REBECCA. I remember, when I had you both conceived, A voice thus saying from the Lord I received: Rebecca, in thy womb are now two nations Of unlike natures and contrary fashions. The one shall be a mightier people elect: And the elder to the younger shall be subject. I know this voice came not to me of nothing: Therefore thou shalt follow my counsel in one thing. JACOB. So it be not displeasing to the Lord, I must. REBECCA. I fear the Lorde eke, who is merciful and just: And loth would I be his majesty to offend; But by me (I doubt not) to work he doth intend. Assay, if thou canst at some one time or other, To buy the right of eldership from thy brother: Do thou buy the birthright, that to him doth belong, So may'st thou have the blessing, and do him no wrong. What thou hast once bought, is thine own of due right. JACOB. Mother Rebecca, if withouten fraud I might, I would your advice put in ure with all my heart, But I may not attempt any such guileful part. To buy my brother's eldership and his birthright, I fear, would be a great offence in God's sight. Which thing, if I wist to redeem, I ne would, Though I might get thereby ten millions of gold. REBECCA. God who, by his word and almightiful decree, Hath appointed thee Esau his lord to be, Hath appointed some way to have it brought about; And that is this way, my sprite doth not doubt. JACOB. Upon your word, mother, I will assay ere long; Yet it grudgeth my heart to do my brother wrong. REBECCA. Thou shalt do no wrong, son Jacob, on my peril. JACOB. Then, by God's leave, once assay I will. REBECCA. Then farewell, dear son, God's blessing and mine with thee. JACOB. I will again to the tent. Well you be! [_Exeat Jacob_. REBECCA. Ah, my sweet son Jacob, good fortune God thee send! The most gentle young man alive, as God me mend! And the most natural to father and mother: O, that such a meek spirit were in thy brother; Or thy sire loved thee, as thou hast merited, And then should Esau soon be disinherited. ACTUS PRIMI, SCAENA QUARTA. ISAAC, _the husband_. REBECCA, _the wife_. MIDO, _the lad that leadeth blind Isaac_. ISAAC. Where art thou, my boy Mido, when I do thee lack? MIDO. Who calleth Mido? here, good master Isaac. ISAAC. Come, lead me forth of doors a little, I thee pray. MIDO. Lay your hand on my shoulder, and come on this way. REBECCA. Now, O Lord of heaven, the fountain of all grace, If it be thy good will, that my will shall take place: Send success to Jacob, according to thy word, That his elder brother may serve him as his lord. MIDO. Sir, whither would ye go, now that abroad ye be? ISAAC. To wife Rebecca. MIDO. Yonder I do her see. REBECCA. Lord, thou knowest Jacob to be thy servant true, And Esau all froward thy ways to ensue. MIDO. Yonder she is speaking, whatever she doth say: By holding up her hands, it seemeth she doth pray. ISAAC. Where be ye, wife Rebecca? where be ye, woman?