2.2 Finding the Bottom
For Sale
The following morning, Joseph washed his face, shaved, and prepared for the day. He felt like a sheep being taken to market. A future as a slave held little for him, but Teyma seemed to have bigger expectations for him than a menial position.
Shaving did not go as smoothly as it had been with the man in Memphis who had removed his beard. Teyma helped so that the unshaved patches of hair were gone and the small cut had been soothed by aloe and hidden by a creamy paste.
Today he would be wearing his best clothes when Teyma brought him before Potiphar. If that made Joseph more valuable for Teyma, he owed the man something for saving his life. He laughed to himself. Soon they would see what that life was worth.
Only a couple of hours walking brought them in sight of their destination. By mid-morning they arrived outside the walls of the king’s estate. The great lake lay much farther ahead, but this area was well watered by a canal from the Nile flowing in a half circle past the walled estate into the agricultural fields.
Upon this closer view of the walls, Joseph thought another city must lay beyond. Indeed, a city is what he encountered.
A guard met them at the gate. Only a short discussion with Teyma (apparently well known here, also) was sufficient for the guard to allow them to enter. A servant was called to escort them to the front door.
Joseph could see that the path to The Residence passed through exquisite flowering gardens and trees boasting flowers and fruit, nature’s bounty on display.
Led by the servant a moment later, the three passed through a world that Joseph would not have imagined.
As he and Teyma walked through the gate, he saw that indeed this private estate was like a microcosm of rural and urban life joined in one.
Rows of ornamental trees lined the walkway to the larger building. Beyond the trees were gardens, perfect squares consisted of flowering shrubs or plants that may have been herbs or vegetables, laid out with extreme precision.
Joseph noticed amid the splendor there was some disarray, as if this section were a work in progress. He began to notice unfinished work scarring the beautiful scene in several places.
Buildings were within the walls, much like a fortified city. And low walls stood atop each roof, even of the smaller buildings.
The two main buildings held towers on each corner, their windows peering outward like darkened eyes weary with watching. Similar in style, the building on the left was a much smaller version of the other. A verdant arbor attached the smaller to the larger like a child holding its parent’s hand.
Between their towers, both rooves sprouted large vents and rooftop gardens. Domesticated trees shaded trained vines creating a canopy above lower foliage. Birds flitted about, and Joseph would not have been surprised to see a deer raise its head from this lofty replica of nature.
Teyma pointed down one of the walkways crossing their path and described a garden with benches in shaded areas hidden just beyond a long line of fruit trees.
Pointing ahead, he continued, “And the palace is known as The Residence, home to the king, his family, and his attendants.”
The massive structure (no one would dare call this a house!) before them took up the space allotted to many dozens of the dwellings he had seen in Memphis. Painted white, it gleamed in the mid-morning sun, reflecting the heat as well as the light. Steps led to a porch with massive columns supporting a high roof. Walls of the house rose higher behind this impressive portico.
The servant led them to the smaller structure on the left side which, though impressive, could not help but look inferior beside the king’s palace.
All of the walled estate sat on ground rising above its surroundings, and the joined houses rested on its highest area. Walking up the steps, Joseph felt cooler as a breeze flowing from the outer gardens swept across the shaded area.
Joseph followed behind Teyma, who walked confidently toward the door held open by their guide.
Another servant inside stood ready. Bowing modestly, the man welcomed them. “Greetings, Teyma! You and your friend are welcome here.”
Teyma acknowledged the man, receiving a smile and another bow in return. That they already knew one another was clear, but this was not a surprise since Teyma seemed to know everyone.
The servant ushered them into a waiting room. Eight chairs were against two walls a corner in between. A large round table, off-center to the room, stood before the chairs.
Teyma and Joseph sat down.
Sold Again
The servant left to deliver the message of their arrival to Captain Potiphar. Returning after a short interim, the servant asked them to follow him.
They were escorted along a short corridor with doorways marking several rooms. Their path led them to the open area in the center of the building.
Trees burst from this interior courtyard, surrounded by a ring of shrubs that was itself enclosed in a ring of flowers. The sky could be seen through the open roof high above, and sunlight filtered gently through the tree limbs above them.
A garden path weaving through the flowers appeared to extend toward the more massive building belonging to the king, but trees and foliage blocked this view.
Again, Joseph noted that there appeared to be work in progress here, a sense of work left unfinished for too long.
