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From the Life of the Elder Zossima 159Let him read them how the brothers afterward journeyed intoEgypt for wheat and how Joseph, already a great ruler, unrecognizedby them, tormented them, accused them, kept his brotherBenjamin, and all through love: “I love you, and loving you Itorment you.” For he remembered all his life how they had soldhim to the merchants in the burning desert by the well and how,wringing his hands, he had wept and besought his brothers notto sell him as a slave in a strange land. And how, seeing themagain after many years, he loved them beyond measure, but heharassed and tormented them in love. He left them at last notable to bear the suffering of his heart, flung himself on his bedand wept. Then, wiping his tears away he went out to them joyfuland told them: “Brothers, I am your brother Joseph!” Let himread them further how happy old Jacob was on learning that hisdarling boy was still alive and how he went to Egypt, leaving hisown country, and died in a foreign land, bequeathing his greatprophecy that had lain mysteriously hidden in his meek andtimid heart all his life: that from his offspring, from Judah, willcome the great hope of the world, the Messiah and Savior.Fathers and teachers, forgive me and don’t be angry that like alittle child I’ve been babbling of what you know from long ago andcan teach me a hundred times more skillfully. I only speak fromrapture, and forgive my tears, for I love the Bible. Let him tooweep, the priest of God, and be sure that the hearts of his listenerswill throb in response. Only a little tiny seed is needed – dropit into the heart of the peasant and it won’t die, it will live in hissoul all his life, it will be hidden in the midst of his darkness andsin, like a bright spot, like a great reminder. And there’s no needof much teaching or explanation; he will understand it all simply.Do you suppose that the peasants don’t understand? Try readingthem the touching story of the fair Esther and the haughty Vashti;