Joseph; a religious poem

Front matter

- ""^'/, Ar.rrtr rrr/ /, , ._' „ > / ' "^ V;'^ "—■ - -—-/,„ „„;„.. . __^._ rtcjamr,.,./ ,,,,/ P/(,r/ '/ JOSEPH. A RELIGIOUS POEM. HISTORICAL, PATRIARCHAL, AND TYPICAL, WITH NOTES, IN TWO VOLUMES. — e»®©| <3_: BY THE Rev. CHARLES LUCAS, A.M. Curate of Avebury, Wilts. Amos, v. 15. Hate the evil, and love the good,fand establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the Lord God or Hosts will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph. VOL. I. LONDON: PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, By S. M'Dowall, Leadenhall Street. — ~w*f»— 1810. TO JOHN BOUGAN, ES£>. — _»_©»©l^S^|'@©©_^ — MY DEAR SIR, I pray you pardon me, that, without your permission, this small tribute of respect is inscribed to you : it is peculiarly due in the present case, for that carte-blanche upon your ability to serve me, which you immediately offered when I first mentioned that I had written the following pages, and for the trouble and inter est you have since repeatedly employed.

Though I am conscious this public address will yield me _in honorary credit, however my literary effort may be received, I confess it had not been offered unasked to any unknown great man ; and this was a favor I did not chuse to be refused by you, after the many you have voluntarily bestowed. The like good-will towards the author, and like ignorance of any merit in the intended pub lication, has produced the accompanying list of (for generally I have the honor so to boast) my friends and acquaintances. DEDICATION. Dedicating to you aprofessed religious Poem, there may be some who think that I should ex patiate on your faith and works, and my admiration of them; but I leave them to their own light, and my sentiments on Christian principle and practice to the whole tenor of that which I now, or ever, have presumed to publish.

I take the liberty, therefore, my dear Sir, thus publicly to assure you with what high esteem I have the honor to be Your faithful and obliged friend, CHARLES LUCAS. Avebury, Wills. 1810. SUBSCRIBERS. >|<5_>|®»»_ John Awdry, Esq. J. E. Heathcote, Esq. 5 copies. John Alexander, Esq. T. Freeman Heathcote, Esq. M.P. Rev. W. L. Bowles. T. Brown, Esq. Horton J. Brown, Esq. Rev. J. H. Hume. Robert Holford, Esq. Stephen Hillman, Esq. Miss M. Hibbard. Mrs. Brown, Marlborough. James Burton, Esq. Rev. W. Butt. Rev. W. G. Bricknell. J. Jones, Esq. Mr. W. Jefferys. Rt. Hon. Lord Clarendon. J. S. Clark, Esq. Robert Caswell, Esq. R. H. Lawrence, Esq. Rev. J. Lediard. John Dougan, Esq. "i 50 Mrs. Dougan. 3 copies Wadham Locke, Esq. Mrs. Leith. Rev. G. Edmonstone. John Eldridge, Esq. Mr. J. Edgell. Rev. W. Macdonald.

Preface

. — .».» eKPJqe« ■ ■ W HEN I first declared my intention of publish ing the following work, which aims not at the ennobling title of Epic, it was intimated to me, from various literary sources, that a Bible subject could not be better told than in Bible language, and any other narrative of the same events would be more or less than requisite. Now this argument (taking it for granted that the present translation of the Bible is the best that can be, and seeking not the shelter of a Milton, Klopstock, or Cumberland's wing), must either allude to the manner alone of former writers on similar subjects ; or every dissertation, sermon, &c.&e. is unnecessary. The last assertion will scarcely be allowed; the first will not affect me: for while in many cases I admire the lofty flights of others, my earliest inducement to write on such themes, was my disapproval of the man ner in which they have too often been treated. Yet was I greatly startled by the Literary Fiat, and could not readily account for it, till I met

PREFACE.

