The Water-Babe[ToC](#toc)
by Gertrude Landa · from Jewish Fairy Tales and Legends
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Adapted Version
Long ago, a princess found a baby. Princess Bathia saw a basket. A baby boy was inside. She loved him very much. She took him home. His name was Moses.
Moses grew up in the big palace. He was a happy boy. Everyone liked Moses. Even Pharaoh liked him. But Bilam did not like Moses. Bilam worried about the boy.
Moses had a big party. He sat next to Pharaoh. Moses pulled Pharaoh's beard. He saw Pharaoh's crown. Moses took the crown. He put it on his head.
Bilam saw Moses. Bilam was not happy. "This boy is a problem," he said. "He is not from our family. He will cause trouble." Pharaoh listened.
Reuel was a kind man. He spoke for Moses. "Moses is just a little boy," he said. "He does not know. Let us play a game. We will show him two things."
"If Moses picks gold, he cannot stay." He must leave the palace. Pharaoh said, "Yes, do this test."
Princess Bathia was very worried. She loved Moses so much. Reuel gave her a special stick. "This stick is very old," he said. "It has much power. It can help Moses."
Two dishes came. One had bright gold. One had glowing coals. Princess Bathia held the stick. She wished in her heart. "Pick the warm coal, Moses," she thought.
Moses looked at the dishes. He saw the glowing coal. He picked the warm coal. He put it in his mouth. His tongue felt funny. He made a small sound. Now Moses talks with a lisp.
Everyone saw Moses. He was just a little boy. He did not know better. Pharaoh smiled a little. Moses was safe now. He could stay in the palace.
Princess Bathia wanted the stick. "Give it to me," she said. "I will keep Moses safe." Reuel shook his head. "You cannot use it," he said. "You cannot read its special word."
Reuel smiled softly. "This stick is for Moses," he said. "It is for when he is big. He will read the word then. He will have its power." Moses will be special.
Original Story
The Water-BabeToC
Floating in a basket on the River Nile, Princess Bathia, the daughter of Pharaoh, King of Egypt, found a tiny little water-babe. Princess Bathia was a widow and had no children, and she was so delighted that she took the child home to the palace and brought it up as her own. She called the babe Moses.
He was a pretty little boy, full of fun and frolic as he grew up, and he became a favorite with everybody in the palace. Even the cruel King Pharaoh, who had ordered that all the Hebrew boy babes should be drowned, loved to play with him. His ministers of state and magicians, however, frowned when they saw Moses, as soon as he could toddle and talk, making a play-mate of the king. They warned Pharaoh that it was dangerous to give a strange child such privileges, but Princess Bathia only laughed at them. So did her mother, the queen, and King Pharaoh took no notice.
When Moses was three years old, Princess Bathia gave a birthday party in his honor. It was really a big banquet and was attended by the king and queen and all the courtiers. Moses was seated at the head of the table and his eyes opened very wide with wonderment at everything he saw. It seemed such a ridiculous lot of solemn fuss to him. He would rather have played on the floor, or climbed on to the table, but of course they would not allow him.
"What does all this mean?" he asked of the king who was seated next to him. "Tell me," and he playfully pulled King Pharaoh's beard.
The courtiers looked on horrified, and Bilam, the chief magician, cried out, "Beware, O king, this is not play."
"Heed not these words, my father," said the princess. "Bilam is ever warning thee. If thou wert to take notice of all that he says, thou wouldst not have a moment's peace. Take our little babe on thy knee and play with him."
To please the princess, King Pharaoh did so, and Moses amused himself by playing with the glittering jewels on his majesty's robes. Then he looked up and stared hard at the king's head.
"What is that?" he asked, pointing.
"That is the royal crown," answered Pharaoh.
"No it is not; it is only a funny hat," replied Moses.
"Beware," chimed in Bilam, solemnly.
"Let me put the hat on," said Moses, reaching up his little hands, and before they could stop him, he had taken the crown from the king's head and had put it on his own.
Princess Bathia and the queen laughed merrily, but Bilam looked very grave.
"Your majesty," he said, in a voice trembling with passion, "this is not the foolish play of a babe. This child, remember, is not as other children. Came he not from the river? There is meaning in his action. Already does he seek to rob thee of thy royal crown. 'Tis a portent of evil."
Pharaoh thoughtfully stroked his beard.
"What sayeth Reuel?" he asked, turning to his second chief magician.
"I say the child is but a babe and that this action means nothing," answered Reuel.
The queen and the princess agreed with Reuel, who was their favorite, but Bilam would not allow the matter to pass lightly.
