Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/39

 by the way, he heard one calling his name. He turned and beheld Elochi, the oldest servant of his father’s house. The man bowed not himself till he came so near as to lay hold of Sadoc’s garment, the border of which he kissed and placed upon his forehead. Sadoc raised him and touched his cheek, saying,

“Wherefore art thou come hither, Elochi? The court of my father’s house is a fitter place for thee. Thy staff will scarce uphold thine age, and thy scrip is a burden to thee.”

“Thy father mourneth that thou hast not returned for so long; and I came forth to seek thee, Sadoc, and entreat thee to carry back joy to thy habitation.”

"Hath the hand of the Lord smitten any whom I love? Is all well with my father and my mother? Is it well with Michal?”

“All is well; and Michal, thy sister, bade me tell thee that she alone hath not sorrowed for thy absence, for she alone knew wherefore thou hast tarried. But thy mother pineth for thee, and thy father beseecheth the Lord for thee that thou mayest be no more deluded by a false prophet.”

“False he is not,” replied Sadoc, “and I