Page:Jewish Fairy Book (Gerald Friedlander).djvu/165

Rh Law! It tells us that God has put hatred between thee and the serpent. Thou hast forgotten this and now I fear I cannot help thee."

&quot;Ah!&quot; cried the snake in a spiteful voice, &quot;I am in the right.&quot;

The poor man left the King's presence with a very sad heart, for the snake was beginning to squeeze him more tightly than ever. He had now given up all hope. He feared that the snake would kill him before nightfall. On and on he wandered with a heavy step, leaning heavily on his stick. At last he felt so wretched that he sat down by the side of a well saying to himself, "I will die here and the snake may fall into the well and get drowned.&quot; He saw a handsome lad near by who came running up to him and said: "Peace be unto thee."

&quot;Peace be also unto thee, my son.&quot;

&quot;What aileth thee, for thy face is as white as a sheet?&quot;

&quot;I am nigh unto death.&quot;

&quot;Can I fetch thee a little water?&quot;

&quot;Nay, dear son, many thanks. I have just left King David. Alas! he cannot save my life and I must die.&quot;

&quot;Tell me thy trouble. Perhaps I can help thee.&quot;

The old man then told him all about the snake and showed him how it had entwined itself around his neck.

&quot;Just wait here for a few minutes and then I will