This creature, the Rabbi adds, diffused its perfume
throughout the world.[67]
[67] The commentators on the Kuran have adopted this legend.
But according to the Kuran it was not Isaac, but
Ishmael, the great progenitor of the Arabs, who was to
be sacrificed by Abraham.
_Joseph and Potiphar's Wife._
The story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife, as related in the Book of
Genesis, finds parallels in the popular tales and legends of many
countries: the vengeance of "woman whose love is scorned," says a Hindu
writer, "is worse than poison"! But the rabbinical version is quite
unique in representing the wife of Potiphar as having aiders and
abettors in carrying out her scheme of revenge: For some days after the
pious young Israelite had declined her amorous overtures, she looked so
ill that her female friends inquired of her the cause, and having told
them of her adventure with Joseph, they said: "Accuse him before thy
husband, that he may be cast into prison." She desired them to accuse
him likewise to their husbands, which they did accordingly; and their
husbands went before Pharaoh and complained of Joseph's misconduct
towards their wives.[68]
[68] Commentators on the Kuran inform us that when Joseph was
released from prison, after so satisfactorily
interpreting Pharaoh's two dreams, Potiphar was degraded
from his high office.
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