THE ASKING BY THE BROTHERS FOR JOSEPH FROM THEIR FATHER, AND THE TAKING OF JOSEPH (ON WHOM BE PEACE!) BEFORE THEIR FATHER.

In self-oblivion's corner aye confined,
Happy are they whom self's bonds never bind;—
From nature's bonds free and deceits of lust,
Who in pain's road and love's street are but dust.
To vex men's heart no dust from them will rise,
Nor on them from mankind a burden lies.
Under the world's obstructions aye content,
To burdens all that come their backs are bent.
Sleeping at night who anger never keep,
Awaking in the morn are as they sleep.
Joseph's detractors in the morning gay,
Rejoicing in their thoughts of yesterday,
Love on their tongues, their hearts still hatred keep,
As wolves are hidden in the form of sheep.
Seeing their father, the Ihrám* they bound,
Respectful kneeling down upon the ground.
Opening the door of fraud to over-reach,
They of hypocrisy began the speech.
They talked of everything, both old and new,
Till to the point they wished the story drew.
“From weariness at home we suffer grief,
“And in the desert air would seek relief.
“If thou wilt give us leave, we all intend
“To-morrow in the desert out to spend.
“Joseph, our brother, that light of our eyes,
“Is young and seldom in the desert lies.
“Our dignity to heighten with intent,
“How would it be if he, too, with us went?
“In the house-corner sits he night and day;
“‘Send him to-morrow out to sport and play.’
“Sometimes with him the desert path we'll tread:
“To hill and wood at times shall he be led.
“At times we'll draw the sweet milk of the sheep,
“And drink while laughter shall us merry keep.
“Of the green sward we'll make a place to play,
“Or to the tulip beds will lead the way.
“From off the tulip's head its cup upborne,
“With it will we our Joseph's head adorn.
“With skirts as those of partridge lifted high,
“Graceful upon the sward shall be pass by.
“At one place for the grazing deer we'll care,
“Or of the wolves he might in pieces tear.
“Perhaps we thus his spirits may revive,
“And weariness of home away may drive.
“With wonders though you every effort use,
“Can nothing but his play a child amuse.”
When Jacob heard what they had all to say,
The collar of consent he rent away.
“That you should take him how can I agree?
“'Twould mean but sorrow in my heart for me.
“I fear for him lest you should have no care,
“And of his state should be neglectful there,
“And on that ancient plain, so full of woe,
“To him some old wolf his sharp teeth should show.
“Those teeth may close upon him in the strife,
“And rend his tender body and my life.”
When those deceitful ones these words had heard,
Another tale to tell to them occurred.
“Of purpose all so weak we do not live,
“That we ten corpses to one wolf should give.
“Were he no wolf, but lion men to eat,
“Soon like a fox he'd lie beneath our feet.”
And when these words to Jacob's ear attained,
From making more excuses he refrained.
Joseph he let them to the desert bear
To his own realm inviting woe and care.