drink, and sent him into the hill country; and he returned quite sound. And he also gave it to Mary to drink, and sent her into the hill country; and she returned quite sound. And all the people wondered that sin was not seen in them. And the priest said, If the Lord God hath not manifested your sins, neither do I judge you; and he dismissed them. And Joseph took Mary, and went to his house rejoicing, and glorifying the God of Israel.
CHAPTER XVII.
And there was a command from Augustus the king, that all who were in Bethlehem of Judea should be enrolled.[1] And Joseph said, I will enrol my children, but what shall I do with this damsel? How shall I enrol her? As my wife? I am ashamed to do it. As my daughter? But all the children of Israel know that she is not my daughter. The day of the Lord will itself bring it about as the Lord willeth it. And he saddled the ass, and set her upon it, and his son led it, and Joseph followed. And they came within three miles. And Joseph turned and saw her sad, and he said in himself, Perhaps her burden troubleth her. And Joseph turned again, and saw her laughing; and he said to her, Mary, what aileth thee, because I see thy face at
- ↑ Luke ii. 1.
