TERTIA AETAS

THIRD AGE

(I) ABRAHAMVS ET ISAACVS

(I) ABRAHAM AND ISAAC

16. Abrahamus a Deo vocatur

Quidam tamen sancti viri coluerunt veram religionem et virtutem: inter quos fuit Abrahamus e genere Semi. Deus fecit foedus cum illo his verbis: “exi e domo paterna, desere patriam, et pete regionem quam daturus sum posteris tuis: augebo te prole numerosa; eris pater multarum gentium, ac per te omnes orbis nationes erunt bonis cumulatae. Adspice caelum; dinumera stellas, si potes; tua progenies eas aequabit numero.”

16. Abraham is called by God

Nevertheless certain men cultivated the true religion and virtue: among them was Abraham from the family of Shem. God made a covenant with him with these words: "Go out from your father's home, leave your country, and seek a country that I will give your posterity: I will increase you with numerous offspring; you will father many nations, and through you all the nations will accumulate well. Look at the sky; number the stars, if you can; your offspring will equal their number."

17. Nascitur Isaacus

Abrahamus iam senuerat, et Sara eius uxor erat sterilis. Quibus tamen Deus promisit filium ex eis nasciturum. “Habebis,” inquit, “filium ex Sara coniuge tua.” Quod audiens Sara risit, nec statim adhibuit fidem promissis Dei, et idcirco reprehensa est a Deo. Abrahamus autem credidit Deo pollicenti. Et vero, uno post anno, filius natus est Abrahamo, qui vocavit eum Isaacum.

17. Isaac is born

Abraham was already an old man, and Sara his wife was barren. Nevertheless God promised them a son would be born from them. He said, "You will have a son from your wife Sara." When Sara heard she laughed, and did not immediately put faith in God's promise, and therefore she was rebuked by God. But Abraham believed the promise of God. And truly, after one year, a son was born to Abraham, who called him Isaac.

18. Deus Abrahamo imperat ut filium suum immolet

Postquam Isaacus adolevit, Deus tentans fidem Abrahami, dixit illi: “Abrahame, tolle filium tuum unicum quem amas, et immola eum mihi in monte quem ostendam tibi.” Abrahamus non dubitavit parere Deo iubenti: imposuit ligna Isaaco; ipse vero portabat ignem et gladium. Quum iter facerent simul, Isaacus dixit patri: “mi pater, ecce ligna; sed ubinam est hostia immolanda?” Cui Abrahamus: “Deus,” inquit, “sibi providebit hostiam, fili mi.”

18. God commands Abraham to sacrifice his son

After Isaac grew up, God testing the faith of Abraham, said to him: "Abraham, take up your only son whom you love, and sacrifice him on the mount that I will show you." Abraham did not hesitate to obey the command from God: he placed wood on Isaac; but carried fire and sword himself. When they made their journey together, Isaac said to his father: "my father, behold the wood; but where is the sacrifical host?" To him Abraham said: "God will provide a host himself my son."

19. Angelus Dei clamat ut Abrahamus contineat manum suam

Ubi pervenerunt ambo in locum designatum, Abrahamus exstruxit aram, disposuit ligna, alligavit Isaacum super struem lignorum, deinde arripuit gladium. Tum angelus clamavit de caelo: “Abrahame, contine manum tuam; ne noceas puero. Iam fides tua mihi perspecta est, quum non peperceris filio tuo unico; et ego favebo tibi; remunerabo splendide fidem tuam.” Abrahamus respexit, et vidit arietem haerentem cornibus inter vepres, quem immolavit loco filii.

19. An Angel of God cries out to Abraham to stay his hand

When they both arrived in the designated place, Abraham erected an altar, he placed the wood, bound Isaac on top of the pile of wood, then took hold of his sword. Then an angel cried out from heaven: "Abraham, stay your hand; do not hurt the boy. Now your faith has been made clear to me, since you did not spare your only son; and I will show favor to you; I will splendidly reward your faith." Abraham looked up, and saw a ram with its horns stuck among the bushes, which he sacrificed in place of his son.

20. Eliezer, Abrahami servus, in Mesopotamiam mittitur ut inde Isaaco uxorem adducat

Postea Abrahamus misit servum suum Eliezerem ad cognatos suos qui erant in Mesopotamia, ut inde adduceret uxorem filio suo Isaaco. Eliezer sumpsit decem camelos domini sui, et profectus est, portans secum munera magnifica, quibus donaret puellam destinatam Isaaco et eius parentes. 

Ubi pervenit in Mesopotamiam, constitit cum camelis prope puteum aquae ad vesperum, quo tempore mulieres solebant convenire ad haurientem aquam.

20. Eliezer, Abraham's slave, is sent into Mesopotamia to bring a wife to Isaac

Afterwards Abraham sent his servant Eliezer to his relatives who were in Mesopotamia, that from he might add a wife to his son Isaac. Eliezer took then of his master's camels, and set out, carrying with him splendid gifts, to which he might give to Isaac's destined girl and her parents.

When he arrived in Mespotamia, he stopped with the camels near near a well of water at evening, at which time women are accustomed to meet to draw water.

21. Eliezer orat Deum ut indicium ab Eo habeat quo cognoscat puellam Isaaco destinatam

Eliezer oravit Deum his verbis: “Domine, Deus Abrahami, fac ut puella quae dabit potum mihi petenti, ea sit quam Isaaco destinas.” Ecce statim Rebecca, virgo eximia pulchritudine, prodiit, gerens urnam humeris; quae descendit ad puteum, et implevit urnam. Tunc Eliezer progressus obviam puellae: “da,” inquit, “potum mihi.” Cui Rebecca: “bibe,” ait, “domine mi”; et simul demisit urnam. Quum ille bibisset, Rebecca obtulit etiam aquam camelis. Hoc indicio cognovit Eliezer quod scire cupiebat.

21. Eliezer prays to God that he may have indication from Him to know the girl destined for Isaac

Eliezer prayed to God with these words: "Lord, God of Abraham, have the girl that will give a drink to me when I ask, she will be who is destined for Isaac." Here immediately Rebecca, a maiden of great beauty, came forth, bearing a jar on her shoulders; which she went down to the well, and filled the jar. Then Eliezer progressing to meet the girl said, "Give me a drink." To him Rebecca said, "Drink my lord," and at the same time she set down the jar. When he had drunk, Rebecca also offerred water to the camels. With this indication Eliezer knew what he was eager to know.

22. Eliezer interrogat Rebeccam de eius familia

Eliezer protulit inaures aureas et armillas, quas dedit Rebeccae. Tum interrogavit illam cuius esset filia, num in domo patris esset locus ad commorandum. Cui Rebecca respondit: “ego sum filia Bathuelis: avus meus est frater Abrahami. Est domi locus ad commorandum amplissmus; est etiam plurimum foeni et palearum ad usum camelorum.” Quod audiens Eliezer egit gratias Deo, qui tribuisset iter prosperum sibi.

