Then the tears came into the eyes of Joseph, and he looked with
tenderness upon them all. But they knew him not. And in the morning of
the next day they set out again for Canaan, their bags filled with corn.
But when they were departing, Joseph said to his steward, "Put my silver
cup into the sack of the youngest; and when they are well out upon the
road, overtake them, make a pretence of searching them for it, and bring
back him in whose sack you find the cup."
The servant did as he was bid; and Benjamin, in whose sack, of course,
the cup was found, was brought back to Joseph. Ashamed, the other
brothers too came back and fell at Joseph's feet.
"Weep not," said Joseph. "Do you not know me? I am your brother Joseph,
whom, so many years ago, you did sell into bondage."
Then the oldest brother fell upon his face before Joseph; and Benjamin
fell upon his neck and wept tears of joy.
"Go back now to Canaan. Take with you wagons and horses. Tell my father
that I am rich and happy; that I am governor over the province; and that
I send these wagons to bear him to me, that I may look once more upon
his face."
Great was the rejoicing in Canaan when the sons brought the good tidings
from Joseph. And straightway Jacob and all his family set forth for the
land of Egypt.
Eagerly the old father pressed forward to meet his son. And when Joseph
saw him afar off, he rode out in his own chariot to meet him. They fell
upon each other's necks and kissed each other; and Jacob lifted his face
in prayer to God, who had permitted him to see again the son he loved.
[Illustration: JACOB GOETH INTO EGYPT.]
Then Joseph led them to his own palace, and a great feast was held.
For seventeen years Jacob dwelt in Egypt with his children, and most
happy were they, now all together once more.
But Jacob was now one hundred and forty-seven years old; and when he
knew his end was near, he called his twelve sons to him and blessed them
all. He told them many wonderful things which sometime would come to
them; and when he had finished prophesying, he kissed them all, then lay
back upon his bed and died. For seven days they mourned for him; and
then they carried him to Canaan and buried him in the field of
Macphelar.
Joseph returned to Egypt, where he lived a long and happy life; and when
he died, he too, we trust, was carried back and laid in the burial-place
of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob.
[Illustration: THE FINDING OF MOSES. (_Paul Delaroche._)]