Joshua — Volume 1

This is literature book. Hornecht, commander of the archers, was among the prophet's companions. Indeed they were on terms of intimacy, for the soldier was a leader amid the nobles who had conspired to dethrone Pharaoh. As they approached Nun's ruined dwelling, the prophet pointed to the wreck and said: The former owner of this abode is the only Hebrew I would gladly spare. He was a man of genuine worth, and his son, Hosea. . . . Will be one of us, the captain interrupted. There are few better men in Pharaoh's army, and, he added, lowering his voice, I rely on him when the decisive hour comes. We will discuss that before fewer witnesses, replied Bai. "But I am greatly indebted to him. During the Libyan war--you are aware of the fact--I fell into the hands of the enemy, and Hosea, at the head of his little troop, rescued me from the savage hordes. Sinking his tones, he went on in his most instructive manner, as though apologizing for the mischief wrought: Such is the course of earthly affairs! Where a whole body of men merit punishment, the innocent must suffer with the guilty. Under such circumstances the gods themselves cannot separate the individual from the multitude; nay, even the innocent animals share the penalty. Look at the flocks of doves fluttering around the ruins; they are seeking their cotes in vain. And the cat with her kittens yonder. Go and take them, Beki; it is our duty to save the sacred animals from starving to death.