Page:Hebrew tales; selected and translated from the writings of the ancient Hebrew sages (1917).djvu/132

128 satisfied thou art the true son of my departed friend. Here is thy property: now go and prosper."

Ekah Rabbati, I, 1.

No Rule Without Exception

, who was as much distinguished by the greatness of his mind as by the extraordinary size of his body, once paid a friendly visit to Rabbi Simeon. The learned Simeon received him most cordially, and, filling a cup with wine, handed it to him. Eliezer took it, and drank it off at a draught. Another was poured out—it shared the same fate. "Brother Eliezer," said Simeon, jestingly, "rememberest thou not what the wise men have said on this subject?" "I well remember," answered the corpulent Eliezer, "the saying of our instructors—'that people ought not to take a cup at one draught.' But," added he, jocosely, "the wise men have not so defined their rule as to admit of no exception: and in this instance, friend Simeon, there are no less than three. The cup is small—the receiver large—and your wine so delicious!"

Pesahim, 86b.