Page:Jewish Fairy Book (Gerald Friedlander).djvu/77

Rh "How dare you say this?" cried the King in warmth.

"We can prove it, if your Majesty would but let us do so," said they.

"How so?"

"If your Majesty would give him a glass of wine of which you have tasted but one drop, he will indignantly refuse to empty the glass, he would not even drink a drop. He is so proud and vain. Is the conduct of such a man not a direct insult to your gracious Majesty and to the Kingdom of France?"

The King held his peace.

Next day when the Rabbi came to visit the King, all the counselors and courtiers were also in attendance. "Give me a glass of wine," cried the King, "and also a little fruit, for I feel somewhat faint."

The page brought the wine and the fruit on a golden salver. The King ate the fruit and sipped the sparkling wine. Then turning to the Rabbi, who sat near the throne, he said in a loud voice so that all present might hear,— "Jechiel, my friend! this is most excellent wine; I have just tasted it, but I do not feel faint now, for the fruit has quite revived me. Here, drink the wine whilst I rinse my hands. It would be such a pity to waste it, and to whom could I give it with more pleasure than to you, my friend and companion."