The two were escorted into a more elegantly furnished room, one obviously intended for greater comfort than the sparsely furnished waiting room.
Captain Potiphar entered some moments later and greeted Teyma. Not particularly tall, but powerfully built and imposing in manner, he exuded the confidence of a man with authority. He may have been a decade beyond Joseph’s oldest half-brother, but the captain radiated a presence and maturity missing from Reuben.
Like so many of the people Joseph had seen among the travelers and the merchants of Memphis, the captain wore the distinctive eye makeup common to both Egyptian men and women. Black lines gave the men longer eyes, drawing attention to them more so than other facial features.
The captain appeared older than his probable true age, very tanned and carrying himself with a stiff formality. Thinking of it later, the captain’s smile as he greeted Teyma was but a momentary relaxation that returned quickly to its natural solemn setting.
The captain and Teyma spoke for only a moment before Teyma asked Joseph to step forward.
In the captain’s presence, Joseph noticed that Teyma’s attitude toward Joseph had become more formal and commanding, matching the captain’s.
Joseph stepped forward, clearly for the purpose of being examined. The captain dutifully circled Joseph twice, at one point placing a firm hand on each shoulder and giving a shake as if to see how solid this body was.
He stopped and stood directly in front of Joseph again, his eyes focused on Joseph’s. “Tell me about yourself,” commanded the captain.
Joseph recognized the challenge in the voice, the tone of command requiring concise and prompt answers. He cleared his throat and spoke as firmly as he could, but with the respect he would have shown his father.
“I am Joseph, son of Jacob and Isaac and Abraham of Canaan.” He spoke as if the captain might know the names, but of course he did not.
The officer seemed to brush aside Joseph’s answer, as if the boy had missed the point. He then asked the question that Joseph had somewhat anticipated: “What do you have to offer me that is worth your food and shelter?”
Yes, the captain was enough of a businessman not to pay for what did not offer a return. He was looking for something and Joseph knew it was not a shepherd. But that was his only practical experience, and there were no sheep here. What did the man want from him?
He launched into a summary of his experience. “I have been a shepherd, protecting my flock from wolves and finding them pasture and water. I know when the flock must move so that the land is not destroyed. I have….”
Joseph saw that in these few seconds he had already lost Potiphar’s attention. This was a time for yellow poppies and red daffodils!
Joseph began again. “What is important is to be able to see the way nature works and to see that your servants bring forth the best that the land has to offer.”
He paused, uncertain, but charged ahead.
“As we approached this great house, I could see the gardens showed signs of work that has been left incomplete. Passing through the courtyard outside of this room, again I saw a garden partially worked, but apparently left in that state for some time.”
Joseph became concerned that his critical eye was offending his prospective buyer, whose expression remained unchanged. And his only partial knowledge of the language limited his expression, perhaps conveying the message inappropriately. What would Teyma do with him if he could not be a servant to Captain Potiphar?
Joseph glanced at Teyma who seemed to give a slight nod. Joseph had chosen a course in his response and he must complete the run.
“I understand that your position requires that the king be satisfied with the work of your people. You are a man who depends on his orders being followed.
“I will do what you command me to do, make your interests into my interests, and show you the reward for your trust.”
The captain’s grim expression and cold eyes remained unchanged throughout the response, and the seconds of delay before his next question seemed like several minutes.
Joseph did not look away again from the captain’s fixed stare.
“What would you do with the people who performed this partial work?”
Joseph considered his past experience: telling his father of his half-brothers misdeeds. This was not what the captain wanted in a servant. He would want someone who prevented the problem, or at least had the problem corrected. The problem that the captain never heard about was the best one.
“I would show them what has been left undone and tell them to do it. If they had not an understanding of the task, I would show them how.”
“And what if they persist in their refusal?”
“There is a God in heaven who will judge us all, for good or for bad. We are to be mindful of our duties to Him and to others. If they persist in their disobedience, they are subject to His condemnation.
“Here and now, they are each subject to your command. Their value to you is for you to decide, whether they are worth their food and shelter.”
This last statement had come without thought, repeating the captain’s own words in describing the value of Joseph’s position.
Apparently the answers had been what the captain wanted.
Turning toward Teyma, he said, “You have served well, Teyma. I can find a place for this man.”
Although the statement was to Teyma, Joseph acknowledged this acceptance with a relaxation of his tense muscles.
