Jacob should completely give up all hope of reunion from his heart, for who would ever release and set free a precious slave like Joseph?

This couplet draws upon the timeless tale of Jacob and his beloved son Joseph, whose matchless beauty is legendary. The poet gently tells Jacob to give up all hope of reunion, reasoning with sweet despair that anyone lucky enough to possess a captive as captivating as Joseph would never willingly set him free. Beneath the sorrow of parting lies a stunning compliment to the beloved: their charm is so absolute and prized that the world would rather keep them imprisoned forever.