Page:Hebrew tales; selected and translated from the writings of the ancient Hebrew sages (1917).djvu/121

Rh I, and more experienced," replied the shrewd little Hebrew. "Tell me first which of these eggs came from white, and which from black hens."

Ekah Rabbati I, 1; cp. also 'Abodah Zarah, 17b.

The Inhospitable Jester Taken in His Own Snare

He who intends to circumvent others teaches cunninger men a lesson to his own damage.

inhabitant of Jerusalem coming to Athens on some particular business, entered the house of a merchant, with a view of procuring a lodging. The master of the house, being rather merry with wine, and wishing to have a little sport, told him that, by a recent law, they must not entertain a stranger, unless he first made three large strides toward the street. "How shall I know," rejoined the Hebrew, "what sort of stride is in fashion among you? Show me, and I shall know how to imitate you." The Athenian made one long stride, which brought him to the middle of his shop—the next brought him to its threshold—and the third carried him into the street. Our traveller no sooner perceived it, than he shut the street door upon the Athenian. "What," cried the latter, "do you shut me out of my house?" "Thou hast no reason to complain," replied the Hebrew. "I only do that to thee, which thou didst intend to do unto me." Remember, that he who