palm-trees with their bare trunks and sword-shaped leaves, and he saw
the gate flanked by enormous stone figures which, lying on their
bellies, stretched out two paws in front of them and lifted huge human
heads high in the air. He saw the triangular form of the pyramids rise
against the yellow background. Strange odours filled the air, as well
as shrill noises made by fantastic figures, and every sound struck hard
and sharp on the ear. Joseph's heart was heavy. His home was
abandoned, and they were in a strange land in which they must certainly
be lost.

Mary, who was always outwardly calm, but inwardly bound up passionately
in the child, looked at Joseph's stick, and said: "Joseph, it is a nice
thought of yours to deck your staff with a flower in token of our safe
arrival." Then Joseph looked at his stick and marvelled. For from the
branch which he had cut at Sinai there sprouted a living, snow-white
lily. Oh, Joseph, 'tis the flower of purity! But what was the use of
all the flowers in the world when he was so full of care? He lifted
the child in his arms, and when he looked at his sunny countenance the
shadows were dispersed. But they experienced shadows enough in the
land of the sun, where men had built a splendid temple to the sun-god
like that which the Israelites at home had built to the great Jehovah.

Things did not go very well with these poor Jews during the long years
they remained in this land. They did not understand the language; but
their simple, kindly character and their readiness to be of use told in
their favour. In that treeless land carpentry was at a discount. They
built themselves a hut out of reeds and mud on the bank of the Nile
near the royal city of Memphis, but in such a building the carpenter's
skill did not shine. Still it was better than the dwellings of other
poor people by the riverside. Joseph thought of fishing for a