. with Mr. R. Southey's " Remains of Henry Kirke White." The critical editor here says of his young friend's intention to write a religious Poem — " This (the Christiad, began on the same "ground as Mr. Cumberland's Calvary) was the " work Henry had most at heart. His riper j udg '• ment would probably have perceived that the "subject was ill chosen. What is said in the " Censura Literaria of all scriptural subjects for " narrative poetry, applies peculiarly to this — " Any thing taken from it leaves the story im " perfect; anything added to it, disgusts and " almost shocks us as impious. As Omar said " of the Alexandrian Library, we may say of " such writings — if they contain only what are " in the Scriptures, they are superfluous ; if not " what is in them, they are false." What does the Censura or Mr. Southey mean ?

"Any thing "added shocks us as impious !" But a respect able author has put his seal to the Critic's ipse dixit, and the whole tribe of minor writers, book sellers, and the investigators of the merchandize offered them for sale must abide by it ! nor will I pretend to argue against them until their any thing becomes some thing: though, let me add, this sweeping opinion has compelled me to sub mit the following work to the Public throu°_i the medium of my friends.

PREFACE.

. Leaving Criticism to its self-idolatry, let me beg the attention of the reader to my own case. In writing upon Joseph, let it not be supposed that my object was to put the Bible history into blank verse ; no — I have taken the History of Joseph as I found it in the Book of Genesis; and the many remarks concerning, and allusions to, that son of Jacob in the scriptural writings form my theme. I have collected from every source, as my knowledge, learning, and abilities enabled me- — (here the great errors of the work must be) ; and I have endeavored to supply the historical vacuum according to the data I have met with : my labor, therefore, hath been to make the whole (for I am not conscious of any omission) , a complete History of Joseph, not individually, for what more can the Bible require ? but complete as to the connective focus and its many accompanying rays ; at the same time, correcting errors, elucidating abstruse passages, particularly harmonizing the different authentic accounts, and even having in view the identity between the dawn of religion in those days, and the meridional revelation of Christianity. I speak boldly ; but let it be remembered I speak of the intention, not the execution of the work. My plan, then, I do not pause to say, is not

PREFACE.

. imperfect ; yet had a poetical exhibition been my object, it must have been so : for Poetry seizes the moment of inspiration, and treasures up its precious morceaus ; the subject, selected by fashion, wonder, or novelty, is made their\eh\c\e; and this is altered and bent as it may suit each poetic grace. " A thousand faults (says the poet) " is amply compensated by one genuine beauty;" while what is necessary to comprehend the tale, is told in notes, or an history annexed. Diame trically opposite have been my labors. To harmo nize the subject hath been mine unambitious attempt, and a poetic measure my necessary trammels. I must beg the reader to remember, that my subject and sentiments, my narrative. and descriptive, my record of facts and flights of fancy, my aim and hope, aye, even my metre and poetic imagery, are all subservient to Reli gion, my theme.

Lord Holland, speaking of Mr. Fox's notions of historical writing, says, " He not only felt "some repugnance to the modern practice of " notes, but he thought that all which an histo " _____ wished to say, should be introduced as part " of a continued narration, and never assume the "appearance of a digression, much less of a dis " sertation annexed to it." Having the like ideas

PREFACE.

. of my subject, I trust it is clear and correct, independent of notes. It was not my intention to have added any; those now offered, are (pro perly speaking) remarks; but as I made no collection when I wrote, and have not the means of research, I must apologize for the partial manner in which they are given. I would not call my authorities in question by salving notes, explanatory, apologetical ; but if the critic chuse to condemn a passage, and vent a contrary assert ion — if, I say, he dare commit himself, I will then endeavor to convict him. Critics not only condemn an author for what he has and has not done, but for what he does not profess or wish to do ; hence have I been induced to offer these introductory pleas, and, let me again repeat, that I have not chosen the subject for the sake of a poetical exhibition, but it assumes the present garb of language as that in which I hoped, the best way, to clothe my thoughts.

