Behold the dreams of Pharoah did fortell, A mighty famine, which at length befell; Joseph in Egypt was head ruler over all; But when his brothers came, and seemed to fall Before him, straight his dreams came in his mind Yet he spoke rough, and seemed most unkind: You’re spies said he, they answered, no, We are true men, my lord, pray say not so, Sons of one man, we twelve in number were, The youngest now under his father’s care Remains at home, the other he is not. He knew them, yet his anger seemed hot, And for three days they were in prison cast, Confined they lay, yet Joseph came at last, And laid upon them all a strict command, To bring their young brother out of hand. THE CUP IN BENJAMIN’S SACK. [Illustration] When they had eaten up their slender store Jacob he needs must send them down for more; But knowing that his youngest son must go, His eyes with melting tears did overflow. With presents then they did return again, And Joseph doth them kindly entertain. When he his brother Benjamin beheld, His bowels yearned, his heart with joy was filled; But here’s a grief which did them all surround, The nightly lord, his silver cup was found On Benjamin; this made them sore afraid, That for that crime they would be captives made: Then to the house of Joseph they returned, Judah he pleaded, till his bowels yearned, To be a captive in his brother’s room, Lest he should see his father’s threatened doom. JOSEPH DECLARETH HIMSELF. [Illustration] “My lord, hear thy servant now I pray, Our father, when we brought the child away Expressed such grief and sorrow for his sake, That if he stay, his aged heart will break: Seeing his tears, which fell like showers of rain, I promised then he should return again. Therefore, my lord, pray let him go, for I Am loth to live to see my father die.” Joseph from tears could now no longer hold: He said, “I am your brother whom you sold To Egypt, when on me your anger fell; And is my father yet alive and well?” Then on each other’s necks they wept amain. Their cries were heard, from tears could not refrain “O fetch my father hither,” Joseph cried, “That for the family I may now provide.” JACOB’S JOURNEY INTO EGYPT. [Illustration]