And bow the knee before him all men cry'd.