While, in many places, poetic airs and graces aim not to intrude, because I conceive them to be irrelevant; I have thought it equally irrelevant to avail myself of many legitimate licences of poetry, and even the general and aggrandizing figure of Hyperbole is studiously avoided. I therefore strengthen not my work preface: by the usual machinery ; Anachronisms are en deavored to be provided against ; time and place are obedient to reason ; the simplest matter of fact is swerved not from;, and no (what is called) liberties are taken with the History. Thus — when I read " Pharaoh called Joseph Zaphnath " Paaneah, and he gave him to wife Asenath, the "daughter of Potipherah, Priest (or Prince) of "On: and Joseph went over all the land of "Egypt;" I think that I neither disgust, or shock as impious, or deal in superfluities, or falsehood, when I suppose why he was called Zaphnath- Paaneah, and when I call him so — the manner in which his marriage with Asenath, courtship, &c. took place — the principles of Joseph and the Hebrew Patriarchs on such subjects — the cha racter, principles, government, &c. of an Egyptian Prince and Priest — Joseph's motive for going over the land of Egypt — his behaviour — occurrences — state of the country — people — their lux ury, and inclination to idolatry, &c. &c. and particularly if all my suppositions corroborate and explain, and tend to aid directly and indirectly the cause of morality and religion.

Further, in defence of my attempt I refer to the Arguments before each Book, where the reader may see that I decline not certain advantages for the sake of avoiding the noblest themes.

PREFACE.

. The work is necessarily submitted to the public eye without the benefit of the versed critic's friendly acumen, or the sanction of high and established literary approbation : it has been written chiefly from the chance-accumulated deposit of memory, wanting the advantage of the Library's research, except from mine own few volumes: yet so. far from the benefit of seclusive meditation, the incipient prattle of three or four little-ones has mingled with my cogitations during the time. The good-natured critic will appreciate how far this apology is available : I assuredly do not mean it as an excuse for any failure in acquiring the merit I aim at, to have composed a family work adapted to every one's reading, edification, and amusement, and to have elucidated the History of that wordly-and-spirit ually-great man Joseph, in a proper, pleasing, and useful manner: in which attempt, if I have suc ceeded, the Christian reader will not lament, that I have nesrlected the flowerv beauties of Parnassus for the nutritious herbage of Ziop.

Note. My distance from the Press must be my apology for many errors, and particularly for the irregular use of the Apostrophe ; but the judicious reader will find no inconveniences here — the candid will excuse it. I have a few six feet lines, an echo to the sense I trust, and to prevent spinning the sentiment into another verse: thus " Then follow'd in the train, entering the Palace-gates." I already detect in one or two places that a word in the rewriting has slipped into the foregoing verse, and a needless expletive has taken its place. A very few lines are purposely left im perfect, thus " If I am bereaved " Of you, my children!- ■I arn bereaved ! !" Two syllables do not alwaj's make a foot : the ancients had twelve different feet, all of which I conceive would not be admissible into English Pentameters.

Book I

The Thesis stated. Invocation. The Proem brings the Ishmaelites, &c. &c. offering their slaves to Potiphar. Abdeel, a descendant of Ishmael. Potiphar and Zelikah select — Zerah, Esau's grandson — Joseph — Maachah, a Philistine female. Pharaoh's mild government. Prosperity. Potiphar's happiness. Zerah, a soldier. Zelikah favors Joseph. Maachah's reasoning with her concerning him. Her indignant reply, and intemperate behaviour. Potiphar and Joseph return suddenly from the country.

Book II

Joseph and Zelikah. Her passion for him declared. Hianswer. Joseph and Zerah. The scriptural doctrine of the election of Jacob, and reprobation of Esau. Zelikah's change of behaviour. Its consequences. Preparations for the celebration of an Egyptian festival. The rise of Idolatry — Gentile, Papistical. The Temptation of Joseph.

Book III

Zelikah accuses Joseph to her husband. His behaviour. Joseph condemned to the stocks. His public punishment. Memorable occurrences at the time. His VOL. i. A ARGUMENTS. resignation and prayer. Scriptural and typical remarks. Sudden release of Joseph, by a Princess of the royal blood, returning home from the Festival. Ramosin, keeper of the prison. His discourse with Joseph. The state of Joseph's mind.