Again, at the end of his pronouncement, the captain’s stone countenance fractured, the deep cracks of a smile breaking the weathered surface.
Calling to the servant who had remained at the room’s entrance, the captain had Joseph escorted back to the front waiting room so that he and Teyma could discuss business alone. The servant escorted Joseph and left him in the waiting room.
Although only lasting for a few moments, the interview had been difficult. Joseph sat on a hard chair and leaned his head against a hard wall and closed his eyes. In spite of the hard surfaces, the quiet and warmth of the room lulled him into a state of semi-consciousness.
Joseph now felt fully the nature of his status in the world. Teyma’s easy demeanor throughout the journey had left their respective roles in the background, overlaid (usually) with the role of mentor and student. Here at this massive building amid what must be a considerable estate and great wealth, Joseph’s value was being discussed. And his future would follow the path of this negotiation.
Outside, the early afternoon sun was as hot as ever. The consistent northern breeze made its way through the vents far above, circulating through the open spaces and rooms adjoining. In this small front room, however, there was only the faintest movement of air, and the increasing warmth was noticeable, lulling Joseph into a light slumber.
A good while later, the servant returned to the room and escorted Joseph back to the receiving room.
Teyma and Captain Potiphar were laughing about something. The remains of a meal were evident, and the two men sat as friends visiting together after a long absence. The business had apparently concluded on a good note and the two men gave a parting embrace and farewell.
His former tutor and master approached him and gave an embrace. Stepping back, Teyma said, “Farewell, my friend. Our paths will cross again. I will return north for the summer since my trip was cut short.”
Passing by Joseph toward the door, Teyma spoke softly to Joseph, “Yellow poppies and red daffodils to you, Joseph, son of Jacob.”
Joseph asked quietly, “Did you receive a return on your investment?”
Teyma smiled. “Do not think your value can be stated in terms of merchandise or precious metals. That a man can be sold is a ridiculous statement. What the man produces over the years has value, but the man himself is beyond any sum.
“Prove to the captain that his investment was a bargain, no matter what the cost. I will not tell you how much, lest you become too proud or too discouraged by whatever sum is named.”
He smiled, nodded back toward the captain, and then walked through the door out of sight.
Continue reading
For Sale
The following morning, Joseph washed his face, shaved, and prepared for the day. He felt like a sheep being taken to market. A future as a slave held little for him, but Teyma seemed to have bigger expectations for him than a menial position.
Shaving did not go as smoothly as it had been with the man in Memphis who had removed his beard. Teyma helped so that the unshaved patches of hair were gone and the small cut had been soothed by aloe and hidden by a creamy paste.
Today he would be wearing his best clothes when Teyma brought him before Potiphar. If that made Joseph more valuable for Teyma, he owed the man something for saving his life. He laughed to himself. Soon they would see what that life was worth.
Only a couple of hours walking brought them in sight of their destination. By mid-morning they arrived outside the walls of the king’s estate. The great lake lay much farther ahead, but this area was well watered by a canal from the Nile flowing in a half circle past the walled estate into the agricultural fields.
Upon this closer view of the walls, Joseph thought another city must lay beyond. Indeed, a city is what he encountered.
A guard met them at the gate. Only a short discussion with Teyma (apparently well known here, also) was sufficient for the guard to allow them to enter. A servant was called to escort them to the front door.
Joseph could see that the path to The Residence passed through exquisite flowering gardens and trees boasting flowers and fruit, nature’s bounty on display.
Led by the servant a moment later, the three passed through a world that Joseph would not have imagined.
As he and Teyma walked through the gate, he saw that indeed this private estate was like a microcosm of rural and urban life joined in one.
Rows of ornamental trees lined the walkway to the larger building. Beyond the trees were gardens, perfect squares consisted of flowering shrubs or plants that may have been herbs or vegetables, laid out with extreme precision.
Joseph noticed amid the splendor there was some disarray, as if this section were a work in progress. He began to notice unfinished work scarring the beautiful scene in several places.
Buildings were within the walls, much like a fortified city. And low walls stood atop each roof, even of the smaller buildings.
The two main buildings held towers on each corner, their windows peering outward like darkened eyes weary with watching. Similar in style, the building on the left was a much smaller version of the other. A verdant arbor attached the smaller to the larger like a child holding its parent’s hand.
