The Old Woman And Her Bid!

"When Joseph was for sale, the market-place

Teemed with Egyptians wild to see his face;

So many gathered there from dawn to dusk

The asking price was five whole tubs of musk.

An ancient crone pushed forward - in her hand

She held a few threads twisted strand by strand;

She brandished them and yelled with all her might:

"Hey, you, the seller of the Canaanite!

I'm mad with longing for this lovely child -

I've spun these threads for him, he drives me wild!

You take the threads and I'll take him away -

Don't argue now, I haven't got all day!"

The merchant laughed and said:

"Come on, old girl,It's not for you to purchase such a pearl -

His value's reckoned up in gold and jewels;

He can't be sold for threads to ancient fools!"

"Oh, I knew that before," the old crone said;

"I knew you wouldn't sell him for my thread -

But it's enough that everyone will say'

She bid for Joseph on that splendid day'"