River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1873-10-03

from all the kings OF the world, except
from Egypt but Zulaikha will listen
to none OF them. Her father dismisses
| all the ambassadors, and sends trusty
messenger to Egypt to offer his daugh
ter IN marriage to the Grand Vizier,
who lis both astonished and enchanted
at such unexpected happiness, which
he accepts with all the eagerness il de-
serves. They marry aud Zulaikha is
lodged magnlficently, and left in per-
feet freedom; but she continues in her
misery.
All this time Joseph is living with
his father and his brethren. He, too.
has visions, but they are of his own fu.
ture greatness; and his heart is
untroubled. The story of Joseph is
narrated according to the Koran. and
with more detail than in eur own YER
sion. Malik, the leader of the indian
caravan, ~ anxiously expected in
Egypt the news of the beautiful slave
of the Hebrew race whom he brings
with him has already preceded him.
the King himself desiring TO have the
first sight of him. When Joseph is
brought out from the palace crowd
has gathered round the gate TO behold
him. Zulaikha, passing ut the moment
IN her litter, catches glimpse
Of him, recognizes him, and, on her.
return home, persuades Potiphar To
go to the king, who is intending TO
purchase him, and to request, az a re-
ward for his services, that he may buy
Joseph and adopt him for bis son. The
king consents, and Joseph becomes an
inmate of PotIphar's household. We
should say that Zulaikha had gwen her
husband all her own Jewels and treas
ures to enable him to pay the immense
price demanded. For a time ZlIaikha
is happy and quiet; Joseph conducts
himself blamelessly and prudently, and
no sign is given that he enteTtains any
feelings for Zulaikha beyond profound
respect.
The narrative then follows the Bible
till the accusation of Joseph. The in
terest of the poem centres in ZulaIkha.
The innocence of Joseph is attested
by miracle all the people refuse to
believe his guilt, and he reigns in
prison as a king rather than 4 cap
tive. But the reader is carried back
to Zulalkha, her remorse and despair.
When, after lapse of time, Joseph is
called from prison 10y Pharaoh, he re-
fuses to come out until his innocence
is declared. Zulaikha retires TO her
misery, living IN obscurity. Falling
into premature old age aud blindness,
she builds small house of reeds,
whence she can hear the sound of his
horses feet az Joseph rides to and
from the city on the kings business.
She turns her thoughts To the God
of Joseph, forsakes her idols, and be-
lIeves IN Jehovah. Joseph, hearing of
her devoutness, orders the chamber.
lam to bring her 90 the palace, and
grants her a private audience; she mar
rates her whole story and desires that
he Will pray for her restoration To her
former state, and at his prayer she
RECEIVERS all her pristine beauty. She
then beseoches HIM to marry her; be
lore he can answer, Angel Gabriel
brings word that the marriage has been
decreed IN Heaven. The marriage is
accordingly proclaimed aud celebrated
IN the presence of the court with great
pomp aud rejoicing. Joseph is now as
much in love with Zulaikha as eve n
her heart can desire, and the
victory of love is perfect Joseph dies,
after learning the fact in a vision, Zu-
kha lies insensible for three DAYS.
q 4 then she has herself carried to his
ave, and expires upon 1t. Her
attendants bury her by the side of
Joseph.