"I, Bilam, am chief of thy counselors," he said, "and deeply learned in the mysteries of signs and portents. There is a meaning in all things. Remember, O King, this child is of the Hebrews, and escaped thy decree. This play of his hath a meaning. Should he be permitted to grow up, he will rebel against thee and seek to destroy thy rule. Let him be judged, O king."
"Thy words are wise," said Pharaoh, who was himself annoyed with Moses, and he ordered three judges to try the child for his offence.
Moses thought it was a new game and he clapped his hands gleefully when they took him to the court of justice and stood him in front of the judges. He heard Reuel plead on his behalf, but he did not understand it.
"I say he is but a babe and does things without meaning," Reuel exclaimed. "Put him to the test, and see if he knows the difference between fire and gold. Place before him a dish of fire and a dish of jewels and gold. If he grasps the jewels, it will prove that he is no ordinary child; if he places his hand to the fire, then shall we be assured he is merely a foolish babe."
"So be it," said Bilam, "and if he grasps the jewels let his punishment be instant death."
Pharaoh and the judges agreed, and two dishes, one containing burning coals and the other gold and precious stones were brought in and placed before Moses. Everybody looked on keenly as Moses stared at the dishes. Princess Bathia made signs to him, but Bilam ordered her to cease and it was Reuel who comforted her and dried her tears.
"Take my magic staff," he said, handing to her a stick that seemed to be made of one large precious stone. "This was given to Adam when he left the Garden of Eden and has been handed down to me through Enoch and Noah, through Abraham and Jacob unto Joseph who left it in my keeping. Take the staff and Moses will obey whatsoever be thy wish."
The princess took the staff and pressed it to her lips.
"I wish," she said, "that my little water-babe shall seize the burning coals."
Moses thrust his fingers into the fire and pulled out a glowing coal. With a cry, he put his fingers in his mouth to ease the pain and burned his tongue with the coal. Ever afterward he lisped.
The princess snatched Moses and pressed him tightly to her bosom.
"Give me the magic stick," she said to Reuel, "so that I may guard and protect the child."
"Canst thou read this word?" asked Reuel, pointing to a word engraved on the staff.
"No," said the princess.
"Then it cannot be thine," answered Reuel. "Whosoever reads this name can understand all things, even the thoughts of animals and birds. Fear not for Moses. In years to come this staff shall be his."
And so it came to pass. Years afterward, when Moses was a man and fled from Egypt, he married a daughter of Reuel who became a Hebrew and took the name of Jethro. Reuel planted the staff in his garden and Moses saw it. He read the magic word, and touching the staff it came out of the ground into his hands. With this staff Moses performed the wonderful things in Egypt when he delivered the children of Israel from bondage, as is related in the Bible.
Story DNA
Moral
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Plot Summary
Princess Bathia adopts the Hebrew infant Moses, found floating in the Nile, raising him in Pharaoh's palace. At a young age, Moses playfully takes Pharaoh's crown, prompting the chief magician Bilam to accuse him of being a threat due to his Hebrew origins and demand a trial. The second magician, Reuel, proposes a test of innocence: Moses must choose between burning coals and gold. Princess Bathia, using a magic staff given to her by Reuel, secretly wishes for Moses to choose the coals, which he does, burning his tongue and acquiring a lisp, thus proving himself a 'foolish babe' and saving his life. Reuel then reveals the staff's true destiny for Moses in the future, foreshadowing his biblical role.
Themes
Emotional Arc
innocence to destiny's foreshadowing
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story is a Midrash, a Jewish commentary or interpretation of biblical texts, specifically elaborating on the early life of Moses not detailed in the Torah. It provides a folk explanation for Moses's lisp and the origin of his staff.
Plot Beats (13)
- Princess Bathia discovers baby Moses in a basket on the Nile and adopts him, naming him Moses.
- Moses grows up in the palace, loved by all, even Pharaoh, but viewed with suspicion by ministers like Bilam due to his unknown origins.
- At his third birthday banquet, Moses playfully pulls Pharaoh's beard and then takes the king's crown, placing it on his own head.
- Chief magician Bilam interprets Moses's actions as a dangerous omen, warning Pharaoh that Moses, a Hebrew, will rebel against him.
- Reuel, the second chief magician, defends Moses, suggesting he is merely a child and proposes a test: placing fire and gold before him.
- Bilam agrees, stating that if Moses chooses gold, he should be put to death, and Pharaoh agrees to the trial.
- During the trial, Princess Bathia is distressed, and Reuel gives her a magic staff, explaining its ancient lineage and power.
- Princess Bathia secretly uses the staff to wish for Moses to choose the burning coals.
- Moses grabs a burning coal, puts it in his mouth, and burns his tongue, causing him to lisp forever after.
- Moses is spared, proving himself a 'foolish babe' in the eyes of the court.
