Page:Jewish Fairy Book (Gerald Friedlander).djvu/78

60 The courtiers and counselors listened with strained ears to every word, and they now looked at Jechiel to see what he would do.

The Jew put forth his hand and took the glass from the King's hand. He then put it down on a little table at his side. He arose from his seat and said,—

"May I crave your Majesty's indulgence? At the moment I do not care to take wine. I have a good reason. I must keep my head cool, for your Majesty has to discuss with me urgent matters of state. But do not think I am not fully sensible of the great honor which your Majesty is good enough to confer upon me in asking me to drink the wine which you find so excellent. I promise, however, before I take my leave this morning to drink even more than your Majesty proposes."

The listeners could hardly believe their ears.

"What," thought they, "will the Jew drink with Christians?"

When the King had rinsed his fingers with rose water in a golden bowl, the Rabbi arose and took the bowl from the page and laid it beside the glass of wine.

"What's that for?" exclaimed the King in surprise. The Rabbi arose, and taking hold of the golden bowl said in a fearless voice, —

"With your gracious Majesty's permission I will