The Childhood and Youth of Jesus · Part 1 · Chapter 107

Cyrenius' gratitude. The magnanimity and the wisdom of the humble Joseph. Cyrenius hands over eight poor children to be raised by Joseph. 3 January 1844

01] Now Cyrenius said to Joseph: "Exalted friend and brother! I have found my greatest good fortune in your house in every respect; now tell me, what reward do you want for yourself from me?!

02] O tell me, how can I compensate you even in the least degree for all you have done to me?!

03] And do not bring this villa into the equation, which is too poor and miserable a reward for you!"

04] And Joseph said: "O brother and friend, what do take me for?!

05] Do you take me for a trader in good deeds who does good only for the sake of a reward?

06] O how greatly mistaken you are believe me to be like that!

07] See, I do not know anything more miserable than a paid benefactor a paid good deed!

08] Indeed! The hour and the day I was born shall be damned if I would accept even one stater from you!

09] Hence take your wife, the cleansed Tullia, with you in all good cheer. What you will do to her and many other poor people, I will always regard and accept as a proper reward for my deeds to you!

10] But spare this house from any endowment; for what I have is enough for all of us – why then should there be more?

11] Or do you think I should ask any board amount from you for Eudokia? – Oh – do not worry!

12] I take her as my daughter and will rear her in the mercy of God.

13] For where is the father who asks for payment from anybody for raising his daughter?!

14] I tell you, Eudokia is worth more than the whole world. Therefore no offered reward exists in the world that could be accepted for her.

15] The greatest reward, however, which I have for all my dealings, see, now rests in Eudokia's arms!"

16] When Cyrenius saw this great unselfishness of Joseph, he was very touched and said:

17] "Indeed, before God and all human beings on earth you stand alone as a man of all men!

18] To praise you with words would be a wasted effort; for you stand above every word of man!

19] But I know what I should do to show you my exceedingly high respect and appreciation.

20] I will give you a present which you will surely not refuse!

21] See, in Tyre I have three girls and five boys from very poor parents who already died!

22] I will bring these lovely children over to you so that they can be raised by you!

23] You can be fully assured that I will see to their upkeep.

24] Will you deny me that too? – No, Joseph, you my most exalted brother, surely you will not do as such!"

25] And Joseph was very touched and said: "No, brother, I will never deny you that! Send the children here as soon as possible and they shall be well looked after in everything they may need!"