Page:Jewish Fairy Book (Gerald Friedlander).djvu/179

Rh Turning to the Emperor she cried in a happy voice: &quot;O dearest Father, how glad I am to see thy face. I have had a most horrible nightmare. I have only just awoke. Who are these venerable old men? Where do they come from and why are they here?"

Before the Emperor could speak there was a terrific crash. Every piece of glass in the palace was smashed into atoms.

&quot;What is that?&quot; cried the Emperor in alarm.

The imperial servants ran hither and thither. They seemed to be dazed, fearing some fresh surprise. They came to the Emperor and said: &quot;There is no one to be seen.&quot; &quot;Never mind,&quot; said the Emperor, &quot;about the glass. It will be replaced. Now let us rejoice. My happiness in seeing my darling daughter restored to health knows no bounds.&quot; Turning to the princess he said: &quot;These learned men have cured thee. I am now about to grant them any petition they may desire to make.

&quot;I also,&quot; said the princess, &quot;will give them precious jewels.&quot;

&quot;Nay, gracious princess!&quot; cried the Rabbis, &quot;we will only accept thy noble father's favor. We ask for neither gold nor gems. We seek neither honor nor worldly goods.&quot;

&quot;What do ye then require?&quot;

&quot;As your Majesty knows, we are Jews from the imperial province of Palestine. Your Majesty has