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[328]
It was not many days before Booz, after the barley was winnowed,
slept in his thrashing-floor. When Naomi was informed of this circumstance
she contrived it so that Ruth should lie down by him, for she thought it
might be for their advantage that he should discourse with the girl. Accordingly
she sent the damsel to sleep at his feet; who went as she bade her, for
she did not think it consistent with her duty to contradict any command
of her mother-in-law. And at first she lay concealed from Booz, as he was
fast asleep; but when he awaked about midnight, and perceived a woman lying
by him, he asked who she was; - and when she told him her name, and desired
that he whom she owned for her lord would excuse her, he then said no more;
but in the morning, before the servants began to set about their work,
he awaked her, and bid her take as much barley as she was able to carry,
and go to her mother-in-law before any body there should see that she had
lain down by him, because it was but prudent to avoid any reproach that
might arise on that account, especially when there had been nothing done
that was ill. But as to the main point she aimed at, the matter should
rest here, - "He that is nearer of kin than I am, shall be asked whether
he wants to take thee to wife: if he says he does, thou shalt follow him;
but if he refuse it, I will marry thee, according to the law."
Flavius Josephus. The Works of Flavius Josephus. Translated by. William Whiston, A.M. Auburn and Buffalo. John E. Beardsley. 1895.
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