Volume Ii Part 29 (2/2)
REBECCA. O Lord, that to bear such a son it was my chance.
JACOB. Mother, we must be content with G.o.d's ordinance.
REBECCA. Or, if I should need have Esau to my son, Would G.o.d thou, Jacob, haddest the elders.h.i.+p won.
JACOB. Mother, it is too late to wish; for that is pa.s.s'd; It will not be done now, wish ye never so fast.
And I would not have you to wish against G.o.d's will: For both it is in vain, and also it is ill.
REBECCA. Why did it not please G.o.d, that thou shouldest as well Tread upon his crown, as hold him fast by the heel?
JACOB. Whatsoever mystery the Lord therein meant, Must be referred to his unsearched judgment.
And whatsoever he hath 'ppointed me unto, I am his own vessel, his will with me to do.
REBECCA. Well, some strange thing therein of G.o.d intended was.
JACOB. And what he hath decreed, must sure come to pa.s.s.
REBECCA. I remember, when I had you both conceived, A voice thus saying from the Lord I received: Rebecca, in thy womb are now two nations Of unlike natures and contrary fas.h.i.+ons.
The one shall be a mightier people elect: And the elder to the younger shall be subject.
I know this voice came not to me of nothing: Therefore thou shalt follow my counsel in one thing.
JACOB. So it be not displeasing to the Lord, I must.
REBECCA. I fear the Lorde eke, who is merciful and just: And loth would I be his majesty to offend; But by me (I doubt not) to work he doth intend.
a.s.say, if thou canst at some one time or other, To buy the right of elders.h.i.+p from thy brother: Do thou buy the birthright, that to him doth belong, So may'st thou have the blessing, and do him no wrong.
What thou hast once bought, is thine own of due right.
JACOB. Mother Rebecca, if withouten fraud I might, I would your advice put in ure with all my heart, But I may not attempt any such guileful part.
To buy my brother's elders.h.i.+p and his birthright, I fear, would be a great offence in G.o.d's sight.
Which thing, if I wist to redeem, I ne would, Though I might get thereby ten millions of gold.
REBECCA. G.o.d who, by his word and almightiful decree, Hath appointed thee Esau his lord to be, Hath appointed some way to have it brought about; And that is this way, my sprite doth not doubt.
JACOB. Upon your word, mother, I will a.s.say ere long; Yet it grudgeth my heart to do my brother wrong.
REBECCA. Thou shalt do no wrong, son Jacob, on my peril.
JACOB. Then, by G.o.d's leave, once a.s.say I will.
REBECCA. Then farewell, dear son, G.o.d's blessing and mine with thee.
JACOB. I will again to the tent. Well you be!
[_Exeat Jacob_.
REBECCA. Ah, my sweet son Jacob, good fortune G.o.d thee send!
The most gentle young man alive, as G.o.d me mend!
And the most natural to father and mother: O, that such a meek spirit were in thy brother; Or thy sire loved thee, as thou hast merited, And then should Esau soon be disinherited.
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