Page:History of Joseph and his brethren.pdf/6

6 He is sold into Egypt.

While in the pit young Joseph lay confined,

They sat them down to eat, and ere they dined

Some Ishmaelites from Egypt passed by ;

Then Judah made his brothers this reply,

" What shall it profit to us now, I pray,

If we should take this precious life away ?"

They all consented to the same with speed,

For loth they were to see their brother bleed.

Then from the lonesome pit the child they drew,

And sold him to those trading merchants, who

A score of silver pieces for him paid,

And then to Egypt he was soon conveyed.

When Reuben found him not, how did he grieve

The rest contrive their father to deceive,

By staining Joseph's coat with purple blood,

Which caused poor Joseph many a weeping flood.