- Princess Bathia asks for the staff to protect Moses, but Reuel explains she cannot wield it as she cannot read the word engraved on it.
- Reuel reveals that the staff is destined for Moses in the future, when he will be able to read the word.
- Years later, Moses, as a man, finds the staff in Reuel's (now Jethro's) garden, reads the word, and uses it to perform wonders and deliver the children of Israel from bondage.
Characters
Princess Bathia ◆ supporting
A woman of royal bearing, likely of average height and slender build, with features consistent with ancient Egyptian nobility. Her movements would be graceful and refined.
Attire: Flowing white linen kalasiris, possibly layered with a sheer outer garment, adorned with a broad collar (usekh) of gold and semi-precious stones. She would wear gold armlets, bracelets, and anklets. Her attire would be elegant and indicative of her royal status.
Wants: To nurture and protect Moses, whom she found and adopted, and to experience the joy of motherhood.
Flaw: Her deep emotional attachment to Moses makes her vulnerable to manipulation and fear for his safety.
She remains a steadfast protector of Moses, demonstrating her love and resourcefulness in saving him from judgment.
Loving, protective, compassionate, strong-willed, and somewhat defiant when it comes to her adopted son. She is not easily swayed by fear or superstition.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult Egyptian princess, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has smooth, olive-toned skin, dark almond-shaped eyes, and dark hair styled in an elaborate braided wig adorned with gold. She wears a flowing white linen kalasiris with a broad gold and lapis lazuli usekh collar, gold armlets, and bracelets. Her expression is gentle and protective. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Moses ★ protagonist
A pretty little boy, full of life and energy, with features that hint at his Hebrew heritage, though raised in an Egyptian palace. He is small for his age, with a slight lisp after the incident with the coals.
Attire: Simple, comfortable linen tunic, possibly white or light blue, suitable for a child in an Egyptian palace, perhaps with minimal embroidery. Not overly ornate, allowing for play.
Wants: To play and explore, driven by natural childhood curiosity.
Flaw: His innocence and lack of understanding of consequences, which nearly leads to his death.
Starts as an innocent babe, nearly faces death due to his actions, and is saved by magic and his adoptive mother's love. The story hints at his future destiny with the magic staff.
Playful, curious, innocent, mischievous, and uninhibited. He acts on impulse and sees the world as a place for games.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small Egyptian boy, around three years old, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has warm olive skin, round dark eyes, and short, curly dark hair. He wears a simple white linen tunic. He has a curious and playful expression, with a slight lisp visible in his mouth. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Pharaoh ◆ supporting
A powerful and imposing figure, likely tall and well-built, with features typical of ancient Egyptian rulers. His presence commands respect and fear.
Attire: Elaborate, pleated white linen kilt (shendyt) with a broad, jeweled belt. He would wear a wide, ornate usekh collar of gold and lapis lazuli, and gold armlets. His crown would be the Pschent (double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt) or a Khepresh (blue war crown), adorned with the uraeus cobra.
Wants: To maintain his power and the stability of his kingdom, and to enjoy the simple pleasures of family, though his duties often override the latter.
Flaw: Susceptible to fear-mongering and the advice of his ministers, especially when it concerns threats to his rule.
He is initially charmed by Moses but becomes concerned and swayed by Bilam's warnings, leading to Moses's trial.
Initially indulgent and affectionate towards Moses, but easily swayed by his counselors, particularly when his authority is challenged. He is capable of cruelty (ordering the drowning of Hebrew babes) but also shows moments of warmth.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult Egyptian Pharaoh, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a strong, chiseled face, a dark, neatly trimmed beard, and dark, piercing eyes. He wears a Pschent crown with a uraeus cobra, a broad gold and lapis lazuli usekh collar, and a pleated white linen shendyt kilt with a jeweled belt. His expression is stern and thoughtful. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Bilam ⚔ antagonist
A man of serious demeanor, likely lean and intense, with features that suggest a life of study and contemplation, consistent with an Egyptian magician/counselor.
Attire: A long, flowing white linen robe, possibly with a leopard skin draped over one shoulder, indicative of a high-ranking priest or magician. He might wear minimal, symbolic jewelry, such as a scarab amulet.
Wants: To protect Pharaoh's rule and the established order, and to assert his own influence as chief magician, driven by a deep-seated fear of prophecy and threats to the kingdom.
Flaw: His paranoia and rigid adherence to omens and prophecies, which blinds him to innocence and compassion.
He acts as the primary antagonist, constantly warning Pharaoh about Moses and pushing for his judgment and death.
