Wise Men: What is thy dream, O King?
King: I dreamed, and, behold, I stood by a river, and there came up out of the river seven fat cows, and they fed in a meadow. And, behold, seven other cows came up after them out of the river, ill-favored and lean. And the ill-favored and lean cows did eat up the seven well-favored and fat cows. Then did I awake, but the second time I slept and dreamed. And, behold, seven good ears of corn came up upon one stalk, and, behold, seven thin ears sprung up after them, and the seven thin ears devoured the seven full ears. And I awoke again, and, behold, it was a dream. Now, is there one among you who can tell me the meaning of these dreams, for my spirit is troubled because of them?
[The wise men in turn come out and bow before the king and say]:
First Wise Man: O my lord King, thy dream troubleth me, but I am not able to interpret it.
Second Wise Man: O King, also, I cannot tell thee the meaning of thy dream.
Third Wise Man: Most gracious King, I, also, am unable to interpret thy dream.
Fourth Wise Man: O great Pharaoh, I regret that I am unable to help thee.
Pharaoh [angrily]: Are ye called the wise men of Egypt, and yet are ye not able to interpret a dream?
[The chief butler comes forward and falls before the king.]
Butler: O great King, I am only thy chief butler, but I beg of thee allow me to speak.