Page:Hebrew tales; selected and translated from the writings of the ancient Hebrew sages (1917).djvu/86

 Sufferings of the Jews Under Hadrian

II

As a further specimen of Hadrian's cruelty, the Midrash relates the following:—

A poor Israelite happening to pass the emperor, greeted him with great humility and respect. "Who art thou?" demanded the emperor. The man answered that he was a poor Jew. "How dare a miserable Jew have the impertinence to salute the emperor?" exclaimed the tyrant, and ordered his head to be struck off. Another Jew, hearing of this act of cruelty and being obliged to pass the same way, thought it best not to notice the emperor. But Hadrian perceiving him, called him, and demanded who he was. "An unfortunate Jew," was the answer. "And dare a miserable Jew have the insolence to pass the emperor without saluting him," exclaimed the tyrant; and ordered his head to be struck off. "Great king," said one of the courtiers, who happened to be present, "your conduct appears to me very strange. One person you doom to death for saluting you, and the other for not saluting you!" "Hold thy peace," said the tyrant; "Hadrian doth not want to be taught how to distress his enemies."

Ekah Rabbati, ch. III, to Lamentations III, 59.