12. And the people were dispersed through all the land of Egypt, in order to gather straw.
13. Likewise, the overseers of the works pressured them, saying: "Complete your work each day, just as you were accustomed to do before, when straw was given to you."
14. And those who were first in the works of the sons of Israel were scourged by Pharaoh's taskmasters, saying: "Why have you not filled the quota of bricks, neither yesterday, nor today, just as before?"
15. And the first among the sons of Israel came, and they cried out to Pharaoh, saying: "Why do act against your servants in this way?
16. Straw is not given to us, and yet the same amount of bricks is commanded. So we, your servants, are cut up by scourging, and injustice is done against your people."
17. And he said: "You are idle. And for this reason you say, 'We shall go and sacrifice to the Lord.'
18. Therefore, go and work. Straw will not be given to you, and you will return the customary number of bricks."
19. And the first among the sons of Israel saw themselves in a crisis, because it was said to them, "Nothing at all will be lessened from the bricks throughout each day."
20. And they met with Moses and Aaron, who stood opposite them as they departed from Pharaoh.
21. And they said to them: "May the Lord see and judge, because you have caused our odor to become foul before Pharaoh and his servants, and you have provided him with a sword, in order to kill us."
22. And Moses returned to the Lord, and he said: "Lord, why have you afflicted this people? Why have you sent me?
23. For from the time that I entered to Pharaoh, so as to speak in your name, he has afflicted your people. And you have not freed them."