Testament of Joseph

Chapter 14

Premium narration

Now the Memphian woman was looking through a window while I was being beaten, and she sent unto her husband, saying, Thy judgment is unjust; for thou dost even punish a free man who hath been stolen, as though he were a transgressor.

And when I gave no other answer though I was beaten, he commanded that we should be kept in guard, until, said he, the owners of the boy shall come.

And his wife said unto him, Wherefore dost thou detain in captivity this noble child, who ought rather to be set at liberty, and wait upon thee?

For she wished to see me in desire of sin, and I was ignorant concerning all these things.

Then said he to his wife, It is not the custom of the Egyptians to take away that which belongeth to others before proof is given.

This he said concerning the merchant, and concerning me, that I must be imprisoned.