Page:Jewish Fairy Book (Gerald Friedlander).djvu/19

Rh At last they agreed to call together their friends and relatives and to take their advice and to let them settle the question.

Next evening a large party of relatives and friends, including David and Jacob, came together at the Rabbi's house. An excellent repast was provided and in the middle of the meal the Rabbi arose and addressed the company in the following words:—

&quot;My dear wife and I are most happy to see you all at our table. I have brought you together to give us advice. As you know, our dear daughter is now of a marriageable age. The question which perplexes my good wife and me is, whom is she to marry? I have every reason to believe that her cousin David would be an ideal husband. My wife seems to prefer her nephew Jacob. What shall we do? Please help us to decide this very difficult problem. See, here is my daughter at my side, and here are her two cousins. What do you suggest?&quot;

The Rabbi resumed his seat. One of the oldest of the guests arose and said,—

&quot;Good host and hostess! The matter seems to be in my opinion exceedingly simple, so much so that there was really no occasion to put yourselves to all this trouble in inviting us here to-night. All that you have to do is to put your two nephews before your sweet daughter and to tell her to pick and choose. Let her settle the matter.&quot; The advice appealed to all the company, and the