Between their towers, both rooves sprouted large vents and rooftop gardens. Domesticated trees shaded trained vines creating a canopy above lower foliage. Birds flitted about, and Joseph would not have been surprised to see a deer raise its head from this lofty replica of nature.
Teyma pointed down one of the walkways crossing their path and described a garden with benches in shaded areas hidden just beyond a long line of fruit trees.
Pointing ahead, he continued, “And the palace is known as The Residence, home to the king, his family, and his attendants.”
The massive structure (no one would dare call this a house!) before them took up the space allotted to many dozens of the dwellings he had seen in Memphis. Painted white, it gleamed in the mid-morning sun, reflecting the heat as well as the light. Steps led to a porch with massive columns supporting a high roof. Walls of the house rose higher behind this impressive portico.
The servant led them to the smaller structure on the left side which, though impressive, could not help but look inferior beside the king’s palace.
All of the walled estate sat on ground rising above its surroundings, and the joined houses rested on its highest area. Walking up the steps, Joseph felt cooler as a breeze flowing from the outer gardens swept across the shaded area.
Joseph followed behind Teyma, who walked confidently toward the door held open by their guide.
Another servant inside stood ready. Bowing modestly, the man welcomed them. “Greetings, Teyma! You and your friend are welcome here.”
Teyma acknowledged the man, receiving a smile and another bow in return. That they already knew one another was clear, but this was not a surprise since Teyma seemed to know everyone.
The servant ushered them into a waiting room. Eight chairs were against two walls a corner in between. A large round table, off-center to the room, stood before the chairs.
Teyma and Joseph sat down.
Sold Again
The servant left to deliver the message of their arrival to Captain Potiphar. Returning after a short interim, the servant asked them to follow him.
They were escorted along a short corridor with doorways marking several rooms. Their path led them to the open area in the center of the building.
Trees burst from this interior courtyard, surrounded by a ring of shrubs that was itself enclosed in a ring of flowers. The sky could be seen through the open roof high above, and sunlight filtered gently through the tree limbs above them.
A garden path weaving through the flowers appeared to extend toward the more massive building belonging to the king, but trees and foliage blocked this view.
Again, Joseph noted that there appeared to be work in progress here, a sense of work left unfinished for too long.
The two were escorted into a more elegantly furnished room, one obviously intended for greater comfort than the sparsely furnished waiting room.
Captain Potiphar entered some moments later and greeted Teyma. Not particularly tall, but powerfully built and imposing in manner, he exuded the confidence of a man with authority. He may have been a decade beyond Joseph’s oldest half-brother, but the captain radiated a presence and maturity missing from Reuben.
Like so many of the people Joseph had seen among the travelers and the merchants of Memphis, the captain wore the distinctive eye makeup common to both Egyptian men and women. Black lines gave the men longer eyes, drawing attention to them more so than other facial features.
The captain appeared older than his probable true age, very tanned and carrying himself with a stiff formality. Thinking of it later, the captain’s smile as he greeted Teyma was but a momentary relaxation that returned quickly to its natural solemn setting.
The captain and Teyma spoke for only a moment before Teyma asked Joseph to step forward.
In the captain’s presence, Joseph noticed that Teyma’s attitude toward Joseph had become more formal and commanding, matching the captain’s.
Joseph stepped forward, clearly for the purpose of being examined. The captain dutifully circled Joseph twice, at one point placing a firm hand on each shoulder and giving a shake as if to see how solid this body was.
He stopped and stood directly in front of Joseph again, his eyes focused on Joseph’s. “Tell me about yourself,” commanded the captain.
Joseph recognized the challenge in the voice, the tone of command requiring concise and prompt answers. He cleared his throat and spoke as firmly as he could, but with the respect he would have shown his father.
“I am Joseph, son of Jacob and Isaac and Abraham of Canaan.” He spoke as if the captain might know the names, but of course he did not.
The officer seemed to brush aside Joseph’s answer, as if the boy had missed the point. He then asked the question that Joseph had somewhat anticipated: “What do you have to offer me that is worth your food and shelter?”
Yes, the captain was enough of a businessman not to pay for what did not offer a return. He was looking for something and Joseph knew it was not a shepherd. But that was his only practical experience, and there were no sheep here. What did the man want from him?
He launched into a summary of his experience. “I have been a shepherd, protecting my flock from wolves and finding them pasture and water. I know when the flock must move so that the land is not destroyed. I have….”
