me and lodge
with them, since the approach of the night gave him not time to proceed
farther. And producing his precious ornaments for women, he said he
desired to trust them to none more safely than to such as she had shown
herself to be; and that he believed he might guess at the humanity of
her mother and brother, that they would not be displeased, from the
virtue he found in her; for he would not be burdensome, but would pay
the hire for his entertainment, and spend his own money. To which she
replied, that he guessed right as to the humanity of her parents; but
complained that he should think them so parsimonious as to take money,
for that he should have all on free cost. But she said she would first
inform her brother Laban, and, if he gave her leave, she would conduct
him in.

3. As soon then as this was over, she introduced the stranger; and for
the camels, the servants of Laban brought them in, and took care of
them; and he was himself brought in to supper by Laban. And, after
supper, he says to him, and to the mother of the damsel, addressing
himself to her, "Abraham is the son of Terah, and a kinsman of yours;
for Nahor, the grandfather of these children, was the brother of
Abraham, by both father and mother; upon which account he hath sent me
to you, being desirous to take this damsel for his son to wife. He is
his legitimate son, and is brought up as his only heir. He could indeed
have had the most happy of all the women in that country for him, but he
would not have his son marry any of them; but, out of regard to his own
relations, he desired him to match here, whose affection and inclination
I would not have you despise; for it was by the good pleasure of God
that other accidents fell out in my journey, and that thereby I lighted
upon your daughter and your house; for when I was near to the city, I
saw a great many maidens coming to a well, and I prayed that I might
meet with this damsel, which has come to pass accordingly. Do you
therefore confirm that marriage, whose espousals have been already made
by a Divine appearance; and show the respect you have for Abraham, who
hath sent me with so much solicitude, in giving your consent to the
marriage of this damsel." Upon this they understood it to be the will of
God, and greatly approved of the offer, and sent their daughter, as was
desired. Accordingly Isaac married her, the inheritance being now
come to him; for the children by Keturah were gone to their