So it is as if it was said: Their receiving something like this is indeed astonishing. So what did they say? It was said: They said, responding to the second with what is suitable for a father to send, confirming to please his heart, indicating the oath with its 'lam': 'If the wolf eats him while we are'—that is, while we are 'a group'—that is, strong, each of us supporting the other. They answered the oath with what suffices as a response to the condition: 'Indeed, if this is the case, we are certainly'—that is, if this happens—'losers'—that is, complete in loss. For if we lose our brother, we are more negligent regarding our other possessions. They turned away from responding to the first because it can only be with what would inflame his heart, and he knows from their precedence in love to an extent that cannot be described. The least they could say is: What is the reason for the stinginess in parting with him for one day while allowing parting from us every day? And this is what stands between them and what they desire.