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[297]
Now Laban promised to treat him with great humanity, both on account
of his ancestors, and particularly for the sake of his mother, towards
whom, he said, he would show his kindness, even though she were absent,
by taking care of him; for he assured him he would make him the head shepherd
of his flock, and give him authority sufficient for that purpose; and when
he should have a mind to return to his parents, he would send him back
with presents, and this in as honorable a manner as the nearness of their
relation should require. This Jacob heard gladly; and said he would willingly,
and with pleasure, undergo any sort of pains while he tarried with him,
but desired Rachel to wife, as the reward of those pains, who was not only
on other accounts esteemed by him, but also because she was the means of
his coming to him; for he said he was forced by the love of the damsel
to make this proposal. Laban was well pleased with this agreement, and
consented to give the damsel to him, as not desirous to meet with any better
son-in-law; and said he would do this, if he would stay with him some time,
for he was not willing to send his daughter to be among the Canaanites,
for he repented of the alliance he had made already by marrying his sister
there. And when Jacob had given his consent to this, he agreed to stay
seven years; for so many years he had resolved to serve his father-in-law,
that, having given a specimen of his virtue, it might be better known what
sort of a man he was. And Jacob, accepting of his terms, after the time
was over, he made the wedding-feast; and when it was night, without Jacob's
perceiving it, he put his other daughter into bed to him, who was both
elder than Rachel, and of no comely countenance: Jacob lay with her that
night, as being both in drink and in the dark. However, when it was day,
he knew what had been done to him; and he reproached Laban for his unfair
proceeding with him; who asked pardon for that necessity which forced him
to do what he did; for he did not give him Lea out of any ill design, but
as overcome by another greater necessity: that, notwithstanding this, nothing
should hinder him from marrying Rachel; but that when he had served another
seven years, he would give him her whom he loved. Jacob submitted to this
condition, for his love to the damsel did not permit him to do otherwise;
and when another seven years were gone, he took Rachel to wife.
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