THE KING'S MIRROR 235 



Father. There have been so many cases of that sort, 

 that we should have to extend our talk to a great length, 

 if we were to mention all those of either class which we 

 know could serve as examples to show how these things 

 have worked out. I shall therefore name a few only, 

 though some of each kind, for in that way a long dis- 

 course may be the sooner finished. The following in- 

 stances are ancient and easily remembered. When 

 Joseph was sold into Egypt,* a mighty lord bought him; 

 but after he had purchased him he found that Joseph 

 was a discreet man, and he preferred and honored him 

 above all his other servants, not only above those whom 

 he kept in bondage, but even above his freeborn kins- 

 men; and he gave into his hands the oversight of his 

 wealth and property, house and home, and all his wel- 

 fare. But because Joseph was a handsome man, kind 

 and courteous in behavior, and sensible in speech, he 

 won the love and friendship of all who knew him and 

 were subject to the same lord who was Joseph's master. 



The wife of this mighty man loved Joseph more than 

 was proper, and impelled by evil desire, she sought to 

 commit a vile sin against her husband, because of the 

 love that she bore for Joseph ; and she was not ashamed 

 in her bold passion to intimate to him what she had in 

 mind. But when he learned her purpose, he replied in 

 this wise: " We cannot deal with each other as equals, 

 for you are my lady and I am your thrall; and it would 

 be a very great disgrace for you to submit yourself to 

 me and too bold and rash in me to bring such dishonor 



* Genesis, cc. xxxix-xli. The author treats the Biblical narratives with great 

 freedom. 



