h patience whatever they suffered, since it was done
by God in way of punishment, on his account. Thus they spake to one
another, not imagining that Joseph understood their language. A general
sadness also seized on them at Reubel's words, and a repentance for what
they had done; and they condemned the wickedness they had perpetrated,
for which they judged they were justly punished by God. Now when Joseph
saw that they were in this distress, he was so affected at it that he
fell into tears, and not being willing that they should take notice of
him, he retired; and after a while came to them again, and taking Symeon
[6] in order to his being a pledge for his brethren's return, he bid
them take the corn they had bought, and go their way. He also commanded
his steward privily to put the money which they had brought with
them for the purchase of corn into their sacks, and to dismiss them
therewith; who did what he was commanded to do.

5. Now when Jacob's sons were come into the land of Canaan, they told
their father what had happened to them in Egypt, and that they were
taken to have come thither as spies upon the king; and how they said
they were brethren, and had left their eleventh brother with their
father, but were not believed; and how they had left Symeon with the
governor, until Benjamin should go thither, and be a testimonial of the
truth of what they had said: and they begged of their father to fear
nothing, but to send the lad along with them. But Jacob was not pleased
with any thing his sons had done; and he took the detention of Symeon
heinously, and thence thought it a foolish thing to give up Benjamin
also. Neither did he yield to Reubel's persuasion, though he begged it
of him, and gave leave that the grandfather might, in way of requital,
kill his own sons, in case any harm came to Benjamin in the journey. So
they were distressed, and knew not what to do; nay, there was another
accident that still disturbed them more,--the money that was found
hidden in their sacks of corn. Yet when the corn they had brought failed
them, and when the famine still afflicted them, and necessity forced
them, Jacob did [7] [not] still resolve to send Benjamin with his
brethren, although there was no returning into Egypt unless they came
with what they had promised. Now the misery growing every day worse,
and his sons begging it of him, he had no other course to take in his
present circumstances. And Judas, who was of a bold tem