Joseph saw that in these few seconds he had already lost Potiphar’s attention. This was a time for yellow poppies and red daffodils!
Joseph began again. “What is important is to be able to see the way nature works and to see that your servants bring forth the best that the land has to offer.”
He paused, uncertain, but charged ahead.
“As we approached this great house, I could see the gardens showed signs of work that has been left incomplete. Passing through the courtyard outside of this room, again I saw a garden partially worked, but apparently left in that state for some time.”
Joseph became concerned that his critical eye was offending his prospective buyer, whose expression remained unchanged. And his only partial knowledge of the language limited his expression, perhaps conveying the message inappropriately. What would Teyma do with him if he could not be a servant to Captain Potiphar?
Joseph glanced at Teyma who seemed to give a slight nod. Joseph had chosen a course in his response and he must complete the run.
“I understand that your position requires that the king be satisfied with the work of your people. You are a man who depends on his orders being followed.
“I will do what you command me to do, make your interests into my interests, and show you the reward for your trust.”
The captain’s grim expression and cold eyes remained unchanged throughout the response, and the seconds of delay before his next question seemed like several minutes.
Joseph did not look away again from the captain’s fixed stare.
“What would you do with the people who performed this partial work?”
Joseph considered his past experience: telling his father of his half-brothers misdeeds. This was not what the captain wanted in a servant. He would want someone who prevented the problem, or at least had the problem corrected. The problem that the captain never heard about was the best one.
“I would show them what has been left undone and tell them to do it. If they had not an understanding of the task, I would show them how.”
“And what if they persist in their refusal?”
“There is a God in heaven who will judge us all, for good or for bad. We are to be mindful of our duties to Him and to others. If they persist in their disobedience, they are subject to His condemnation.
“Here and now, they are each subject to your command. Their value to you is for you to decide, whether they are worth their food and shelter.”
This last statement had come without thought, repeating the captain’s own words in describing the value of Joseph’s position.
Apparently the answers had been what the captain wanted.
Turning toward Teyma, he said, “You have served well, Teyma. I can find a place for this man.”
Although the statement was to Teyma, Joseph acknowledged this acceptance with a relaxation of his tense muscles.
Again, at the end of his pronouncement, the captain’s stone countenance fractured, the deep cracks of a smile breaking the weathered surface.
Calling to the servant who had remained at the room’s entrance, the captain had Joseph escorted back to the front waiting room so that he and Teyma could discuss business alone. The servant escorted Joseph and left him in the waiting room.
Although only lasting for a few moments, the interview had been difficult. Joseph sat on a hard chair and leaned his head against a hard wall and closed his eyes. In spite of the hard surfaces, the quiet and warmth of the room lulled him into a state of semi-consciousness.
Joseph now felt fully the nature of his status in the world. Teyma’s easy demeanor throughout the journey had left their respective roles in the background, overlaid (usually) with the role of mentor and student. Here at this massive building amid what must be a considerable estate and great wealth, Joseph’s value was being discussed. And his future would follow the path of this negotiation.
Outside, the early afternoon sun was as hot as ever. The consistent northern breeze made its way through the vents far above, circulating through the open spaces and rooms adjoining. In this small front room, however, there was only the faintest movement of air, and the increasing warmth was noticeable, lulling Joseph into a light slumber.
A good while later, the servant returned to the room and escorted Joseph back to the receiving room.
Teyma and Captain Potiphar were laughing about something. The remains of a meal were evident, and the two men sat as friends visiting together after a long absence. The business had apparently concluded on a good note and the two men gave a parting embrace and farewell.
His former tutor and master approached him and gave an embrace. Stepping back, Teyma said, “Farewell, my friend. Our paths will cross again. I will return north for the summer since my trip was cut short.”
Passing by Joseph toward the door, Teyma spoke softly to Joseph, “Yellow poppies and red daffodils to you, Joseph, son of Jacob.”
Joseph asked quietly, “Did you receive a return on your investment?”
Teyma smiled. “Do not think your value can be stated in terms of merchandise or precious metals. That a man can be sold is a ridiculous statement. What the man produces over the years has value, but the man himself is beyond any sum.
“Prove to the captain that his investment was a bargain, no matter what the cost. I will not tell you how much, lest you become too proud or too discouraged by whatever sum is named.”
He smiled, nodded back toward the captain, and then walked through the door out of sight.
Continue reading
