Augustine of Hippo : A LONG TIME FELT BRIEF FOR JACOB IN HIS SERVICE TO RACHEL. — In relation to what is written: And Jacob worked for Rachel seven years, and they were like a few days to him, because he loved her . You may ask how the author could say that since time for lovers usually seems very long in a short time frame. It is, therefore, to signify that love made the fatigues of his service light and bearable to him. [ — QUESTIONS ON GENESIS, Q. 87 (tr. J. Litteral, draft)