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 HEN JOSEPH'S HOUSE was thus supplied with wood, and the sons of Joseph quite industriously began to prepare the noon meal,
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a deputation of very prominent citizens arrived in full regalia from the city to greet the supreme governor.
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For while no one in the city had heard anything this time concerning the presence of Cyrenius because he wished to be there in strictest incognito,
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the well-known household servants as well as the sons of Joseph were seen in the city that morning, and the presence of the governor was thus surmised.
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Therefore the leading citizens gathered in the city and came out in full splendor, which visit was most inopportune to Cyrenius on this occasion.
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The garrison commander and the from previous pages familiar captain were of course at the head of the large deputation from the city of Ostracine.
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The commander apologized profusely that he had ascertained so late, and then only by lucky chance, that his imperial, consular highness was gracing this area with his exalted presence.
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And Cyrenius nearly turned away in his secret annoyance at this for him most untimely visit.
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But for all that he now responded in a pleasant manner for the sake of political expediency and answered the greeter in equally polite words.
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But after a while he unburdened himself to the garrison commander, saying, 'My friend, we prominent lords of the world sometimes fare quite badly.
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A common man can go where he pleases and remain in sweet incognito;
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but we need only to go a little beyond our doorstep and our incognito is already gone with the wind!
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I do of course accept your stately greeting in the name of my brother with heartfelt appreciation;
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but it has to remain that I am here in strictest incognito,
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which means in other words: This my presence here is unofficial and may under no circumstances be reported to Rome.
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If I were to find out that someone had dared to submit such a report to Rome, he will surely regret it! - For mark it well, I am here in strictest incognito for the world!
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Why? I know why, and no one is to ask me about it.
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Go to your homes now and put on ordinary clothing, and then return for the midday meal, which will take place about three hours before sunset.'
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Here the deputation bowed before the governor and departed.
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Thereupon Joseph went over to Cyrenius and said,
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'See, that is already the first result of the money which you gave me in such bounteous measure.
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Your household servants had to buy me a chest for it, were then recognized - and your presence betrayed.
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As I have always said: Gold and silver still bear the old curse of God!'
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To this the little Child, who was right at Joseph's side, added smilingly,
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'Therefore one can subject the proud gold and the vain silver to no greater humiliation than to distribute it in just measure among the poor.
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Now you, My dear Joseph, do that all the time; therefore the old curse will do you little harm and the same to Cyrenius also.
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Oh, I am not a bit concerned over this gold; for here it is already in the right place.'
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These words again put Joseph as well as Cyrenius at their ease and they now awaited the invited guests in very good spirits.
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