Page:Jewish Fairy Book (Gerald Friedlander).djvu/128

106 wedding festivity by means of my harp's sweet strains. This saved me and my harp from Hell's fire."

"Thanks awfully for this piece of valuable information. I shall take a leaf out of your book. Your example shall find in me an excellent follower. Tell me, good Nathan, do you really think I shall escape Hell's fire if I do as you did? Stay—I will do more. I will also give half of all my earnings to the poor. I receive good pay when I play in the houses of the rich and I can well afford to give half away. I will always be ready to play free of charge at the weddings of the poor. I will also try every day to make some one happy, for we know that the strains of the harp drive away grief and cares."

"Do all that and you will never be in Hell at all."

"Good! Now tell me, dear Nathan, how am I to find my way home: which road must I take?"

"Keep to the right and go straight forward. I am very sorry I am unable to leave this dreary place. I should be so happy to accompany you on your return to the lovely world. But it cannot be."

"Many thanks for directing me. You can do me just one more favor."

"Well, what do you want?"

"Give me some sign or token to prove that I have spoken to you. If, by the grace of God, I return to my home, I shall, of course, tell my friends of all that I have seen and heard. When I say that I saw