22. Eliezer asks Rebecca of her family

Eliezer brought forth gold ear rings and bracelets, that he gave to Rebecca. Then he asked her whose daugher she was, whether there was a place to stay in her father's house. Which Rebecca answered: "I am the daughter of Bathuel: my grandfather was brother to Abraham. There is a very spacious place to stay in the home; there is also a great supply of hay and straw for the use of the camels." When hearing this Eliezer gave thanks to God, who had given a successful journey to him.

23. Eliezeri hospitium paratur apud Rebeccae parentes

Rebecca properavit domum, et narravit matri suae ea quae sibi contigerant. Labanus, frater Rebeccae, quum audivisset sororem narrantem, adiit hominem, qui stabat ad fontem cum camelis, et compellans eum: “ingredere,” inquit, “domine mi. Cur stas foris? Paravi hospitium tibi et locum camelis.” Dein deduxit eum domum, eique cibum apposuit.

23. A guest house prepared for Eliezer with Rebecca's parents

Rebecca hurried home and told her mother that which happened to her. Labanus, Rebecca's brother, when he heard his sister's story, went to the man, who was standing at the well with his camels, and addressed him: "come in," he said, "my lord. Why are you standing outside? I prepared a guest house for you and a place for the camels." Then he led him home and served him food.

24. Rebeccae parentes Eliezeris postulationi annuunt

Continuo Eliezer exposuit parentibus Rebeccae causam itineris suscepti, rogavitque ut annuerent postulationi suae. Qui responderunt: “ita voluntas Dei fert; nec possumus Deo obsistere. En Rebecca: proficiscatur tecum, nuptura Isaaco.” Tum Eliezer deprompsit vas aurea et argentea, vestesque pretiosas, quas dedit Rebeccae; obtulit etiam munera matri eius et fratri, et inierunt convivium.

24. Rebecca's parents agree to Eliezer's request

Immediately Eliezer explained to Rebecca's parents the reason for making the journey and asked that they agree to his request. They responded: "thus goes the will of God; we cannot resist God. And to Rebecca: let her set ou with you and marry Isaac." Then Eliezer took out the gold and silver vessels and valuable clothes which he gave to Rebecca; he also offerred gifts to her mother and brother and they began a banquet.

25. Rebecca proficiscitur

Postridie Eliezer surgens mane, dixit parentibus Rebeccae: “Herus meus me exspectat; dimittite me, ut redeam ad illum.” Qui responderunt: “vocemus puellam, et percontemur eius sententiam.”

Quum Rebecca venisset, sciscitati sunt an vellet discedere cum homine. “Volo,” inquit illa. Dimiserunt ergo Rebeccam et nutricem illius, precantes ei omnia prospera.

25. Rebecca departs

On the next day Eliezer rising in the morning said to Rebecca's parents: "My master is waiting for you; send me away that I may return to him." They answered: "let us call the girl and ask her opinion."

When Rebecca had come, they tried to find out whether she wanted to leave with the man. She said, "I do want to." Therefore they sent Rebecca and her nurse praying all things well for her.

26. Isaacus Rebeccam uxorem ducit

Isaacus forte tunc deambulabat rure; vidit camelos venientes. Simul Rebecca, conspicata virum deambulantem, desiluit e camelo, et interrogavit Eliezerem: “quis est ille vir?” Eliezer respondit: “ipse est herus meus.” Illa statim operuit se pallio.

Eliezer narravit Isaaco omnia quae fecerat. Isaacus introduxit Rebeccam in tabernaculum matris suae, et lenitus est dolor quem capiebat ex morte matris.

26. Isaac takes Rebecca as wife

By chance Isaac was then walking around the country; he sees camels coming. At the same time Rebecca see a man walking around, she jumps down from the camel and asks Eliezer: "who is that man?" Eliezer answers: "that is my master himself." She immediately covers herself with her cloak.

Eliezer told Isaac everything that happened. Isaac leads Rebecca into the tent of his mother and his grief was soothed that he took from his mother's death.

(II) IACOBVS

(II) JACOB

27. Esaus ius primogeniti Iacobo concedit

Rebecca edidit uno partu duos filios, Esaüm et Iacobum. Qui prior editus est pilosus erat, alter vero lenis. Ille fuit venator strenuus, hic autem placidus et simplex moribus. Quadam die, quum Iacobus sibi paravisset pulmentum ex lentibus, venit Esaüs fessis de via, et dixit fratri: “da mihi hoc pulmentum; nam redeo rure exanimatus lassitudine.” Cui Iacobus: “dabo, si concedas mihi ius primogeniti.” “Faciam libenter,” inquit Esaüs. “Iura ergo,” ait Iacobus. Esaüs iuravit et vendidit ius suum.

27. Esau concedes his right as first-born to Jacob

Rebecca brought forth in one child-birth two sons, Esau and Jacob. He who was brought forth first was hairy, but the other was smooth. The former was an energetic hunter, and the latter peaceful and simple in character. One day, when Jacob prepared for himself a stew from lentils, Esau came tired from the road, and said to his brother: "Give me this stew, for I am returning from the country breathless from exhaustion." Jacob to him: "I will give to you if you concede the right of first-born to me." Esau says, "I will gladly do this." "Therefore swear it," Jacob says. Esau swore it and sold his right.

28. Isaacus Esaum venatum mittit

Isaacus, qui delectabatur venatione, amabat Esaüm; Iacobus vero erat carior Rebeccae. Quum Isaacus iam senuisset, et factus esset caecus, vocavit Esaüm: “sumito,” inquit “pharetram, arcum et sagittas; affer mihi et para de venatione pulmentum, ut comedam et apprecer tibi fausta omnia, antequam moriar.” Esaüs itaque profectus est venatum.

28. Isaac sends Esau hunting

Isaac, who enjoys hunting, loved Esau; but Jacob was more dear to Rebecca. Now Isaac who was old, and had become blind, called to Esau: "Take," he said, "a quiver, bow and arrows; bring to me a stew prepared from your hunt that I may eat and bestow all good fortunes to you before I die." Esau therefore set out to hunt.

29. Rebecca, quae non timet mariti indignationem, Isaacum Esao praeferri vult

Rebecca audierat Isaacum loquentem; vocavit Iacobum, et: “afferto,” inquit, “mihi duos haedos opimos; conficiam pulmentum, quo pater tuus valde delectatur. Appones ei cibum, et bene precabitur tibi.” Iacobus respondit: “ego non ausim id facere, mater. Esaüs est pilosus, ego sum lenis; si pater me attrectaverit, succensebit mihi. Ita indignatio patris et damnum mihi evenient pro eius benevolentia.”

