Page:Jewish Fairy Book (Gerald Friedlander).djvu/136

114 Wednesday next. A large candle shall be lit in the market-place, and every Jew who comes to the Cathedral to be baptized shall be received by Holy Church provided he comes while the candle is yet burning. All who absent themselves do so on pain of death."

Ash-Wednesday came and the large candle was solemnly lit by the Archbishop. The Cathedral doors were thrown wide open, but not a Jew came to be baptized. That same night every Jew and Jewess, man, woman, and child, except the Rabbi, had been lodged in the city prisons. They wept and prayed, for they knew that it was their last night on earth. Next morning they were led to the stake and perished amid the flames, crying with their last breath: "Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one." They thus sanctified the Holy Name of the One God, their Heavenly Father.

The Prince sent for the Rabbi and tried to persuade him to become a Christian, as his life would be forfeit if he remained a Jew. "Unless you accept baptism, I shall not be able to save your life. I am anxious to retain your friendship and your valuable services to the State, but I cannot employ a Jew. If you do as I desire, I will confer upon you the greatest honors. You shall be my daily companion and friend. Surely this is sufficient to induce you to ask the Archbishop to baptize you."

The Rabbi replied: "You know how very highly I prize your friendship and confidence. You surely