again, for she had been informed it was now in a flourishing
condition. However, her daughters-in-law were not able to think
of parting with her; and when they had a mind to go out of the
country with her, she could not dissuade them from it; but when
they insisted upon it, she wished them a more happy wedlock than
they had with her sons, and that they might have prosperity in
other respects also; and seeing her own affairs were so low, she
exhorted them to stay where they were, and not to think of
leaving their own country, and partaking with her of that
uncertainty under which she must return. Accordingly Orpah staid
behind; but she took Ruth along with her, as not to be persuaded
to stay behind her, but would take her fortune with her,
whatsoever it should prove.

2. When Ruth was come with her mother-in-law to Bethlehem, Booz,
who was near of kin to Elimelech, entertained her; and when Naomi
was so called by her fellow citizens, according to her true name,
she said, "You might more truly call me Mara." Now Naomi
signifies in the Hebrew tongue happiness, and Mara, sorrow. It
was now reaping thee; and Ruth, by the leave of her
mother-in-law, went out to glean, that they might get a stock of
corn for their food. Now it happened that she came into Booz's
field; and after some thee Booz came thither, and when he saw the
damsel, he inquired of his servant that was set over the reapers
concerning the girl. The servant had a little before inquired
about all her circumstances, and told them to his master, who
kindly embraced her, both on account of her affection to her
mother-in-law, and her remembrance of that son of hers to whom
she had been married, and wished that she might experience a
prosperous condition; so he desired her not to glean, but to reap