Book IV

The Chiefs of the Butlers and Bakers brought by Potiphar to the prison. Interview and discourse between Potiphar and Joseph. Potiphar discovers Zelikah's infidelity and Zerah's treachery. Scene between them and Maachah. Potiphar seeks Joseph in prison — wishes his return. Joseph's answer. The Dreams of the Chiefs of the Butlers and the Bakers. The superstitious notions of credulity, and the suspicious nature and false Conception of infidelity, detected and exposed. What is Revelation. Joseph's interpretation of the two dreams, and its accomplishment.

Book V

Ingratitude. Resignation. Scene of Canaan. The Brethren assemble to a commemorating propitiatory Sacrifice. The eleven sons of Israel described. Their reproaches, quarrels, and ceaseless apprehensions. Benjamin's suspicions. Jacob's affliction. Their sacrifice. Their wives and families. Jacob's prayer before and after the offerings. Simeon and Levi's discourse on their way home. The communion of the heart inefficient where guilt is. This book notices the primitive manners of the Israelites, alludes to their wars with the Amorites, and describes their present state. VI. Joseph still in prison. His vision. The Angel gives him a view of the Bottomless Pit, where he sees and questions Nimrod. Er. Onan. Sardonax, an Egyptian Prince, his pride, fate, and punishment. A view of Paradise. The occupation and amusement — and descriptions and explanations by the Angel.

Many primitive Worthies mentioned. Bardif, an Egyptian pauper. Joseph sees his mother Rachel, and converses with Deborah, his nurse. A suppositious view of the Day of Judgment. The great danger of earthly greatness. The whole applicable to the destiny of Joseph. He is suddenly called to attend Pharaoh.

Book VII

Pharaoh on his throne. Princes. Magi. Pharaoh's grief, and the consternation of the whole. Sehaelem returns from the prison with Joseph. His introduction. Pharaoh's speech. His reply. Pharaoh tells his dreams. Joseph's interpretation. Pharaoh's behaviour. Speeches and artful tricks of Jambreces, Oranoah, Avah, Magi. Speech of Apophis. Joseph's advice, in reply to Pharaoh. Address of Rameses. Pharaoh's disapproval. Council summoned. Joseph conducted to apartments in the King's palace. His prayer.

Book VIII

The Royal Council assembled. Speeches of Pharaoh, Bæon, Nechaos, Apappus, Potipherah, Stoechus, which shew the religious state of Egypt. The sad effects of A ARGUMENTS. Idolatry. Necessity of reformation to prevent revolu tion, and to crush vice. Pharaoh's approval of his council, summons Joseph, appoints him Governor, bestows honors on him, and names him Zaphnath-Paa neah, before all the people. The Procession. Joseph's feelings. Memory, Gratitude, Affection, Love. Dis criminating remarks on pure and virtuous love, con trasted with selfish celibacy and mercenary marriage. Hope. Ramosin. Friendship.

Book IX

Conceit more detrimental to knowledge than ignorance. Zaphnath's rank. His gratitude, kindness, forgiveness, generosity toward Ramosin, Zerah, Sehaelem, and others. His advice to penitent Zerah. Pharaoh proposes a royal alliance. What a religious marriage should be, and the ill effects of the contrary. Home-remembrance. Zaphnath, in his state, proposes to take a view of the country before the years of famine commence. Phatimath, the Queen, described. The religious degeneracy of the kingdom. Neglect of spiritual worth, and eagerness after worldly, by the higher orders. The avidity of the common people (as the consequence) for superstition. High Priests occasion spurious ones. Political conceit favors the degeneracy of the people. Zaphnath visits Passulus and Thebes. Character of Amenopthis, heir of the throne.

Pride begets idolatry. Zaphnath addresses Amenopthis. His reply. Continues his tour. Interview with Athothes. His fate. Latopolis, Hermanthis, Tentyra, Abydus, This, Hupsele, slightly noticed, and Naucratis and Canopus. A more diffuse account of Sais, and its Governor, Stoechus. What a Prince should, and should not, be. X. Zaphnath traverses the eastern lands. Arrival at On. Reception by Potipherah. His character illustrated and contrasted by that of many biblical worthies. Zaphnath sees Asenath. Thoughts on Love. Traits of female industry. Tapestry. Egyptian linen. The subject of the work. Remarks of different Personages, which introduce part of Joseph's History. Thoughts on love continued. Zaphnath's interview with Asenath. Ingenuous virtue contrasted with coquetry. The return towards Memphis.

