Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh store-cities, Pithom and Raamses.

Ye shall no more give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves.

And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw.

Go yourselves, get you straw where ye can find it: for nought of your work shall be diminished.

So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw.

And the taskmasters were urgent saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw.

There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault it in thine own people.

Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the number of bricks.