29. Rebecca, who does not fear her husbands anger, wants Isaac to be preferred to Esau

Rebecca hearing Isaac speaking; called to Jacob and says, "bring to me two fatted goats; I will make a stew that will greatly please your father. You will place the food for him and he will bless you." Jacob answers: "I will not dare to do that mother. Esau is hairy, I am smooth; if father touches me, he will sense that its me. Thus the anger of father and loss will come to me in place of his kindness."

30. Rebecca Isaaco escam parat

Rebecca institit: “ne timeas,” inquit, “fili mi. Si quid adversi inde sequatur, id totum sumo mihi. Tu vero ne dubites facere quod iussus es.” Itaque Iacobus abiit, et attulit matri duos haedos. Illa paravit seni cibum quem noverat suavem esse palato eius. Deinde induit Iacobum vestibus fratris; aptavit pellem haedi manibus eius et collo. Tum: “adi,” inquit, “patrem tuum, et offer illi escam quam appetit.”

30. Rebecca prepares the meal for Isaac

Rebecca insisted saying, "Do not be afraid. If anything adverse follows, I will take it all upon myself. But do not hesitate to do what you are ordered." Therefore Jacob went away and brought his mother two goats. The prepared food for the old man that she knew would be sweet to his palate. Then brought Jacob his brothers clothes; she fitted the goats hide on his hands and neck. Then she said, "Go to your father and bring to him the meal he seeks."

31. Isaacus nesciens Esao Iacobum anteponit

Iacobus attulit patri suo escam paratam a matre. Cui Isaacus dixit: “quisnam es tu?” Iacobus respondit: “ego sum Esaüs primogenitus tuus; feci quod iussisti, pater; surge, et comede de venatione mea.” “Quomodo,” ait Isaacus, “potuisti invenire tam cito?” “Inveni, pater; Deus ita voluit.” Isaacus rursum: “Tune es Esaüs primogenitus meus? Accede propius ut attrectem te.” Ille accessit ad patrem, qui dixit: “vox quidem est Iacobi, sed manus sunt Esaï.”

31. Isaac unknowingly places Jacob before Esau

Jacob brings to his father the meal prepared by his mother. Isaac said to him: "Who are you?" Jacob answers: "I am Esau your first-born; I made that you ordered father; rise and eat from my hunt." "How," says Isaac, "were able so quickly?" "I found as God willed Father." Isaac again: "Are you really Esau my first-born?" Come near that I may touch you." He went to his father who said: "the voice is indeed Jacob but the hands are Esau."

32. Esaus redit atque intellegit Iacobum sibi esse antepositum

Isaacus, amplexatus Iacobum, anteposuit eum fratri, et tribuit illi omnia bona primogeniti. Non multo post Esaüs rediit a venatione, et ipse obtulit patri pulmentum quod paraverat. Cui Isaacus mirans dixit: “quis est ergo ille qui modo attulit mihi cibum, et cui apprecatus sum omnia fausta, tanquam primogenito?” Quod audiens Esaüs edidit magnum clamorem, et implevit domum lamentis.

32. Esau returns and perceives Jacob to be placed before him

Isaac, hugging Jacob, placed him before his brother and gave him all the gifts of the first-born. Not long after Esau returned from hunting and brought the stew that he prepared for his father. Isaac wondering said to him: "who therefore is he that just brought the food to me and I bestowed all good things as first-born?" Esau hearing this gave out a great shout and the house was filled with lamentation.

33. Iacobus proficiscitur ut fratris iram vitet

Esaüs ardens ira minabatur mortem Iacobo. Quare Rebecca mater, timens dilecto filio suo: “fuge,” inquit, “fili mi; abi ad Labanum avunculum tuum, et commorare apud eum donec ira fratris tui defervescat.” Iacobus, dimissus a patre et matre, profectus est in Mesopotamiam. Iter faciens pervenit ad quemdam locum, ubi fessus de via pernoctavit; supposuit lapidem capiti suo et obdormivit.

33. Jacob departs so that he avoid his brothers wrath

Esau burning with anger threatened Jacob with death. Therefore his mother Rebecca, fearing her dear son said, "Flee my son; go to Laban your uncle, and stay with him until your brother's anger boils over." Jacob, sent away from his father and mother, departs into Mesopotamia. Making his journey he arrived at a certain place where spent the night tired from the way; he placed his head on a rock and went to sleep.

34. Iacobi somnium

Iacobus vidit in somnis scalam, quae innixa terrae pertinebat ad caelum, atque Angelos Dei adscendentes et descendentes. Audivit Dominum dicentem sibi: “Ego sum Deus patris tui; dabo tibi et posteris tuis terram cui incubas: noli timere; ego favebo tibi; ero custos tuus quocumque perrexeris, et reducam te in patriam, ac per te omnes orbis nationes erunt bonis cumulatae.” Iacobus expergefactus adoravit Dominum.

34. Jacob's dream

Jacob saw a ladder in his dream that rested on the ground and reached to heaven and the Angels of God ascended and descended. He heard the Lord saying to him: "I am God your father; I will give to you and your posterity land that you can inhabit: do not fear; I will show favor to you; I will guard you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to your country and through you all the nations of the world will increase in goods." Jacob awoke and worshiped the Lord.

35. Iacobus pervenit in Mesopotamiam

Iacobus iter persecutus pervenit in Mesopotamiam; vidit tres pecorum greges propter puteum cubantes. Nam ex eo puteo greges solebant adaquari. Os putei claudebatur ingenti lapide. Iacobus accessit illuc, et dixit pastoribus: “fratres, unde estis?” Qui responderunt: “ex urbe Haran.” Quos interrogavit iterum: “nostisne Labanum?” Dixerunt: “novimus.” “Valetne?” “Valet,” inquiunt, “ecce Rachel filia eius venit cum grege suo.”

35. Jacob arrived in Mesopotamia

Jacob persuing his journey arrived in Mesopotamia; he saw three herds of cattle lying down by the well. For the herds were accustomed to be watered from that well. The opening of the well was closed with a huge stone. Jacob went up to it and said to the shepherds: "brothers from where do you come?" They answered: "from the city Haran." He again asked them: "do you know Laban?" They said: "we know him." "Is he well?" "he is well." they said. "behold Rebecca his daughter coming with her flock."

36. Iacobus a Labano recipitur qui filiam suam in matrimonium ei dat

Dum Iacobus loqueretur cum pastoribus, Rachel, filia Labani, venit cum pecore paterno: nam ipsa pascebat gregem. Confestim Iacobus videns cognatam suam, amovit lapidem ab ore putei. “Ego sum,” inquit, “filius Rebeccae”; et osculatus est eam. Rachel festinans id nuntiavit patri suo, qui agnovit filium sororis suae, deditque ei Rachelem in matrimonium.

