accidents, and not being able to
bear her lonesome condition, now those that were dearest to her were
dead, on whose account it was that she had gone away from her own
country, she returned to it again, for she had been informed it was now
in a flourishing condition. However, her daughters-in-law were not able
to think of parting with her; and when they had a mind to go out of the
country with her, she could not dissuade them from it; but when they
insisted upon it, she wished them a more happy wedlock than they had
with her sons, and that they might have prosperity in other respects
also; and seeing her own affairs were so low, she exhorted them to stay
where they were, and not to think of leaving their own country, and
partaking with her of that uncertainty under which she must return.
Accordingly Orpah staid behind; but she took Ruth along with her, as not
to be persuaded to stay behind her, but would take her fortune with her,
whatsoever it should prove.

2. When Ruth was come with her mother-in-law to Bethlehem, Booz, who was
near of kin to Elimelech, entertained her; and when Naomi was so called
by her fellow citizens, according to her true name, she said, "You
might more truly call me Mara." Now Naomi signifies in the Hebrew tongue
happiness, and Mara, sorrow. It was now reaping thee; and Ruth, by the
leave of her mother-in-law, went out to glean, that they might get a
stock of corn for their food. Now it happened that she came into Booz's
field; and after some thee Booz came thither, and when he saw the
damsel, he inquired of his servant that was set over the reapers
concerning the girl. The servant had a little before inquired about all
her circumstances, and told them to his master, who kindly embraced
her, both on account of her affection to her mother-in-law, and her
remembrance of that son of hers to whom she had been married, and wished
that she might experience a prosperous condition; so he desired her not
to glean, but to reap what she was able, and gave her leave to carry
it home. He also gave it in charge to that servant who was over the
reapers, not to hinder her when she took it away, and bade him give her
her dinner, and make her drink when he did the like to the reapers. Now
what corn Ruth received of him she kept for her mother-in-law, and came
to her in the evening, and brought the ears of corn with her; and Naomi
had kept for her a part of such food as her neighbors had plentifully
bestowed upon