Page:Hebrew tales; selected and translated from the writings of the ancient Hebrew sages (1917).djvu/31

Rh Rabbi Simeon, son of Yochai. The Rabbi, who was unfavorable to divorces, endeavored at first to dissuade him from it. Seeing him, however, disinclined to accept his advice, he addressed him and his wife thus:—"My children, when you were first joined in the holy bands of wedlock, were ye not rejoiced? Did ye not make a feast and entertain your friends? Now, since ye are resolved to be divorced, let your separation be like your union. Go home, make a feast, entertain your friends, and on the morrow come to me, and I will comply with your wishes." So reasonable a request, and coming from such authority, could not, with any degree of propriety, be rejected. They accordingly went home, prepared a sumptuous entertainment, to which they invited their several friends. During the hours of merriment, the husband being elated with wine, thus addressed his wife:—"My beloved, we have lived together happily these many, many years; it is only for the want of children which makes me wish for a separation. To convince thee, however, that I bear thee no ill-will, I give thee permission to take with thee out of my house, anything thou likest best." "Be it so," rejoined the woman. The cup went round, the people were merry; and having drunk rather freely, most of the guests fell asleep; and among them the master of the