The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware register., 1825-09-15
THE ylRTUOUS WIFE.

Translated from the German by Student.
Whosoever has gained virtHous wife,
possesses a treasure of intrinsic worth--a
prize of higher value than the most costly
pearl.
Such a treasure had Rabbi Meir. the
great teacher, obtained. He sat, on the
Sabbath, in the synagogue, instructlng the
people. In the mean time, death, who OF
ten aims his poisonous shafts against the in
fant breast, and spares the aged and lnf1rm,
did, by an unexpected stroke, deprive the
parents of two goodly sons; both were OF an
handsome shape,-both, by a fathers care
enlightened in the law.
His partner looked at first on their be-
reaycment with the feelings OF tender mo
thcr; but soon her piety shone predominant,
and in the duties Of the wife, each selfish
wish was buried. Anxious to save her hus-
band from those pangs which Il too sudden
knowledge of his loss might create, she mo-
we'd the bodies Of her sons into her chamber;
laid them Oh her bed, and with white dra-
perry concealed them
In the evening, Rabbi Meir returned, who
with fathers tond solicitude, inquired
"where are my sons that may give to them
the blessings"
"'rhcy arc gone into the synagogue, re-
piled his wife.
looked around, while there in expecta-
tion oftheir coming, but saw them not, - re-
joined the Rabbi.
She reached him a goblet with wine: he
praised the Lord at the ending OF the Sab
bath, drank and again asked.
"Where are my sons that they may also
drink and partake ofmy blessing'
"They are not far" she said, and wish
ing to change the objects of his thoughts
with ready hand prepared their evening
meal. Of this he did partakc, and after
giving thanks, his wife thus spoke.
"Rabbi, permit me to ask your judgment
in a cause which much concerns me. A
few years since person gave into my care
some Jewels; these received with plea
sure, watched their safety with an anxious
mind, contemplated with pride their worth;
and dared at length to view them as my
own, when in an unexpected hour, mes
senger is sent, who, in his masters name,
doth claim my valued charge; shall res
tore these gems to hime''
"My wife ought not first to inquire this, -
said Rabbi Mcir swift thou delay return
ing to the owner each one he hath lent
thee?"
"Oh no." answered she, "if it is unjust so
to do;-but l would not return them with
out thy knowledge
She then conducted him to the chamber,
walked forward and removed from the dead
bodies their covering.
"Oh my sons' my sons cried the father,
in the fullness of his gref--do / find yon
thus? l gave you life, ! enlightened your
mental eyes in the law, and looked upon
you as the solacc Of my declining years,
when, on a sudden, l find myself bereft oi
You"
| She turned from him, wishing to conceal
tie agitation of her mind, but reused at
length by the violence ., his grief, she seized
him by the hand and st&ke.
"Rabbi, hast thou not taught me, that it
is contrary TO the morals as well as the re-
| ligious duties Of men, to refuse restoring
what is intrusted to their care? Behold,
the Lord hath given, and the Lord hath ia
ken away, blessed be the name of the Lord.
"The name Of the Lord be praised" re-
Joined Rabbi Meir, conscious he had erred
at repining at His will who is infallibc; iii
murmuring at his mandate, who is omnis-
cient.
| 1t is truly said, "whosoever'' hath found a
virtuous wife, has a greater treasure than
the most costly pearl, she opens her mouth
with wisdom. and in her tongue is the law
of kindness"