36. Jacob is received by Laban who gives his daughter in marriage to him

While Jacob spoke with the shepherds, Rachel, Laban's daughter, comes with her father's flock: for she was feeding the flock. Jacob immediately seeing his cousin moved the stone away from the well's opening. "I am Rebecca's son," he said and kissed her. Rachel hastened to announce to her father, who recognized his sister's son, and gave Rachel to him in marriage.

37. Iacobus redit in patriam suam

Iacobus diu commoratus est apud Labanum. Interea mire auxit rem suam, et factus est dives. Longo post tempore admonitus a Deo, rediit in patriam suam. Extimescebat iram fratris sui: ut placaret animum eius, praemisit ad eum nuntios, qui offerent ei munera. Esaüs mitigatus occurrit obviam Jacobo advenienti; insiliit in collum eius, flensque osculatus est eum, nec quidquam illi nocuit.

37. Jacob returns to his country

Jacob dwelt with Laban for a long time. Meanwhile he surprisingly increased his possessions and became rich. A long time after he was advised by God to return to his country. He feared his brother's anger: to pacify his mind, he sent messngers to him who brought him gifts. Esau softened ran to Jacob arriving on the road; leapt upon his neck, and weeping kissed him, and did no harm to him.

(III) IOSEPHVS

(III) JOSEPH

38. Nascitur Iosephus, filius quem Iacobus prae ceteris amavit

Iacobus habuit duodecim filios, inter quos erat Iosephus: hunc pater amabat prae ceteris, quia senex genuerat eum. Dederat illi togam textam e filis varii coloris. Quam ob causam Iosephus erat invisus suis fratribus, praesertim postquam narravisset eis duplex somnium, quo futura eius magnitudo portendebatur. Oderant illum tantopere, ut non possent cum eo amice loqui.

38. Joseph is born, the son that Jacob loved above the others

Jacob had twelve sons, among those was Joseph; his father loved him above the others because he had begotten him as an old man. He gave to him a robe woven from threads of many colors. And for this reason Joseph was the envy of his brothers, especially after he had told them a double dream, by which his greatness was portended. They hated him so much that they were not able to speak with him as a friend.

39. Iosephi somnia

Haec porro erant Iosephi somnia: “ligabamus,” inquit, “simul manipulos in agro. Ecce manipulus meus surgebat et stabat rectus; vestri autem manipuli circumstantes venerabantur meum. Postea vidi in somnis solem, lunam et undecim stellas adorantes me.” Cui fratres responderunt: “quorsum spectant ista somnia? Num tu eris rex noster? Num subiiciemur ditioni tuae?” Fratres igitur invidebant ei; at pater rem tacitus considerabat.

39. Joseph's dreams

These were Joseph's dreams: "We were tying," he said, "bundles in the field together. Behold my bundles were rising and standing upright; but your bundles were around worshipping mine. After I saw in the dream the Sun, Moon and eleven stars worshipping me. His brothers answered: "what do these dreams mean? Will you be our king? Will we be subject to your domain?" Therefore his brothers hated him; but his father considered the matter quietly.

40. Iosephi fratres consilium capiunt eius occidendi

Quadam die, quum fratres Iosephi pascerent greges procul, ipse remanserat domi. Iacobus misit eum ad fratres, ut videret quomodo se haberent. Qui videntes Iosephum venientem, consilium ceperunt illius occidendi. “Ecce,” inquiebant, “somniator venit. Occidamus illum et proiiciamus in puteum; dicemus patri: fera devoravit Iosephum. Tunc apparebit quid sua illi prosint somnia.”

40. Joseph's brothers make a plan to kill him

A certain day when Joseph's brothers were feeding the flock far away, he remained at home. Jacob sent him to his brothers to see how they were doing. When they saw him Joseph coming, they made a plan to kill him. "Behold," they said, "the dreamer comes. Let us kill him and throw him into the well; we will tell father: a wild animal devored Joseph. Then it will appear what benefit his dreams are."

41. Ruben, qui est natu maximus, fratres a tanto scelere deterrere conatur

Ruben, qui erat natu maximus, deterrebat fratres a tanto scelere. “Nolite,” inquiebat, “interficere puerum; est enim frater noster; demittite eum potius in hanc foveam.” Habebat in animo liberare Iosephum ex eorum manibus, et illum extrahere e fovea, atque ad patrem reducere. Reipsa his verbis deducti sunt ad mitius consilium.

41. Ruben, who is the oldest born, tries to deter his brothers from such a crime

Ruben, who was the oldest born, deterred his brothers from such a crime. "Do not," he said, "kill the boy; for he is our brother; rather drop him into this pit." He had in mind to free Joseph from their hands, and take him from the pit, and return him to his father. With these words they were led to a milder plan.

42. Fratres Iosephum mercatoribus vendunt

Ubi Iosephus pervenit ad fratres suos, detraxerunt ei togam qua indutus erat, et detruserunt eum in foveam. Deinde quum consedissent ad sumendum cibum, conspexerunt mercatores qui petebant Aegyptum cum camelis portantibus varia aromata. Venit illis in mentem Iosephum vendere illis mercatoribus. Qui emerunt Iosephum viginti nummis argenteis, eumque duxerunt in Aegyptum.

42. The brothers sell Joseph to merchants

When Joseph reached his brothers, they pulled off the cloak he was wearing and threw him into the pit. Then when they had sit down to take a meal, they caught sight of merchants who were heading for Egypt with camels carrying various spices. It came to mind to sell Joseph to these merchants. They bought Joseph for twenty silver coins, and led him to Egypt.

43. Ad patrem mittunt togam sanguine tinctam

Tunc fratres Iosephi tinxerunt togam eius in sanguine haedi quem occiderant, et miserunt eam ad patrem cum his verbis: “invenimus hanc togam; vide an toga filii tui sit.” Quam quum agnovisset, pater exclamavit: “toga filii mei est; fera pessima devoravit Iosephum.” Deinde scidit vestem, et induit cilicium. Omnes liberi eius convenerunt ut lenirent dolorem patris. Sed Iacobus noluit accipere consolationem, dixitque: “ego descendam maerens cum filio meo in sepulcrum.”

43. They send his cloak to their father stained with blood

Then Joseph's brothers stained his cloak in a goat's blood that they killed, and they sent it to their father with these words: "we found this cloak; see if it is your son's cloak." As soon as he recognized it, the father shouted: "it is my son's cloak; a terrible beast devored Joseph." Then he tore his clothes and put on a shirt. All of his sons met to soothe their father's sorrow. But Jacob did not want to receive consolation and said: "I will go down weeping with my son into the tomb."

44. Putiphar Aegyptius Iosephum emit

Putiphar Aegyptius emit Iosephum a mercatoribus. Deus autem favit Putiphari causa Iosephi: omnia ei prospere succedebant. Quam ob rem Iosephus benigne habitus est ab ero, qui praefecit eum domui suae. Iosephus ergo administrabat rem familiarem Putipharis: omnia fiebant ad nutum eius, nec Putiphar ullius negotii curam gerebat.

