The Childhood and Youth of Jesus · Part 2 · Chapter 243

Pride goes before a fall. Joseph's dignified treatment of the fire victims. Cyrenius' noble-mindedness towards the victims. Cyrenius at Jonathan's. 1 July 1844

01] When the fire victims arrived at Joseph's house, he recognized them as the lords who had recently been his guests, and asked them:

02] "Yes – my most respected lords, what has happened to the important business matters for which you had to hurry back not so long ago?

03] Did it consist of setting fire to your city?

04] Or did it consist of something completely different, something that must be kept secret from me?"

05] But the fire victims spoke: " Dear friend of humanity! – Do not tempt us miserable ones; for you see that we are the poorest beggars now!

06] But if you can support us in any way, please do so and we shall be your serfs for the rest of our lives!"

07] But Joseph spoke: "Only Rome's powerful patricians have a way with slaves and serfs,

08] but I have a way only with brothers, who are my equals – be it lords or beggars!

09] Therefore I shall give you as much support as possible.

10] But when you have recovered, please refrain from such business as you had planned for today!

11] For as painful as it must be for you, that your servants have shamefully robbed you and have set fire to your houses,

12] if you had done the same to me, it would have been equally and even more painful for me! "

13] Joseph now went to Cyrenius and asked him what one should give to these unfortunate people at once.

14] And Cyrenius spoke: "Just wait a little! My porters, which I had sent to my ship for my cash box, should arrive soon!

15] When I will have my bigger cash box, we will see how much can be given to those who are here, and those who will arrive."

16] Within one hour, the messengers brought a thousand bags of gold and silver.

17] Each bag, weighing ten pounds, consisted of two pounds of gold and eight pounds of silver.

18] Then Cyrenius spoke to Joseph: "Please distribute these bags among the fire victims, whereby each one receives one bag!

19] Keep the rest for those who will still arrive!

20] But I don't want to be present at the distribution, so I won't be recognized by all the people who will come here!

21] I shall go now with Jonathan to his house and hope to see you in the evening."

22] Joseph agreed to this and took over the distribution together with his sons; and

Cyrenius secretly left with his whole entourage and with Jonathan. – –