The northern tribune. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1847-1855, 1848-04-28
The City of the Demons.


Jochonan. who was the most learned of his
nation. His fame went over the East and
the most distant people sent their young men
to imbibe wisdom from his lips. He was
deeply skilled in the traditions of the fathers;
and his word on disputed point was decisive.
He was pious, just temperate, and strict;
but he had one vce-a love of gold had
seized upon his heart, and he opened not his
hand to the poor. Yet he was wealthy above
most, his wisdom being to him the source of
riches. The Hebrews of the city were grieved
at this blemish on the wisest of their people
but, though the elders of the tribes continued
to reverence him for his fame, women and
children of Cairo called him by no other name
than that of Rabbi Jochonan the miser.
None knew, SO well as he. the ceremonies
necessary for initiation into the religion of
Moses and, consequently, the exercise of
those solemn offices was to him another source
of gain.
One day, as he walked in the fields about
Cairo, conversing with youth on the inter-
probation of the law, it SO happened, that the
angel of death smote the young man suddenly,
and he fell dead before the feet of the rabbi,
even while he was yet speaking. When the
rabbi found that the youth was dead, he rent
his garments, and glorifed the Lord. But
his heart was touched and the thoughts of
death troubled him in the visions of the night.
]le felt uneasy when he reflected on his
Hardness to the poor; and he said, " Blessed
be the name of the Lord The first good
thing that am asked to do, in that holy name
I will perform" But he sighed, for he feared
that some one might ask of him portion of
his gold.
While yet he thought upon these things,
there came loud cry at his gate.
awake, thou sleeper % said the voice,
" awake A child is in danger of death, and
the mother hath sent me for thee, and thou
mayest do thine Office"
"The night is dark and gloomy" said the
rabbi, coming to his easement, "and mine age
is great. Are there not younger men than 1
in Cairo?'
For thee only, Rabbi Jochonan, whom
some call the wise, but whom others call
Rabbi Jochonan the miser, was I sent. Here
is gold," said he, taking out purse Of sequns
81 want not thy labor for nothing, adjure
So the rabbi thought upon the vow he had
just made and he sroaned in spirit. for the
purse sounded heavy.
GAS thou hast adjured me by that name,
go with thee" SAID he to the man. ''but
hope the distance is not far. Put up thy
gold.'
"Thy place is at hand" said the stranger,
who was a gallant youth, in magnificent at
tire. "Be speedy, for time presses"
Jochonan arose. dressed himself, and ac-
companied the stranger, after having carefully
locked up all the doors of his house, and de
posted his keys in secret place-at which
the stranger smiled.
"I never remember" said the rabbi, so
dark night Be thou to me as guide, for
can hardly see the way"
Il know it well,' replied the stranger with
sigh !" it is way much frequented and
travelled hourly by many. Lean upon mine
arm, and fear not"
They journeyed on; and, though the dark
ness was great, yet the rabbi could see, when
it occasionally frightened. that he was in a
place strange to him. 7" I thought" said he,
" knew all the country for leagues abo It
Cairo yet know not where am. l hope,
young man." said he to his companion, " that
thou hast not missed the way" And his
heart misgave him.