A new occurrence. A Parable. The immediate application and its consequences. Forgiveness. Reconciliation built on the bulwark of genuine repentance. Arrival at Memphis.

BOOK XL

Address to virtuous Love. Matrimony, like Reason, a discriminating trait in the human character. Plenty. Zaphnath's care. Manasseh born. The pride, vaunts, self-sufficiency, and envy of the Magi. Ephraim born. The prodigal luxury of the people encouraged by the Magi. Zaphnath's prudence. Faith and works of Ishmael Abdeel. The Famine commences. Superstition, idolatry, and folly of the populace, on the banks of the Nile. The effects of the dearth. Religious application. Zaphnath sells corn to strangers. Tribute of praise to Christian Missionaries. Zerah and his son arrive at Memphis. His reformation. The afterwardsrenowned Job in infancy. JOSEPH.

Book I. Un

Jacob and his Progeny, (select From the twin sons of Isaac, promis'd seed Of Abraham, whose faith victorious The mighty name obtain'd him, Friend of God,) And chiefly thee, Joseph, prophet and prince ! 5 What time, the Hand Divine made Envy's work Produce the typical deliverance Of all the Faithful, by the Saviour, From dearth, soulwasting, of idolatry, And deigns record the patriarchal tale, 10 Where earth-born passions yield to primal love My thoughts delight to dwell ; and fain essay, Led by Religion's hope, and Virtue's zeal, To' expatiate on the theme. Far, far proud lust Of fame, from artifice or novelty! 15 Be mine a simple lay to harmonize The strains that suit thine ear, sweet Piety ! B JOSEPH. One source can aid me ; 'tis the sacred one : One spirit guide me ! O Thou Eternal Monitor! descend 20 From the almighty throne, and thro' Him, who All righteousness fulfiU'd, illuminate My mental vision !

Let thy rays of truth Reveal the hallow'd treasures from the stream Of living waters ; and if bold I roam 25 Beside its course to search for moral wealth, By fancy, fable, fiction led, do Thou Restrain, amend, direct, and light the way, A pilgrim journeys, that, thro' devious paths, Safely I steer, and reach in peace my home ! 30 A restless tribe, descendants from the stock Of Ishmael, Medan, Midian, whose abode Is not more certain than the floating sand Around the region call'd their dwelling-place, Come to th' Egyptian Court: they bringforsale 35 Produce of divers soils, by rapine gain'd, Or secret theft, or artful bartery ; Small fruits of honesty and industry ! But their prime wealth consists in hordes of slaves, With which they now attend on Potiphar, 40 Great Pharaoh's officer, chief of his guard.

BOOK I

And see, he meets them, 'neath th' Acacia's shade, Whose shielding foliage guards his palace-court From Sol's keen arrows ; him accompany A gallant train of courtiers, kinsmen, friends, 45 But most conspicuous in every grace, Of youth and beauty, and th' attractive aid Of dress, enrich'd with gold and precious stones, While meet attendants raise the parasol, Waft the cool breeze, or guard from insect's stings, Hangs on his arm the lovely Zelikah a, Wife of his bosom ; whom he first beheld, On embassy from Pharaoh t'wards the realms Of Moab and of Ammon ; his return Adds the fair Ammonite to Egypt's charms. 55 Now in review the slaves selected pass. Chief of the merchant crew, stern Abdeel, gives His orders to a youth in servile garb, And humblest of its kind, who brings each slave, More decently apparell'd, for inspection, 60 Before the noble group.

