And he said further, “I know that your youngest brother has no mother, neither have I a mother, therefore will we two sit together.” And the men marvelled much at the words of Joseph, as they ate and drank with Joseph upon that day. In the morning Joseph dismissed his brethren, and bade them return to their father in peace. But when they had departed he called his servants, and ordered them to pursue after, overtake them, and bring them back. And when the servants of Joseph overtook them, and said to them, “Why have ye done this thing to steal our master’s cup?” the brothers of Joseph were indignant, and they answered, “If ye find the cup in the possession of any one of us, lo, he shall die, and we, his brethren, shall be your master’s slaves”; but when the cup was found where Joseph had ordered it to be put, in Benjamin’s sack, they returned, grieving and crestfallen, to the presence of Joseph. The viceroy was seated upon his throne, and his officers of state were gathered about him when his brethren entered, and speaking roughly to them, he said: “What evil deed is this which you have wrought? Why did ye take my silver cup? Is it because you could not find that brother you spoke of in the country that you stole the cup instead? Answer and tell me why have ye done this thing?” And Judah spoke, saying, “What shall we say unto my lord? What shall we speak, for how shall we justify ourselves? God hath found out the iniquity of thy servants, and sent this calamity upon us.” Then Joseph arose, and grasping hold of Benjamin he led him to another room, and pushing him therein closed the door upon him. He then told the others to return to their homes in peace, saying, “I will keep the one in whose possession the cup was found; return ye in peace.” Then Judah answered: “Know that I became a surety with our father for the lad’s safe return. ‘If he comes not back with us,’ I said, ‘lo, I shall be considered as sinning before thee all my days.’ Oh, my lord, let me find grace in thy eyes; let me but take the lad home to his father, and I will return to take his place as thy servant. See, I am stronger and older than he is, let me be thy servant instead of Benjamin.” “Upon one condition,” replied Joseph, “the lad may go with you. Bring before me his brother, his mother’s son of whom you have spoken, and I will take him in place of Benjamin. You did become a surety for him to your father, therefore let me have him, and the brother for whom you did become a surety shall return home with you.” Then Simeon drew near and answered: “Did we not tell my lord, when first we came before him, that this lost brother we could not find? Wherefore will my lord speak such idle words? We know not, alas! whether this brother be alive or dead.” “Suppose, then,” said Joseph, “that I should call him before me, will ye then give him to me in place of Benjamin?” And, raising his voice, he called aloud, “Joseph! Joseph! appear Joseph, and sit before thy brethren.”