Page:Jewish Fairy Book (Gerald Friedlander).djvu/127

Rh Nathan the harpist with his harp in this terrible place. Hullo! old Nathan, what are you doing here?"

"As you see, I am playing my harp in Hell. Good friend, beware! Do not advance a step nearer, do not follow the beautiful lady who has just been admitted. If you do you will be in Hell, and once here there is no return. I will henceforth look after her and play to her whenever I am permitted to do so."

"Thanks very much for your good advice, which I shall be most careful to follow. Now be good enough to tell me, dear friend, how is it that although you are in Hell you are not burning with Hell's fire?"

"I will gladly tell you the reason why I am not burning. When I came here I was asked by the angels of mercy, justice and righteousness, whether I could remember having done any act of justice or deed of love or work of righteousness. After much thought I could only recall one good deed in my life."

"What was that?"

"Don't be in such hurry. We are very patient here and you must give me time to tell you. My good deed was the following. I was always glad to play my harp free of charge at the weddings of the poor in order that they also might for once in their wretched lives have a happy time and enjoy their