A crafty Hivite Plays tricks of mummery : his merit lies In actions, apes surpass ; an idle laugh Is all he gains; quickly dismiss'd. Next comes 65 An Hittite : he, less fit for courtly scenes, t T, O B JOSEPH. Meets better notice ; for his patient brow, And asinary sturdiness betoken One us'd to hardy labour. Potiphar Gives the approving nod. Th' attendant youth 70 Upon his tablets notes description, price, At Ishmael- Abdeel' s word. A Tebathite, A Syrian, and Gahamite are pass'd ; Fair Zelikah selects a female slave, 75 Sweet child, from Elam's soil. A bolder form Next claims attention : he, with warlike port, Indignant looks around, nor readily Crouches before a lord. " Thou seem'st more fit," Cries Potiphar, " to make the slave, than be " Thyself caught in the toils !" The man replies, .

Great Prince, I, like the founder of my tribe, " Fell before treachery." 85 Essay'd to speak OldAbdeel ; when the chief—" I make thee mine : " Be honest as thy words, brave as thy looks •» Import, and, by great Pharaoh's life, I swear, " Thou shalt no more lament thy slavery. 90 " But whence art thou ?"

BOOK I

5 Not without art, the slave Made his obeisance: " Hast thou heard, O prince! " Of Esau's race, chief of a gallant stock ; " Whose father, mother, brethren, all unite 95 " To rob him of his birthright ? yet he wins " A generous soil, held by the first of claims, " His puissant sword, thebrave man's best support. " Nor peaceful Isaac, mighty Abraham " We boast ; but fix our rights on Esau's worth. " Third in descent am I ; Zerah, my name b." As spake the man, disdainfully he cast His eyes t'ward Abdeel and the servile crew ; But still with every seeming of respect, Bow'd to his present master, Potiphar: 105 Nor miss'd its mark the double-pointed shaft Of flattery insidious ; and boldness took The form of honest, blunt simplicity. Long had fair Zelikah attentive view'd The youth that led the slaves ; at length restraint T' impatient curiosity gives way: " And who is this ?

One of thy kind, old man ? " It cannot be ! he wears a captive's garb." Abdeel replied, while lowly to the ground He bent his aged body, and both hands 115 Prest on his forehead, token of respect b3 JOSEPH. And strict veracity : " Of all thy slaves, " He least deserves thy notice, gracious lady ! " Nor would he wear the dress of one for sale, " But so ordaineth mighty Pharaoh's law. 120 " Tho' at an early age we bought this youth, " And specious are his looks and outward grace, " Yet, as a servant, is his value small ; " I dare not say that e'en the simplest praise " Of mute obedience, justly is his due ; 125 " For ever and anon he checks his duty " By fits of conscience : no reason, then, " No kind entreaties, force, or punishment, " Can to his master's pleasure turn his will ; " Yet, I confess, and let him have his due, 130 " He bears a gift about him, fit to inspect, " And manage such as these.

Therefore I keep him; " And my wise slaves affirm, one of the gods " Instructs him." With dissembling sneer he spake : 135 Mildly the you thexclaim'd, "There is but One! " An heavenly Master he; to him first bound, " I first obedience owe." " Peace, and depart ! " Let older, wiser heads, instruct : learn thou 140 " Reverence t'wards sacred rank and dignity.

BOOK I

" Go — reckon up the tale, and send it here " By Medan's boy." So gloss'd the hypocrite, Butgloss'dinvain; for Potiphar had mark'd 145 The passing scene ; and, as the youth prepares T' obey the stern behest, with ready voice Authoritative, and no wavering mind, Declares his will: " Stay, youth! another master " Claims thee ; worthless or not, this well I know, " Thou'st served long enough a thankless one, " Who proves that merit he would fain deny." With smoothed brow, and manner plausible, The Ishmaelite had spoken ; but Potiphar's Keen eye look'd him to silence, and the wretch, Struck with a glance that hopeless was the case, Dropt his false tongue, and abjectly withdrew. The chief, then, smiling on his lovely spouse, Whose looks responsive vibrate to his own In mental unison, prepares to seek 160 Th' interior of his palace, when the youth New-purchas'd, thus, in accents diffident, Bespeaks his notice : " Oh, let not my Lord " Permit displeasure 'gainst his slave t' arise; " Thy generosity emboldens him, 165 " That he presumes to stay thee, and to ask b JOSEPH.

