I might relate my circumstances.  When they drew near, [I perceived] they were of a verity, my brothers; and on perceiving this, I was extremely rejoiced, and praised God, saying, ’God has preserved my reputation; and I have not stretched forth my hands to strangers [for subsistence].’  I went up to them and saluted them, and kissed my eldest brother’s hand.  Immediately on seeing me, they made a great noise, and my second brother struck me so forcibly that I staggered and fell down.  I seized my eldest brother’s robe, thinking that he would perhaps take my part; but he gave me a violent kick.

“In short, they both thoroughly pounded me, and behaved to me as Joseph’s brothers [did to him].  Though I besought them in God’s name [to desist] and implored mercy, yet they felt no pity.  A crowd assembled [round us]; and every one asked, ’What is this man’s crime?’ Then my brothers replied, ’This rascal was our brother’s servant and pushed him over into the sea, and seized all his treasure and property.  We have been long in search of him, and to-day he has appeared [to us] in this guise.’  They then continued questioning me, saying, ’O villain! what [infernal idea] entered thy mind, that thou murderedst our brother?  What injury had he done to thee?  Had he behaved ill to thee, that he had made thee superintendent [of his affairs]?’ They both then tore their own clothes, and wept loudly with sham grief for their brother, and continued to beat and kick me.

“In the meantime, the soldiers of the governor arrived, and having spoken to them threateningly, said, ‘Why do you beat him?’ And taking hold of my hand, they carried me to the magistrate.  These two [297] also went with us, and repeated to the magistrate the same [tale which they had told the crowd], and having given him something by way of bribe, they demanded justice, and insisted on blood for blood.  The magistrate asked me [what I had to say for myself].  Such was my condition from hunger and the blows [I had received], that I had not strength to speak; hanging down my head, I remained standing [in silence]; no answer issued from my mouth.  The magistrate also became convinced that I was assuredly a murderer; he ordered me to be led to the plain, and placed on the stake. [298] O, protector of the world, [299] I had paid money, and got these [two here] released from the Jew’s bondage; in return for which, they having given money, endeavoured to take away my life.  They are both present; ask them if [in all I have related] I have varied a hair’s breadth [from the truth].  Well, they led me out [to the plain]; when I saw the stake, I washed my hands of life.