Page:Hebrew tales; selected and translated from the writings of the ancient Hebrew sages (1917).djvu/57

Rh would provoke Hillel to anger. The bet was four hundred zuz. In order to make sure of it, he went to the house of Hillel (who, it must be recollected, was, at that time, next to the king, the most exalted of the Israelites), and, in a very turbulent manner called out, "Where is Hillel? where is Hillel?" without giving him any title of distinction. Hillel was in the act of dressing himself for the Sabbath, and, without noticing the rudeness of the stranger, put on his cloak, and, with his usual mildness, asked him what was his pleasure. "I want to know," said the man, "why the Babylonians have round heads." "An important question, truly," answered Hillel. "The reason is, because they have no experienced midwives." The man went away, and came again in an hour, vociferating as before, "Where is Hillel? where is Hillel?" The Sage again threw his mantle over his shoulders, and said to him, "What dost thou want, my son?" "I want to know," said the man, "why the Tarmudians have weak eyes." Hillel answered, "Because they live in a sandy country; the sand flying in their eyes causes soreness." The man perceiving Hillel's mildness and good nature, went away disappointed. But, resolving to make another effort to provoke him, he came again