Page:The Story of Joseph and His Brethren.djvu/54

This page has been validated.
JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN.
51

said to the ruler of his house, Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready; for these men shall dine with me at noon." When the man brought them into Joseph's house, they saw in this again a cause of alarm; they thought it was on account of the money they had found in their sacks, and they were under apprehension that the ruler might seek occasion against them, and fall upon them and take them for bondmen. They therefore told the steward of Joseph's house how they had found the money in their sacks; but he allayed their apprehensions, saying—"Peace be unto you, fear not; your God, and the God of your fathers, hath given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money."

Preparations were now made for their eating bread at the table of Pharaoh. When Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hands, and bowed themselves to him to the earth. Joseph asked them of their welfare, and said—"Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive? When they had answered him, they again bowed their heads and made obeisance.