And the king (of Egypt) said: "Verily, I saw (in a dream) seven fat cows, whom seven lean ones were devouring - and of seven green ears of corn, and (seven) others dry. O notables! Explain to me my dream, if it be that you can interpret dreams." 43 They replied, "It is a confused dream and we do not know the meaning of such dreams." 44 But the one who was freed and remembered after a time said, "I will inform you of its interpretation, so send me forth." 45 "O Joseph!" (he said) "O man of truth! Expound to us (the dream) of seven fat kine whom seven lean ones devour, and of seven green ears of corn and (seven) others withered: that I may return to the people, and that they may understand." 46 Joseph said, "You shall sow for seven consecutive years as usual, but leave in the ear the harvest that you reap, except for a little which you may eat. 47 Then there will follow seven years of great hardship in which you will eat up all you have stored earlier, except the little that you may set aside. 48 Then there will come a year when people will be helped by plenty of rain and they will press (grapes)." 49