Page:Sacred Books of the East - Volume 6.djvu/347

Ⅻ, 20-26. And they sold him for a mean price, — drachmæ counted out, — and they parted with him cheaply.

And the man from Egypt who had bought him said to his wife, ‘Honour his abiding here ; it may be he will be of use to us, or we may adopt him as a son.’

Thus did we stablish Joseph in the land; and we did surely teach him the interpretation of sayings; for God can overcome His affairs, though most men do not know.

And when he had reached his strength we brought him judgment and knowledge, for thus do we reward those who do good.

And she in whose house he was desired him for his person ; and she locked the doors and said, ‘Come along with thee !’ Said he, ‘Refuge in God ! verily, my Lord has made good my abiding here ; verily, the wrong-doers shall not prosper.’

And she was anxious for him, and he would have been anxious for her, had it not been that he saw the demonstration of his Lord ; thus did we turn evil and fornication from him ; verily, he was of our sincere servants.

And they raced to the door and she rent his shirt from behind ; and they met her master at the door. Said she, ‘What is the recompense of him who wishes evil for thy family, but that imprisonment or a grievous torment?’

Said he, ‘She desired me for my person.’ And