44. Potipher the Egyptian buys Joseph

Potipher the Egyptian buys Joseph from the merchants. But God favored Potipher for Joseph's sake: all things turned out prosperously for him. For this reason Joseph received kindness from the master, who made him in charge of his house. Joseph therefore managed Potiphers family matters: everything was done at his order and Potipher did not undertake any care of the duties.

45. Putipharis uxor Iosephum accusat, qui in carcerem conicitur

Iosephus erat insigni et pulchra facie: uxor Putipharis eum pelliciebat ad flagitium. Iosephus autem nolebat assentiri improbae mulieri. Quadam die mulier apprehendit oram pallii eius; at Iosephus reliquit pallium in manibus eius, et fugit. Mulier irata inclamavit servos, et Iosephum accusavit apud virum, qui, nimium credulus, coniecit Iosephum in carcerem.

45. Potipher's wife accuses Joseph, who he throws into prison

Joseph had a dignified and handsome appearance: Potipher's wife enticed him to wickedness. But Joseph did not want to yield to the wicked woman. One day the woman grabbed the hem of his cloak; but Joseph left the cloak in her hand and fled. The angry woman called the servants and accused Joseph before husband, who being too credulus, threw Joseph into prison.

46. Somnia duorum regis ministrorum qui in carcere cum Iosepho sunt

Erant in eodem carcere duo ministri regis Pharaonis: alter praeerat pincernis, alter pistoribus. Utrique obvenit divinitus somnium eadem nocte. Ad quos quum venisset Iosephus mane, et animadvertisset eos tristiores solito, interrogavit quaenam esset moestitiae causa. Qui responderunt: “obvenit nobis somnium, nec quisquam est qui illud nobis interpretetur.” “Nonne,” inquit Iosephus, “Dei solius est praenoscere res futuras? Narrate mihi somnia vestra.”

46. The dreams of the two servants of the king who were in the prison with Joseph

There were in the same prison two servants of king Pharaoh: one commanded the butlers, the other the bakers. A divine dream came to both on the same night. To whom, when Joseph had come in the morning, and had noticed them sadder than usual, he asked what was the cause of their sadness. The answered: "a dream came to us, but there is not anyone to interpret it to us." "Surely," says Joseph, "it is to God alone to know future matters beforehand? Tell me your dreams."

47. Iosephus prioris ministri somnium interpretatur

Tum prior sic exposuit Iosepho somnium suum: “vidi in quiete vitem in qua erant tres palmites; ea paulatim protulit gemmas; deinde flores eruperunt, ac denique uvae maturescebant. Ego exprimebam uvas in scyphum Pharaonis, eique porrigebam.” “Esto bono animo,” inquit Iosephus; “post tres dies Pharao te restituet in gradum pristinum; te rogo ut memineris mei.”

47. Joseph interprets the first deam of the servant

Then the first man explained his dream to Joseph: "I saw in rest a vine in which there were three palms; it brought forth gems shortly; then flowers burst forth and finally the grapes ripened. I squeezed the grapes into Pharaoh's cup and gave them to him." "Have a good spirit," says Joseph, "after three days Pharaoh will restore you to your former rank; I ask that you remember me."

48. Iosephus alterius ministri somnium interpretatur

Alter quoque narravit somnium suum Iosepho: “gestabam in capite tria canistra in quibus erant cibi quos pistores solent conficere. Ecce autem aves circumvolitabant, et cibos illos comedebant.” Cui Iosephus: “haec est interpretatio istius somnii: tria canistra sunt tres dies, quibus elapsis, Pharao te feriet securi, et affiget ad palum, ubi aves pascentur carne tua.”

48. Joseph interprets the other servants dream

The other also told his dream to Joseph: "I was bearing on my head three baskets in which there was food the bakers typically make. And here birds were flying around and eating the food." Joseph says: "this is the interpretation of that dream: the three baskets are three days which when they pass, Pharaoh will strike you with an ax and tie you to a tree where birds will eat your flesh."

49. Res somnium comprobant

Die tertio, qui dies natalis Pharaonis erat, splendidum convivium parandum fuit. Tunc rex meminit ministrorum suorum, qui erant in carcere. Restituit praefecto pincernarum munus suum; alterum vero securi percussum suspendit ad palum. Ita res somnium comprobavit. Tamen praefectus pincernarum oblitus est Iosephi, nec illius in se meriti recordatus est.

49. The matter of the dream is proved

On the third day, which was the birthday of Pharaoh, a wonderful banquet was prepared. Then the king remembered his servants, who were in prison. He restored the captain of the butler to his office; but the other being struck with an axe he hanged on a tree. Nevertheless the captain of the butlers forgot Joseph and did not remember his merit in himself.

50. Pharaonis somnia

Post biennium rex ipse habuit somnium. Videbatur sibi adstare Nilo flumini; et ecce emergebant de flumine septem vaccae pingues, quae pascebantur in palude. Deinde septem aliae vaccae macilentae exierunt ex eodem flumine, quae devorarunt priores. Pharao experrectus rursum dormivit, et alterum habuit somnium. Septem spicae plenae enascebantur in uno culmo, aliaeque totidem exiles succrescebant, et spicas plenas consumebant.

50. Pharaoh's dream

After two years the king had a dream. He seemed to be standing at the Nile river; and behold seven fat cows emerged from the river. that were grazing in the marsh.Then seven other emaciated cows came out from the same river, that devored the former. Pharaoh awoke and slept again and had another dread. Seven full ears of corn sprouted on one stalk, and just as many other slender ones grew up, and consued the full ears of corn.

51. Praefectus pincernarum de Iosepho regi narrat

Ubi illuxit, Pharao perturbatus convocavit omnes coniectores Aegypti, et narravit illis somnium; at nemo poterat illud interpretari. Tum praefectus pincernarum dixit regi: “confiteor peccatum meum; quum ego et praefectus pistorum essemus in carcere, uterque somniavimus eadem nocte. Erat ibi puer hebraeus, qui nobis sapienter interpretatus est somnia; res enim interpretationem comprobavit.”

51. The captain of the butlers tells the king of Joseph

When it dawned, Pharaoh being disturbed called all the diviners of Egypt and told them the dream; but no one was able to interpret it. Then the captain of the butlers said to the king: "I confess my wrong; when I and the captain of the bakers were in prison, we each dreamed on the same night. There was a Hebrew boy there who wisely interpreted our dreams; for the matter confirmed the interpretation."

