Page:Hebrew tales; selected and translated from the writings of the ancient Hebrew sages (1917).djvu/60

56 Filial Reverence. Exemplified in the Acts of Damah, the Son of Nethina

"Do you wish to know," said the great Rabbi Eliezer to his disciples (in answer to their inquiries, how far the honor of parents extends) "do you wish to know how to honor your parents? then go and take example of Damah, the son of Nethina. His mother was, unfortunately, insane, and would frequently not only abuse him, but even strike him in the presence of his companions; yet would this dutiful son not suffer an ill word to escape his lips; and, all that he used to say on such occasions was, 'Enough, dear mother, enough.' Further: one of the precious stones attached to the high-priest's sacerdotal garments was once, by some means or other, lost. Informed that the son of Nethina had one like it, the priests went to him, and offered him a very large price for it. He consented to take the sum offered, and went into an adjoining room to fetch the jewel. On entering he found his father asleep; his foot resting on the chest wherein the gem was deposited. Without disturbing his father, he went