Page:Hebrew tales; selected and translated from the writings of the ancient Hebrew sages (1917).djvu/119

 Wit Like Salt: A Little Goes a Great Way

", my lad," said an Athenian once to a little Hebrew boy, by way of joke; "here is a Pruta bring me something for it, of which I may eat enough, leave some for my host, and carry some home to my family." The witty boy went and brought him salt. "Salt," exclaimed the Athenian, "I did not tell thee to bring salt!" "Nay," replied the boy, archly, "didst thou not say, bring me of what I may eat, leave, and take some home? Verily of this thou mayest eat, leave some behind, and still have plenty to carry home." [Ekah Rabbati, I, 1.

The Word "Us" Includes the Hearer as Well as the Speaker

Athenian once said to a Hebrew lad, "Here, my boy, is some money; bring us some figs and grapes." The boy went and purchased the fruit, and giving half of it to the stranger, kept the other half for himself. "Is it customary here, for a messenger to take half of what

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