North Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1867-current, 1869-05-26
"Leyi hen Nathan. :

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men here?''
"Certainly there is Ismael Zapik, there
is Jehoshua ben Amnon, Samuel the learn
ed. Mordecai Cohen"
"But stay" interrupted Raschi "the
one mean, suppose, must be very old
man, with pale face, bowed knees, long
white beard, eyes red with tears from much
weeping for the transgressions of Israel !;
a man ever engaged in prayer, who ma
cerates hi. body and trains his soul"
"There is no such man in Barcelona" !"
answered the wood cutter. Farewell
"Stay,' exclaimed the Rabbi, detaining
Lin "can you tell me aught Of Abraham
ben Gerson p
abraham ben Gerson T. echoed the Ia
borer; ''he is no saint. lie is rich man,
a delicate liver, keeps much company, and
is high in favor with the Gentiles.'
"Where does he live, friend 2"
Follow me, and will show you."
The Rabbi Raschi was brought by the
wood-cutter before marble palace. Gaily
caparisoned horses stood at the door,
held by pages in gallant liveries. lie
hastened up the flight of steps leading to
the entrance, and entered the hall. 1t was
paved with colored marbles the walls
were encased with alahaster richly scuIp-
tured, and silk curtains hung before the
doors. Noblemen waited there, lounging
on velvet sofas, till the master of the house
could attend to them. Servants glittering
with gold lace hurried about, bearing sails
vers Of the most precious metal, on which
were goblets full of iced wines, and plates
with delicious cOnfections, which they
handed to the illustrious visitors.
Travel stained, dust begrimmed, leaning
on his rude staff, his gaberdine in tatters,
his long white beard untrimmed, and the
white hair Of his head in tangled locks,
unattended to, the wondering Raschi stood
entranced A servant approached him
with golden salver, on which were wines.
The old man raised his staff, and with
flashing eyes Indignantly signed him to
retire.
Suddenly silver bell tinkled. Instantly
all the mobiles rose, the servants started to
the stairs leading to the upper portion of
the house, drew back the brocade curtains
that screened the ascent, and ranged them
selves in a line between the stairs and the
entrance door.
Jew, in crimson velvet dress, with gold
chains about her neck, appeared, accom-
panying Spanish pr'n,e of royal blood,
conversing with him familiarly as they
descended the steps, and as he led him to
his door.
Snake way" said Rabbi Raschi, thrust
ing his staff betwixt two Of the liveried
servants, make way for me-
TIE master of the house stood still and
looked at him then ma G sign to the
domestics, who fell back and allowed the
old man to ass.
Raschi's cheeks grew crimson. His
hand tremblcd as he thrust it forth and
laid it on the arm Of the wealthy jew.
"Are you Abraham, son of Gerson p
he asked in faltering tones.
II am. What do you want with me,
father? ?'
IL must speak with you. Lead on to a
private chamber"
The merchant obeycd, and brought the
Rabbi into little room hung with blue
silk, fretted with silvr.
IL am Raschi ben Isaac said the old
man, land came here to seek you.
hoped to have found pious jew; fipd
one living in pomp and worldliness.
hoped to hav, found one fasting and pray
ing find one eating and tralicking.
thought to have found one the favorte oil
God | lind ono the courted of prince,
and mobiles Is this Il house for jew,
child of despsed and outcast race
The temple leth waste. and shall We liy.
in luxury and splendor.
IL feel honored in being visited by the
iilustrious Raschi." said Abraham.
"Shame, shame, exclaimed th'
Rabbi. Are you not ashamed before III
to exhibit all this profusion p
Goods blessing has been on my busi
ness" said the merchant.
"And how do you recompense Him ?
cried the indignant Raschi. "By neglect
I ing the Giver, by squandering the gilt
Do you fast long? Do you wear th'
stones with your knee>?'
"My business occupies my time and de
mands my energies. IpraJ, bu. canno
, pray for long. cannct fast, or my bust
would not be attended to-"
? ''Do you eat Of meat, the sh of beast
, not slain by JEWS butcher?,'
, II have even done so."
! "lIave you partaken of the accurse'
/ flesh Of the swine? p
IL f ar that have"
l Have you neglected regular daily at
P tendance at the synagogue?'
. My attendance has been irregular"
( "AIas, alas! u cried Raschi, throwing
. down his staff and raising his hands t
: heaven. "Surely there is injustice in par
adise as we'll as on earth. Here lives
+ wicked jew, a breaker of the law, i
$ sp!endor, as king; in another place is
pious man, fearing God, macerating hi
! body, in want Of nakeaness, crushed b
/, poverty, and the kingdom of Heaven re
ceyes both, and sets both on levc