JOSEPH MAKES HIMSELF KNOWN

Seeing that his brethren were, indeed, on the point of
destroying Egypt, Joseph resolved to make himself known
to them, and he cast around for a proper opening, which
would lead naturally to his announcement. At his behest,
Manasseh laid his hand upon Judah's shoulder, and his touch
allayed Judah's fury, for he noticed that he was in contact
with a kinsman of his, because such strength existed in no
other family. Then Joseph addressed Judah gently, saying:[278]
"I should like to know who advised him to steal the
cup. Could it have been one of you?" Benjamin replied:
"Neither did they counsel theft, nor did I touch the cup."
"Take an oath upon it," demanded Joseph, and Benjamin
complied with his brother's request: "I swear that I did not