He lacketh not that, mother, if it would avail.
But when I do him any thing of his fault[s] tell,
He calleth me foolish proud boy, with him to mell.
He will sometime demand, by what authority
I presume to teach them which mine elders be?
He will sometime ask, if I learn of my mother
To take on me teaching of mine elder brother?
Sometime, when I tell him of his lewd behaviour,
He will lend me a mock or twain for my labour:
And sometime for anger he will out with his purse,
And call me, as please him, and swear he will do worse.
REBECCA. O Lord, that to bear such a son it was my chance.
JACOB. Mother, we must be content with God's ordinance.
REBECCA. Or, if I should need have Esau to my son,
Would God thou, Jacob, haddest the eldership won.
JACOB. Mother, it is too late to wish; for that is pass'd;
It will not be done now, wish ye never so fast.
And I would not have you to wish against God's will:
For both it is in vain, and also it is ill.
REBECCA. Why did it not please God, that thou shouldest as well
Tread upon his crown, as hold him fast by the heel?
JACOB. Whatsoever mystery the Lord therein meant,
Must be referred to his unsearched judgment.
And whatsoever he hath 'ppointed me unto,
I am his own vessel, his will with me to do.
REBECCA. Well, some strange thing therein of God intended was.
JACOB. And what he hath decreed, must sure come to pass.
REBECCA. I remember, when I had you both conceived,
A voice thus saying from the Lord I received:
Rebecca, in thy womb are now two nations
Of unlike natures and contrary fashions.
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