e Egyptians
would not eat with the Hebrews, for to do so was hateful to them.
Joseph's brothers were seated before him, the eldest first, as was his
right as the oldest, and the youngest last, and the men looked at each
other in astonishment. Then Joseph had portions served to them from the
food before him. But Benjamin's portions were five times as much as any
of theirs. So they drank and were merry with him.

Then he gave this command to the steward of his household: "Fill the
men's grain sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put my cup,
the silver cup, in the mouth of the sack of the youngest and the money
too that he paid for his grain." And the steward did as Joseph
commanded.

As soon as the morning light appeared, the men were sent away with their
asses. When they had gone out of the city, but were not yet far away,
Joseph commanded his steward, "Follow after the men and when you
overtake them, say to them, 'Why have you returned evil for good? Why
have you stolen my silver cup, that from which my master drinks? You
have done wrong in so doing.'"

So the steward overtook them and said these words to them. They said to
him, "Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your
servants to do such a thing! Remember that we brought back to you from
the land of Canaan the money which we found in our sacks. Why then
should we steal silver or gold from your master's house? Let that one of
your servants with whom it is found die, and we will be my lord's
slaves." He said, "Let it now be as you have said: he with whom it is
found shall be my slave; but you shall be innocent." Then each one
quickly took down his sack and opened it. The steward searched,
beginning with the oldest and ending with the youngest; and the cup was
found in Benjamin's sack. Then they tore their clothes, and every man
loaded his ass and returned to the city.

JOSEPH'S FORGIVENESS OF HIS BROTHERS

[Illustration: _Joseph Converses with Judah, his Brother_

Painted by J. James Tissot]

When Judah and his brothers came back to Joseph's house, Joseph was
still there; and they threw themselves before him on the ground. Joseph
said to them, "What deed is this that you have done? Do you not know
that a man like me can always tell where things are?" Judah replied,
"What shall we say to my lord? What shall we speak or how shall we clear
ourselves? God has found out the guilt of your servants. See, both we
and he also with who