על יוסף י״זOn Joseph 17
א׳
1[88] While they were thus growing in goodness, two eunuchs of the king were brought in, the chief butler and the chief baker, both of them accused and condemned for dereliction of duties. Joseph paid the same attention to them as to the others, in his earnest wish to raise if possible those under him to the level of those who were innocent of offence.
ב׳
2[89] And after no long time on visiting the prisoners he saw that they were full of depression and dejection, even more than before, and, guessing from their extreme sadness that something unusual had befallen them, he asked the reason.
ג׳
3[90] When they answered that they had had dreams which filled them with sore trouble and distress because there was no one to interpret them, he said to them: “Cheer up, and tell me these dreams, for their meaning will be known, if God wills, and He does will to unveil what is hidden to those who desire the truth.”
ד׳
4[91] Then the chief butler spoke first and said: “I dreamt that I saw a great vine, an exceedingly fine stalk growing from three roots. It was thriving and covered with grapes as in the height of the vintage season, and from a cluster which was turning ripe black I plucked some grapes and squeezed them into the royal cup, and when it had plenty of liquor I brought it to the king.”
ה׳
5[92] Joseph paused for a little, and then said: “Your vision is an announcement to you of good fortune and the recovery of your former office. The three roots of the vine denote three days, after which the king will remember you and send for you from this place. He will then grant you free pardon, and allow you to take your old post, and to confirm you in the office you will act as butler and offer the cup to your master.” The chief butler rejoiced on hearing this.