Pharaoh of Egypt was a man of dreams. He once had a dream that baffled him: Out of the Nile came seven cows, sleek and fat. After them, came seven other cows, ugly and gaunt, who turned on the seven fat cows and ate them up. Then Pharaoh had another dream: There were seven heads of grain, healthy and good, growing on a single stalk. After them, seven other heads of grain sprouted – thin and scorched. But the thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven healthy ones.
In the morning, after the dream, Pharaoh was troubled. He summoned all the magicians and wise men of Egypt and told them about his two dreams. But, none could interpret the dreams. However, his cupbearer had been in prison and had met there a young man, Joseph, who had successfully interpreted his dreams. He recommended Joseph to Pharaoh.