"May the most high God bless you, and make you to be seven strong
columns of the City of Refuge."
Afterwards he bade Asenath to carry forth the table, and whilst she
went about her task, the Angel vanished from her eyes. But looking
towards the east she saw, as it were, a chariot drawn by four horses
ascending towards Heaven. So Asenath prayed to God right humbly that He
would pardon the boldness with which she had spoken to the Captain of
His Host.
Whilst she prayed thus a messenger came to Poti-pherah saying that
Joseph, the friend of God, sought his house, and was even then at his
door. Asenath hastened to meet him, and awaited his coming before the
offices of the house. When Joseph entered the garden she bowed herself
before him, and washed the dust from his feet, telling him the words
which the Angel had spoken concerning her. The next day Joseph prayed
Pharaoh that he might have Asenath to wife, and Pharaoh gave him the
woman. He set also garlands of gold upon their heads, the fairest that
cunning smiths could fashion, and caused them to embrace in the sight
of men. So for seven days was kept high feast and festival, nor might
any man labour for those days. He also gave them new names, calling
Joseph, the Son of God, and Asenath, Daughter of the Most High King.
Before the time of the seven lean years Asenath bore two sons. And
Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh, which is to say
Forgetfulness; "For," said he, "God hath made me to forget all my toil,
and all my father's house." And the name of the second was called
Ephraim, which is to say Fruitfulness; "For," said he, "God hath caused
me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction."