Then their consciences were moved, and they saw a punishment for their crime in selling Joseph fifteen years before.  Even Reuben accused them, and in the very presence of Joseph reminded them of their unnatural cruelty, not supposing that he understood them, since Joseph had spoken through an interpreter.  This was too much for the stern governor; he turned aside and wept, but speedily returned and took from them Simeon and bound him before their eyes, and retained him for a surety.  Then he caused their sacks to be filled with corn, putting also their money therein, and gave them in addition food for their return journey.  But as one of them on that journey opened his sack to give his ass provender, he espied the money; and they were all filled with fear at this unlooked-for incident.  They made haste to reach their home and report the strange intelligence to their father, including the demand for the appearance of Benjamin, which filled him with the most violent grief.  “Joseph is not,” cried he, “and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away!” Reuben here expostulated with frantic eloquence.  Jacob, however, persisted:  “My son shall not go down with you; if mischief befall him, ye will bring down my gray hairs in sorrow to the grave.”

Meanwhile the famine pressed, as Joseph knew full well it would, and Jacob’s family had eaten all their corn, and it became necessary to get a new supply from Egypt.  But Judah refused to go without Benjamin.  “The man,” said he, “did solemnly protest unto us, saying, Ye shall not see my face, except your brother be with you.”  Then Jacob upbraided Judah for revealing the number and condition of his family; but Judah excused himself on account of the searching cross-examination of the austere governor which no one could resist, and persisted in the absolute necessity of Benjamin’s appearance in Egypt, unless they all should yield to starvation.  Moreover, he promised to be surety for his brother, that no harm should come to him.  Jacob at last saw the necessity of allowing Benjamin to go, and reluctantly gave his consent; but in order to appease the terrible man of Egypt he ordered his sons to take with them a present of spices and balm and almonds, luxuries then in great demand, and a double amount of money in their sacks to repay what they had received.  Then in pious resignation he said, “If I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved,” and hurried away his sons.

In due time they all safely arrived in Egypt, and with Benjamin stood before Joseph, and made obeisance, and then excused themselves to Joseph’s steward, because of the money which had been returned in their sacks.  The steward encouraged them, and brought Simeon to them, and led them into Joseph’s house, where a feast was prepared by his orders.  With great difficulty Joseph restrained his feelings at the sight of Benjamin, who was his own full brother, but asked kindly about the father.  At last his pent-up affections gave way, and he sought his chamber