52. Iosephus Pharaoni somnia interpretatur

Rex arcessivit Iosephum, eique narravit utrumque somnium. Tum Iosephus Pharaoni: “duplex,” inquit, “somnium unam atque eamdem rem significat. Septem vaccae pingues et septem spicae plenae sunt septem anni ubertatis mox venturae; septem vero vaccae macilentae et septem spicae exiles sunt totidem anni famis, quae ubertatem secutura est. Itaque, Rex, praefice toti Aegypto virum sapientem et industrium, qui partem frugum recondat in horreis publicis, servetque diligenter in subsidium famis secuturae.”

52. Joseph interprets the dreams of Pharaoh

The king brought Joseph and told him each dream. Then Joseph says to Pharaoh: "The double dream means one and the same thing. The seven fat cows and the seven full ears of corn are seven years of abundance coming soon; but the seven skinny cows and seven thin ears of corn are the same number of years of famine, that will follow the abundance. Therefore O King put a wise and hard-working man in charge of all Egypt to store up part of the grain in public storage, and to carefully keep it in support of the following famine."

53. Iosephus totius Aegypti praefectus creatur

Regi placuit consilium; quare dixit Iosepho: “Num quis est in Aegypto sapientior? Nemo certe fungetur melius illo munere. En tibi trado curam regni mei.” Tum detraxit e manu sua annulum, et Iosephi digito inseruit; induit illum veste byssina, collo torquem aureum circumdedit, eumque in curru suo secundum collocavit. Iosephus erat triginta annos natu, quum summam potestatem a rege accepit.

53. Joseph made prefect of all Egypt

The king pleased with he plan; and said to Joseph: "Surely there is no one in Egypt wiser? Certainly no one will perform the task better. I will hand over to you the care of my kingdom." Then he took off a ring from his hand and put it on Joseph's finger; he dressed him in fine linen clothes, he put a gold necklace around his neck, and placed him second on his chariot. Joseph was thirty years old when he received the highest power from the king.

54. Iosephus frumentum congestum recondit quod egestatis tempore vendat

Iosephus perlustravit omnes Aegypti regiones, et per septem annos ubertatis congessit maximam frumenti copiam. Secuta est inopia septem annorum, et in orbe universo fames ingravescebat. Tunc Aegyptii, quos premebat egestas, adierunt regem, postulantes cibum. Quos Pharao remittebat ad Iosephum. Hic autem aperuit horrea, et Aegyptiis frumenta vendidit.

54. Joseph stores the accumulated grain that he sells in a time of need

Joseph toured all the regions of Egypt and accumulated a large supply of grain for the seven years of abundance. The scarcity of seven years followed and in the entire world the famine was increasing. Then the Egyptians who were crushed by need, went to the king requesting food. And Pharaoh sent them back to Joseph. And he opened the storehouses and sold grain to the Egyptians.

(IV) IOSEPHVS

(IV) JOSEPH

55. Iacobus filios suos in Aegyptum mittit ad emendam annonam, sed filium minimum natu secum retinet

Ex aliis quoque regionibus conveniebatur in Aegyptum ad emendam annonam. Eadem necessitate compulsus Iacobus misit illuc filios suos. Itaque profecti sunt fratres Iosephi; sed pater retinuit domi natu minimum, qui vocabatur Beniaminus. Timebat enim ne quid mali ei accideret in itinere. Beniaminus ex eadem matre natus erat qua Iosephus, ideoque ei longe carior erat quam ceteri fratres.

55. Jacob sends his sons into Egypt to buy grain, but keeps his youngest son with him

From other regions also they gathered in Egypt to buy grain. Compelled by the same need Jacob sends his own sons there. Therefore Joseph's brothers departed; but his father held back his youngest born at home, who was called Benjamin. For he feared lest some evil occur on the journey. Benjamin was born from the same mother as Joseph, and was far dearer to him than the other brothers.

56. Iosephus fratribus recognitis non vult statim indicare quis ipse sit

Decem fratres, ubi in conspectum Iosephi venerunt, eum proni venerati sunt. Agnovit eos Iosephus, nec ipse est cognitus ab eis. Noluit indicare statim quis esset, sed eos interrogavit tanquam alienos: “unde venistis, et quo consilio?” Qui responderunt: “profecti sumus e regione Chanaan ut emamus frumentum.” “Non est ita,” inquit Iosephus; “sed venistis huc animo hostili: vultis explorare nostras urbes et loca Aegypti parum munita.” At illi: “minime,” inquiunt; “nihil mali meditamur. Duodecim fratres sumus; minimus retentus est domi a patre; alius vero non superest.”

56. Joseph does not want to immediately tell his brothers who he is

The ten brothers when they came in sight of Joseph, prostrated honoring him. Joseph knew them but was not recognized by them. He did not want to immediately indicate who he was, but asked them as strangers: "from where do you come and what are your plans?" They answered: "We departed from the region of Canaan to buy grain." "It is not so," says Joseph; "but you came with a hostile mind: you want to explore our cities and the places of Egypt lacking fortification." They say to him, "Certainly not, we are thinking no evil things. We are twelve brothers; the youngest was kept home by our father; and the other is no longer present."

57. Iosephus unum ex fratribus obsidem retinet, donec Beniaminus ad adducatur.

Illud Iosephum angebat quod Beniaminus cum ceteris non aderat. Quare dixit eis: “experiar an verum dixeritis; maneat unus ex vobis obses apud me, dum adducatur huc frater vester minimus. Ceteri, abite cum frumento.” Tunc coeperunt inter se dicere: “merito haec patimur; crudeles fuimus in fratrem nostrum; nunc poenam huius sceleris luimus.” Putabant haec verba non intellegi a Iosepho, quia per interpretem cum eis loquebatur.

57. Joseph retains on of his brothers hostage until Benjamin is brought to him.

It frustrated Joseph that Benjamin was not there with the others. He said to them: "I will test if what you say is true; one of you will remain hostage with me while your youngest brother is brought here. The others go with the grain." Then they began to say among themselves: "we deserve this punishment; we were cruel to our brother; now we are paying the penalty for this crime." They thought these words were not understood by Joseph because an interpreter spoke with them.

58. Iosephi fratres dimittuntur

Iosephus iussit fratrum saccos impleri tritico, et pecuniam quam attulerant reponi in ore saccorum; addidit insuper cibaria in viam. Deinde dimisit eos, praeter Simeonem, quem retinuit obsidem. Itaque profecti sunt fratres Iosephi; et quum venissent ad patrem, narraverunt ei omnia quae sibi acciderant. Quum aperuissent saccos, ut effunderent frumenta, mirantes repererunt pecuniam.

58. Joseph's brothers are dismissed

Joseph ordered his brothers sacks be filled with wheat and the money that they brought was replaced into the mouth of the sacks; in addition he added food for the road. Then he dismissed them except Simon, who he kept hostage. Therefore Joseph's brothers set out and when they had come to their father, they told him everything that had occurred. When they opened the sacks to pour out the grain, they were amazed to find the money.

