Page:Jewish Fairy Book (Gerald Friedlander).djvu/32

16 The butler then brought him to his royal master. Jacob saw that the King's head and face were covered, for he did not like his servants to gaze upon him in his terrible condition.

&quot;What is your wish?&quot; cried the King. &quot;Have you also come to torment me by promising to heal me, knowing all the while that you are deceiving me?&quot;

&quot;Nay, your Majesty; God has given me wisdom and understanding. I am sure I can help your Majesty to be restored to good health.&quot;

&quot;If it be as you say, I will give you half my kingdom, and fifty thousand pounds. Should you fail, mark you, you will lose your head.&quot;

&quot;I agree,&quot; cried Jacob, making an obeisance.

&quot;One condition do I make,&quot; said the King, &quot;and that is—you must not have recourse to any species of magical art or sorcery. I will not allow you to use any charms or spells.&quot;

&quot;Your Majesty has already heard that I am a Jew. Our holy religion has always forbidden us to practice sorcery.&quot;

&quot;Quite so, but how do you propose to cure me?&quot;

&quot;Your Majesty must first of all leave yourself in God's hands. I do not boast of any special skill, but God has given us mortals certain knowledge and insight. I will do my best, and if you trust in the Heavenly Father, I think you will be quite satisfied.&quot;