Page:Jewish Fairy Book (Gerald Friedlander).djvu/126

104 At last they came to the grim portals of Hell, which are never closed. He handed her over to the custody of the sleepless guardians who are ever ready to receive their unhappy victims.

"Farewell, sweet wife! You are going to the fiery furnace where not only gold and silver are tried but where hearts and souls are also tested and judged. I am sorry I cannot accompany you," he added in a harsh voice that seemed to whip her soul at every word, "but I can tell you that you will meet with strict justice. Listen, and let me prepare you for your fate. You will be in a little world where everything you touch will turn into gold. You will like that, for you love gold. The bread you would eat will become gold as soon as you put it to your mouth. The water you take to quench your thirst will change into molten gold directly you put your goblet to your lips. The fruit you grasp will become golden in your hand. Gold and gold will be your punishment for all eternity. Farewell!"

She passed within and he turned his back and left the last abode of the hopeless.

Her faithful harpist had accompanied her till she came to the portals of Hell. He then withdrew a step or two. He gazed in front of him, curious to know what Hell looked like.

"Whom do I see yonder?" he exclaimed in surprise. "Well, I am shocked to see my old friend