59. Iacobus Beniaminum dimittere non vult

Iacobus, ut audivit Beniaminum arcessi a praefecto Aegypti, cum gemitu questus est: “Orbum me liberis fecistis: Iosephus mortuus est; Simeon retentus est in Aegypto; Beniaminum vultis abducere. Haec omnia mala in me recidunt; non dimittam Beniaminum; nam si quid ei adversi acciderit in via, non potero ei superstes vivere; sed dolore oppressus moriar.”

59. Jacob does not want to send Benjamin away

Jacob, when he heard Benjamin was summoned by the prefect of Egypt, asked with a groan: "You have made me childless: Joseph is dead; Simon is held in Egypt; you want Benjamin led away. All these evils are falling upon me; I will not send Benjamin away; for if something bad occurs on the way, I will not be able to live surviving him, but I will die crushed by sorrow."

60. Iacobi filii patri dicunt se praefectum Aegypti sine Beniamino adire non posse

Postquam consumpti sunt cibi quos attulerant, Iacobus dixit filiis suis: “Proficiscimini iterum in Aegyptum, ut ematis cibos.” Qui responderunt: "Non possumus adire praefectum Aegypti sine Beniamino; ipse enim iussit illum ad se adduci.” “Cur,” inquit pater, “mentionem fecistis de fratre vestro minimo?” “Ipse,” inquiunt, “nos interrogavit an pater viveret, an alium fratrem haberemus. Respondimus ad ea quae sciscitabatur; non potuimus praescire eum dicturum esse: adducite huc fratrem vestrum.”

60. Jacobs sons say to their father that they cannot go to the prefect of Egypt without Benjamin

After they ate the food that they brought, Jacob said to his ons: "You will depart again to Egypt to buy food." They respond: "We cannot go to the prefect of Egypt without Benjamin; for he ordered that he be brought to him." "Why," their father said, "did you mention your youngest brother?" They said, "He asked if our father lived and whether we have another brother. We answered to what was asked, we could not know beforehand he would say: lead your brother here."

61. Iacobus tandem eorum precibus flectitur et Beniaminum iis committit

Tunc Iudas, unus e filiis Iacobi, dixit patri: “committe mihi puerum; ego illum recipio in fidem meam; ego servabo, ego reducam illum ad te; nisi fecero, huius rei culpa in me residebit. Si voluisses eum statim dimittere, iam secundo huc rediissemus.” Tandem victus pater annuit: “quoniam necesse est,” inquit, “proficiscatur Beniaminus vobiscum. Deferte viro munera et duplum pretium, ne forte errore factum sit ut vobis redderetur prior pecunia.”

61. Jacob finally yields to their pleas and hands over Benjamin to them

Then Judas, one of Jacob's sons, said to his father: "give the boy to me; I will receive him in my trust; I will guard him, I will return him to you; unless i do this, the fault for this matter will reside in me. If you had wanted to release him immediately, we would have returned here a second time." Finally the father overcome nods: "since it is necessary," he says, ""set out with Benjamin with you. Bring gifts to the man and double the price, lest it be done by error that the money was returned to you before."

62. Iosephus iubet lautum convivium fratribus parari

Nuntiatum est Iosepho eosdem viros advenisse, et cum eis parvulum fratrem. Iussit Iosephus eos introduci domum, et lautum parari convivium. Illi porro metuebant ne arguerentur de pecunia quam in saccis repererant; quare purgaverunt se apud dispensatorem Iosephi. “Iam semel,” inquiunt, “huc venimus; reversi domum, invenimus pretium frumenti in saccis. Nescimus quonam casu id factum fuerit; sed eamdem pecuniam reportavimus.” Quibus dispensator ait: “bono animo estote.” Deinde adduxit ad illos Simeonem, qui retentus fuerat.

62. Joseph orders a lavish banquet be prepared for his brothers

It was announced

63. Fratres ad Iosephum adducuntur

Deinde Iosephus ingressus est in conclave; ubi sui eum fratres exspectabant, qui eum venerati sunt offerentes munera. Iosephus eos clementer salutavit, interrogavitque: “salvusne est senex ille quem vos patrem habetis? Vivitne adhuc?” Qui responderunt: “salvus est pater noster; adhuc vivit.” Iosephus autem, coniectis in Beniaminum oculis, dixit: “iste est frater vester minimus, qui domi remanserat apud patrem?” Et rursus: “Deus sit tibi propitius, fili mi”; et abiit festinans, quia commotus erat animo, et lacrimae erumpebant.

64. Iosephus dispensatorem iubet scyphum suum argenteum in sacco Beniamini occulte ponere

Iosephus, lota facie, regressus continuit se, et iussit apponi cibos. Tum distribuit escam unicuique fratrum suorum; sed pars Beniamini erat quintuplo major quam ceterorum. Peracto convivio, Iosephus dat negotium dispensatori ut saccos eorum impleat frumento, pecuniam simul reponat, et insuper scyphum suum argenteum in sacco Beniamini recondat. Ille fecit diligenter quod iussus fuerat.

65. Iosephus dispensatori mandata dat ut fratres modo profectos assequatur

Fratres Iosephi sese in viam dederant, necdum procul ab urbe aberant. Tunc Iosephus vocavit dispensatorem domus suae, eique dixit: “persequere viros, et quum eos assecutus fueris, illis dicito: quare injuriam pro beneficio rependistis? Subripuistis scyphum argenteum quo dominus meus utitur; improbe fecistis.” Dispensator mandata Iosephi perfecit: ad eos confestim advolavit; furtum exprobavit, rei indignitatem exposuit.

66. Scyphus in Beniamini sacco deprehenditur

Fratres Iosephi responderunt dispensatori: “istud sceleris longe a nobis alienum est; nos, ut tute scis, retulimus bona fide pecuniam repertam in saccis; tantum abest ut furati simus scyphum domini tui. Apud quem furtum deprehensum fuerit, is morte mulctetur.” Continuo deponunt saccos et aperiunt; quos ille scrutatus invenit scyphum in sacco Beniamini.

67. Fratres Iosephi maerore oppressi in urbem revertuntur

Tunc fratres Iosephi moerore oppressi revertuntur in urbem. Adducti ad Iosephum, sese abiecerunt ad pedes illius. Quibus ille: “quomodo,” inquit, “potuistis hoc scelus admittere?” Iudas respondit: “fateor, res est manifesta; nullam possumus excusationem affere, nec audemus petere veniam aut sperare; nos omnes erimus servi tui.” “Nequaquam,” ait Iosephus; “sed ille apud quem inventus est scyphus erit mihi servus; vos autem abite liberi ad patrem vestrum.”

