seventy languages, he was permitted to ascend as many steps
as he knew languages, whether they were many or, few.
And another custom of the Egyptians was that none could
reign over them unless he was master of all the seventy
languages.

When Joseph came before the king, he bowed down to
the ground, and he ascended to the third step, while the
king sat upon the fourth from the top, and spake with Joseph,
saying:[170] "O young man, my servant beareth witness
concerning thee, that thou art the best and most discerning
person I can consult with. I pray thee, vouchsafe
unto me the same favors which thou didst bestow on this
servant of mine, and tell me what events they are which the
visions of my dreams foreshow. I desire thee to suppress
naught out of fear, nor shalt thou flatter me with lying
words, or with words that please me. Tell me the truth,
though it be sad and alarming."[171]

Joseph asked the king first whence he knew that the
interpretation
given by the wise men of his country was not true,
and Pharaoh replied, "I saw the dream and its interpretation
together, and therefore they cannot make a fool of
me."[172] In his modesty Joseph denied that he was an adept
at interpreting dreams. He said, "It is not in me; it is in
the hand of God, and if it be the wish of God, He will permit
me to announce tidings of peace to Pharaoh." And for
such modesty he was rewarded by sovereignty over Egypt,
for the Lord doth honor them that honor Him. Thus was