Page:Jewish Fairy Book (Gerald Friedlander).djvu/167

Rh man. Come, beloved son, and sit on my chair of state. I will listen to thy words of wisdom. May the God of my fathers be with thee in judgment!&quot;

Solomon sat on his father's chair and began to say to the snake: "Tell me, why dost thou do evil to one who has dealt kindly with thee?"

"God has commanded me to do so.&quot;

&quot;Where?&quot;

&quot;In his Law.&quot;

&quot;Dost thou agree to abide by the teaching of the Law?&quot;

&quot;Of course I do.&quot;

&quot;Now at once get off this man and stand on the ground even as he does.&quot;

&quot;Why should I?&quot;

&quot;Because the Holy Law demands that those who have a quarrel shall stand before the judge." &quot;I quite agree to do this. Now wilt thou judge between me and this man.&quot; The snake uncoiled its body and placed itself beside the old man. Solomon then turned to the old man and said: &quot;The Holy Law has also a command for thee. It tells thee that thou shalt bruise the serpent's head. Do now according to the word of thy God.&quot; The old man no sooner heard Solomon's words than he raised his stick on which he was leaning and smote the snake a deadly blow on its head. The next second it was dead. King David and his courtiers were mightily