68. Iudas orat ut ipse pro Beniamino in servitutem addicatur

Tunc Iudas accedens propius ad Iosephum: “te oro,” inquit, “Domine mi, ut bona cum venia me audias. Pater unice diligit puerum; nolebat primo eum dimittere; non potui id ab eo impetrare, nisi postquam spopondi eum tutum ab omni periculo fore. Si redierimus ad patrem sine puero, ille moerore confectus morietur. Te oro atque obsecro ut sinas puerum abire, meque pro eo addicas in servitutem; ego poenam, qua dignus est, mihi sumo et exsolvam.”

69. Iosephus fratribus se notum facit

Interea Iosephus continere se vix poterat; quare iussit Aegyptios adstantes recedere. Tum flens dixit magna voce: “ego sum Iosephus; vivitne adhuc pater meus?” Non poterant respondere fratres eius nimio timore perturbati. Quibus ille amice: “accedite,” inquit, “ad me: ego sum Iosephus, frater vester, quem vendidistis mercatoribus euntibus in Aegyptum; nolite timere: Dei providentia id factum est ut ego saluti vestrae consulerem.”

70. Iosephus fratres hortatur ut cum patre in Aegyptum commigrent

Iosephus haec locutus fratrem suum Beniaminum complexus est, eumque lacrimis conspersit. Deinde ceteros quoque fratres collacrimans osculatus est. Tum demum illi cum eo fidenter locuti sunt. Quibus Iosephus: “ite,” inquit, “properate ad patrem meum, eique nuntiate filium suum vivere, et apud Pharaonem plurimum posse; persuadete illi ut in Aegyptum cum omni familia commigret.”

71. Pharao multa dona per Iosephi fratres ad Iacobum mittit

Fama de adventu fratrum Iosephi ad aures regis pervenit; qui dedit eis munera perferenda ad patrem cum his mandatis: “adducite huc patrem vestrum et omnem eius familiam, nec multum curate supellectilem vestram, quia omnia quae opus erunt vobis praebiturus sum, et omnes opes Aegypti vestrae erunt.” Misit quoque currus ad vehendum senem, et parvulos et mulieres.

72. Iosephi fratres eum vivere patri nuntiant

Fratres Iosephi festinantes reversi sunt ad patrem suum, eique nuntiaverunt Iosephum vivere, et principem esse totius Aegypti. Ad quem nuntium Iacobus, quasi e gravi somno excitatus, obstupuit, nec primum filiis rem narrantibus fidem adhibebat. Sed, postquam vidit plaustra et dona sibi a Iosepho missa, recepit animum; et: “mihi satis est,” inquit, “si vivit adhuc Iosephus meus; ibo, et videbo eum antequam moriar.”

73. Iacobus cum filiis et nepotibus profectus Aegyptum petit

Iacobus profectus cum filiis et nepotibus pervenit in Aegyptum, et praemisit Iudam ad Iosephum ut eum faceret certiorem de adventu suo. Confestim Iosephus processit obviam patri: quem ut vidit, in collum eius insiliit, et flens flentem complexus est. Tum Iacobus: “satis diu vixi,” inquit; “nunc aequo animo moriar, quoniam conspectu tuo frui mihi licuit, et te mihi superstitem relinquo.”

74. Iosephus patrem suum advenisse pharaoni nuntiat

Iosephus adiit Pharaonem, eique nuntiavit patrem suum advenisse; constituit etiam quinque e fratribus suis coram rege. Qui eos interrogavit quidnam operis haberent; illi responderunt se esse pastores. Tum rex dixit Iosepho: “Aegyptus in potestate tua est; cura ut pater et fratres tui in optimo loco habitent; et, si qui sint inter eos gnavi et industrii, trade eis curam pecorum meorum.”

75. Iosephus patrem suum ad pharaonem adducit

Iosephus adduxit quoque patrem suum ad Pharaonem, qui, salutatus a Iacobo, percontatus est ab eo qua esset aetate. Iacobus respondit regi: “vixi centum et triginta annos, nec adeptus sum senectutem beatam avorum meorum.” Tum, bene precatus regi, discessit ab eo. Iosephus autem patrem et fratres suos collocavit in optima parte Aegypti, eisque omnium rerum abundantiam suppeditavit.

76. Iacobus a Iosepho postulat ut in maiorum sepulcro condatur

Iacobus vixit septem et decem annos postquam commigrasset in Aegyptum. Ubi sensit mortem sibi imminere, arcessito Iosepho dixit: “si me amas, iura te id facturum esse quod a te petam, scilicet ut ne me sepelias in Aegypto, sed corpus meum transferas ex hac regione, et condas in sepulcro maiorum meorum.” Iosephus autem: “faciam,” inquit, “quod iubes, pater.” “Iura ergo mihi,” ait Iacobus, “te certo id facturum esse.” Iosephus iuravit in verba patris.

77. Iosephus duos filios suos ad patrem adducit ut iis bene precetur

Iosephus adduxit ad patrem duos filios suos Manassem et Ephraïmum; posuit Manassem, qui natu maior erat, ad dextram senis, Ephraïmum vero minorem ad sinistram eius. At Iacobus decussans manus dextram imposuit Ephraïmo, sinistram autem Manassi, et utrique simul bene precatus est. Quod Iosephus animadvertens aegre tulit, et conatus est manus patris commutare. At pater restitit, dixitque Iosepho: “scio, fili mi, scio hunc esse maiorem natu, et illum minorem; id prudens feci.” Ita Iacobus Ephraïmum Manassi anteposuit.

78. Iosephus praecipit ut pater exstinctus in regione Chanaan sepeliatur

Ut vidit Iosephus exstinctum patrem, ruit super eum flens, et osculatus est eum, luxitque illum diu. Deinde praecepit medici ut condirent corpus; et ipse cum fratribus multisque Aegyptiis patrem deportavit in regionem Chanaan. Ibi funus fecerunt cum magno planctu, et sepelierunt corpus in spelunca ubi iacebant Abrahamus et Isaacus; reversique sunt in Aegyptum.

79. Fratres Iosephus consolatur

Post mortem patris, timebant fratres Iosephi ne ulcisceretur iniuriam quam acceperat; miserunt igitur ad illum rogantes nomine patris ut eam oblivisceretur, sibique condonaret. Quibus Iosephus respondit: “non est quod timeatis. Vos quidem malo in me animo fecistis; sed Deus convertit illud in bonum; ego vos alam et familias vestras.” Consolatus est eos plurimis verbis, et leniter cum illis locutus est.

80. Iosephus moritur

Iosephus vixit annos centum et decem; quumque esset morti proximus, convocavit fratres suos, et illos admonuit se brevi moriturum esse. “Ego,” inquit, “iam morior; Deus vos non deseret, sed erit vobis praesidio, et deducet vos aliquando ex Aegypto in regionem quam patribus nostris promisit. Oro vos atque obtestor ut illuc ossa mea deportetis.” Deinde placide obiit. Corpus eius conditum est, et in feretro positum.