CHAP-BOOKS OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY THE HISTORY OF JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN.
Reading edition
The first printed metrical history of this Biblical episode is the book printed by Wynkyn de Worde, a book of fourteen leaves, and entitled "Thystorie of Jacob and his twelue Sones. Empȳrted at Lōdon in Fletestrete at the sygne of the Sonne by Wynkyn de Worde" (no date). It is chiefly remarkable in connection with this book, as mentioning Chapmen.
"Now leaue we of them & speak we of the Chapman That passed ouer the sea into Egipt land. But truely ere that he thether came The wind stiffly against them did stand; And yet at the last an hauen they fand. The Chapman led Joseph with a rope in the streat Him for to bye came many a Lord great."
A metrical edition is still used in the performance of a sort of miracle play, entitled "Joseph and his Brothers. A Biblical Drama or Mystery Play." 1864. London and Derby.
The action of this piece is reported to be somewhat ludicrous, the performers being in their everyday dress, or, rather, in their Sunday attire. There is no scenery, and very little life or motion in connection with the dialogue, the quality of which may be judged by the following specimen:—
"(Joseph, weeping, offers Benjamin his goblet.) Here, my son, Drink from my Cup; the sentiment shall be 'Health and long life to your aged father.' (Benjamin drinks.) Now sing me one of your Hebrew Songs To any National Air; for we in Egypt Know little of the music of Chanaan. Benjamin. If such be your wish, I'll sing the song I often sing to soothe my father's breast When he is sad with memory of the past. (He sings.) Air, 'Phillis is my only joy,' etc.:— Joseph was my favourite boy, Rachel's firstborn Son and pride: His father's hope, his father's joy, Begotten in life's eventide," etc.