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they be taken to his house, and that preparation be made for them to
dine with him. Upon being conducted to the governor’s palace, the
brothers were greatly alarmed, fearing that they were to be called to
account for the money found in their sacks. They thought that it might
have been intentionally placed there, to furnish occasion for making
them slaves. In their distress they consulted with the steward of the
house, relating to him the circumstances of their visit to Egypt; and in
proof of their innocence informed him that they had brought back the
money found in their sacks, also other money to buy food; and they
added, “We cannot tell who put our money in our sacks.” The man
replied, “Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your
father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money.” Their
anxiety was relieved, and when Simeon, who had been released from
prison, joined them, they felt that God was indeed gracious unto them.
When the governor again met them they presented their gifts and
humbly “bowed themselves to him to the earth.” Again his dreams
came to his mind, and after saluting his guests he hastened to ask, “Is
your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? Is he yet alive?” “Thy
servant our father is in good health, he is yet alive,” was the answer, as
they again made obeisance. Then his eye rested upon Benjamin, and
he said, “Is this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me?”
“God be gracious unto thee, my son;” but, overpowered by feelings of
tenderness, he could say no more. “He entered into his chamber, and
wept there.”
Having recovered his self-possession, he returned, and all pro-
ceeded to the feast. By the laws of caste the Egyptians were forbidden
to eat with people of any other nation. The sons of Jacob had therefore
a table by themselves, while the governor, on account of his high rank,
ate by himself, and the Egyptians also had separate tables. When all
were seated the brothers were surprised to see that they were arranged
in exact order, according to their ages. Joseph “sent messes unto them
from before him;” but Benjamin’s was five times as much as any of
theirs. By this token of favor to Benjamin he hoped to ascertain if the
youngest brother was regarded with the envy and hatred that had been
manifested toward himself. Still supposing that Joseph did not under-
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stand their language, the brothers freely conversed with one another;
thus he had a good opportunity to learn their real feelings. Still he
desired to test them further, and before their departure he ordered that