Suspicious, cunning, zealous, superstitious, and deeply convinced of his own wisdom. He is a fear-monger and an antagonist to Moses.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult Egyptian chief magician, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a sharp, angular face with deep-set dark eyes and thin lips. His head is shaved, and his skin is olive-toned. He wears a long, flowing white linen robe with a leopard skin draped over his left shoulder. His expression is grave and suspicious. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Reuel ◆ supporting
A wise and benevolent figure, likely of mature age, with a calm and reassuring presence. His features would be kind and thoughtful, consistent with an Egyptian sage or priest.
Attire: A simple, dignified white linen robe, less ornate than Bilam's, suggesting wisdom over ostentation. He might wear a simple, symbolic amulet.
Wants: To protect the innocent and uphold justice, guided by a deeper understanding of fate and divine will.
Flaw: His wisdom is sometimes overshadowed by Bilam's fear-mongering, and he cannot directly defy Pharaoh's orders.
He acts as Moses's protector and advocate, using his wisdom and magic to save the child, and later becomes Moses's father-in-law.
Wise, compassionate, calm, discerning, and protective. He is a voice of reason and kindness.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly Egyptian sage, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a kind, slightly lined face, gentle dark eyes, and a serene expression. His hair and beard are white and neatly kept. He wears a simple, dignified white linen robe. He holds a staff made of a large, glowing precious stone in his right hand. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Queen ○ minor
A woman of royal stature, likely of mature age, with features consistent with ancient Egyptian nobility.
Attire: A flowing white linen kalasiris, similar to Princess Bathia's but possibly more ornate, with a broad collar of gold and jewels. She would wear royal jewelry.
Wants: To support her family and maintain harmony within the royal court.
Flaw: Not as assertive as her daughter, often deferring to Pharaoh or siding with the popular opinion (Reuel's).
Remains a supportive, background figure.
Supportive of her daughter, affectionate towards Moses, and generally agreeable, siding with Reuel over Bilam.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult Egyptian queen, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has smooth, olive-toned skin, dark almond-shaped eyes, and dark hair styled in an elaborate royal wig with a vulture headdress. She wears a flowing white linen kalasiris with a broad gold and lapis lazuli usekh collar and gold jewelry. Her expression is serene and regal. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
River Nile
The ancient, life-giving river of Egypt, where a basket containing a baby was found floating.
Mood: Mysterious, pivotal, a place of origin
Princess Bathia discovers the infant Moses floating in a basket.
Image Prompt & Upload
A wide, slow-moving section of the River Nile, its surface reflecting the clear blue sky. Lush green papyrus reeds and other riverine vegetation line the banks, with distant, low-lying desert hills under a bright, warm sun. The water is calm, with a gentle current. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Pharaoh's Palace
The grand residence of the Pharaoh, likely an opulent structure with courtyards and large halls, where Moses was raised.
Mood: Opulent, busy, initially playful for Moses, later tense and judgmental
Moses grows up here, attends a birthday banquet, and is later put on trial for taking the Pharaoh's crown.
Image Prompt & Upload
The interior of an ancient Egyptian palace banquet hall, vast and high-ceilinged. Massive, fluted sandstone columns with lotus capitals support the roof, adorned with vibrant hieroglyphs and painted scenes of royal life. The floor is polished black basalt, reflecting the light from high, narrow windows. Elaborate gold and lapis lazuli decorations gleam on the walls, and heavy linen drapes hang from archways. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Court of Justice (within the Palace)
A specific chamber within the palace designated for legal proceedings, where Moses's fate was decided.
Mood: Tense, formal, judgmental, with underlying magical influence
Moses is brought before judges and tested with fire and gold to determine his nature.
Image Prompt & Upload
A solemn ancient Egyptian court of justice, a rectangular chamber within a palace. The walls are smooth, light-colored limestone, sparsely decorated with carved ankhs and scarabs. A raised dais at one end holds three simple, high-backed wooden chairs for the judges. In the center of the polished stone floor, two small, ornate bronze dishes are placed, one containing glowing red coals and the other glittering gold and precious stones. Sunlight filters in through a high, narrow slit window, casting a stark beam. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Reuel's Garden
A private garden belonging to Reuel (Jethro), where the ancient magic staff was planted and later retrieved by Moses.
Mood: Peaceful, sacred, a place of destiny and revelation
Moses discovers and retrieves the magic staff, fulfilling his destiny.
Image Prompt & Upload
A secluded, verdant garden in an arid land, likely near a desert oasis. Tall, slender date palms cast long shadows over a winding path made of smooth river stones. Lush fig trees and fragrant jasmine bushes provide deep green foliage and splashes of color. A small, tranquil pool reflects the clear sky, fed by a gentle trickle of water. In a sun-dappled patch of earth, a gnarled, ancient-looking wooden staff is planted upright. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
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