" Thy favor t'wards an helpless captive; one, " Now absent in the tents, whom better days, " Fair hopes of relatives and friends, of wealth, " And power ; and, let my gratitude declare, 1 70 " Herownkindheart " "Ah! rightly I divine," Him interrupting, in a sportive strain, Cries Potiphar, " she is some chosen fair : [chief. " Well, bring the favorite hither." Paused the And to his friends address'd his further speech. " IfheofTshmael aught of truth hath spoken, " She must be one gifted with no slight charms " Of youth and beauty, that inspires this slave ; " And, by the fairest of proud Egypt's dames, 180 " Spite of the boy's pale looks and wretched garb, " His manly favor and exterior form " Deserve a partner of no trifling grace." He ceas'd ; and press'd the hand of Zelikah, As asking her approval.

She, with smile 1 85 Assentive, gracefully inclin'd the head ; Yet all attention forward drew her eyes, Sparkling with female curiosity. Nor long suspense detains them : at his word The servants seek the tents, nor brook delay. 1 90 The timid slave, leaving her household cares,

BOOK I

9 (Unwilling she to check imperious rule) Obediently attends. O'er her head, In haste, the female covering she throws c, And at the princely empory appears. 195 No flow of dress, no ornaments are seen, Yet not her slender shape, meet height, and air Of ease and dignity the garb conceals ; But to the eye that courts the portly form, Which plenty, ease, and the mind's steady peace, Can to the full luxuriously emboss, No image this to deck Love's gaudy shrine. But Potiphar, regardless of the want That outward gloss presents, yields to the call Of eager curiosity, and cries, 205 " Enrol this female in my lot. Accept " Her as thine handmaid, Zelikah. And now " I take a master's right, and view my purchase." Anxiety collects his friends around; But chiefly she, the partner of his bed, 210 Impatience feels.

He lifts the mystic veil; And stands, confest — a venerable dame ! Surprise an instant petrifies the sense, But beauteous Zelikah th' example gives, And all unite in harmless merriment. 215 Then Potiphar, with placid brow, on which JOSEPH. No tyrannous displeasure dare affix The servile mark of disappointment's brand, Exprest himself in terms fit to remove [youth ! Each apprehensive thought : " This purchase, " Thy fancy brings me ; and my first command " Enjoins thee, with a duteous diligence, " To treat her as thy reverend grandmother. " Thou, matron! hear my words: no labor's thine; " To give thee freedom, scarce I give thee life, 225 " Unless I add the means of livelihood. " Nay, nay ; to me no right of homage's due, — " The want of baseness is not active good; " Age, surely, care and kind regard demands, " And shame on them who weigh the hoary head " With the' heavy collar of iron slavery !

" And say, thou champion of the weaker sex ! " From what mild region drawest thou thy birth ? " Thou'st left, perchance, some venerated form, " Likeher's,behindthee,freshtomemory!" 235 The captive wiped away th' obtruding tear, And, not ungraciously, essay'd reply : " Of memory, honor'd Sir, I feel the glow; " But hope is flown ! A father, best belov'd, V A brother dear, in early life I left ; 24 240 " But, ah ! no mother's care survives to shield

BOOK I

11 " His orphan tenderness ; this was the last, " The dearest female tie I knew ! to him [head : " 'Twas never known!" Hepaus'd,andbow'dthe " My name is Joseph ; I derive my race 245 " From holy Abraham. Jacob, my sire, " (If yet he live ! if no sad filial pang " Lay his grey hairs with sorrow in the grave !) " And ten sons more sojourn in Canaan's land; " But none among them,tho' our elders all, [stores " Claim'd the same mother's love! There, valued " Of substance, and the earth's best gifts, his God " With liberal hand hath bless'd and multiplied. " A man of peace is he; rich in his flocks " Andherds, primordeal wealth, which freelyfeed " O'er Nature's pasture ; he nor ploughs the soil, " With busy labour of the husbandman, " Nor leaves his home for war or merchandize. " Six years are past ....