The States and Union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1868-1872, 1869-10-20

| As the old man stood with his eyes
fixed on the west, and his mind revolv-
ing the thoughts suggested by the
speakers, he saw the western sky un-
Edergo a sudden transformation the
golden clouds became steps of light in
a pavement Of amethyst, and on these
platforms were placed pairs of golden
thrones with gorgeous robes of ruby
tissue cast over them, and in these
robes diamonds were set, and as the
light changed they twinkled like sparks
that wander about the ashes of con-
sumed paper. Upon each throne a
name was written with lightning bril-
lianey. And the Rabbi saw on two of
the highest-two that stood side by
side on the same stage-Raschi ben
Isaac, of Regensburg, and Abraham
ben 'Gerson, of Barcelona. A S soon
as the old man had made out these
names, the light faded and he found
that the sky was dark, that only a
faint amber glow remained above the
horizon, and that the stars were shin
ing in the dark-blue vault. So he
shut his window, and he busted him
self through the night in gathering
together a few necessaries for jour
ney, for he was resolved ere break Of
day to start for Barcelona, and to make
the acquaintance of Abraham ben Ger
son, who was to be his companion in
Paradise. - Eat A@t .
After atedious journey, Raschi ar
rived in Barcelona, his feet sore with
walking, and his palm fretted With
the staff he held, and his shoulders
CALLED with the straps of the little
knapsack WHICH held his clothes and
provfsionsi .AsSShe entered the town
he thought to himself, ''T VIII not men
tion'the holy man by name, Gbut will
see whether the Hebrews here know
of his high merit and future exalta
ton" Then, meeting a Jewish. wood
cutter, he stopped him, and said, i'0nj'
Friend, who is the most pious Of
the faithful in this city p
The wood-eutter replied, "Rabbi'
Jonathan.
"Who is the next greatest saint i'll
the city ?"
'Levi ben Nathan"
"Have you other wise, just. md
holy men here 2"
Certainly: there is Ismael Zadik,
there &c Jehoshua ben Ammon, Sam
uel the Learned, Mordecai Cohen
"But stay" interrupted Raschi ;
"the one L mean, l suppose must be a
very old man, with pale face, bowed
knees, long white beard, eyes red
with tears from much weeping for the
transglessions of Israel; man ever
engaged in prayer, who macerates his
body and trains his sou" -...
There is no such a man in Bar
celona," answered the woodcutter.
Farewell" '..
''Stqy," exclaimed the Rabbi, de-
tanning him; "can you tell me aught
of Abraham ben Gerson %
Abraham ben Gerson p echoed
the laborer; che is no saint. He is a
rich man, a delicate liver, keeps much
company, and is high in favor with
the Gentiles."
"Where does he live, friend ?''
."Follow me, and l will show you"
Tne Rabbi Raschi was brought By
the wood-cutter before marble palace.
Gaily caparisoned horses stood at the
door, held by pages in gallant liveries.
He.hastened up the flight of steps,
leading to the enterance, and entered
the lhan. It was paved with colored
marbles !; the walls were ineased with
alabaSlcr richly sculptured, and silk.
curtaing hung before the. doors. Noble
men waited there, lounging. on velvet
sofas, till the master of, the house
could attend to them. Servants gilt
terinS, with gold lace, hurried about,
bearing salvers of the most precious,
metal, on which were goblets of nice
wines, and plates with delicious CON,
fections, which they handed to the il
lustrious visitors ~ ..... ..s,..., ,
Travel stained, dust-begrimed, lean
ing on his rude staff, his gaherdine in
tatters, his long white beard untrim-
med, and the white hair of his head
in tangled locks, unattended to, the
wondering Raschi stood entranced.
A servant, approached him with a
golden salver, on which were wines.
The old man raised his staff, and with
flashing eyes Indignantly signed him
to retire. ,-.; ......-. %. RI. ....
Suddenly a silver bell tinkled. In
stantly, all >. the mobiles rose, the SER
wants started to stairs leading to the
upper portion of the house, drew back
the brocade curtairs that screened the
ascent, and ranged themselves in a
line between the stairs and the en-
trance door.
In another moment noble-looking
Jew, in Il crimson velvet dress, with
gold chains about his neck, appeared,
accompanying Spanish Prince of
royal blood, conversing with him
Familiarity as they descended the steps,
and as he led him to his door.
''Make away" said Rabbi Raschi,
thrusting his staff betwixt two of the
liveried servants "make way for me.
The master of the house stood still
and looked at him; then made sign
to the domestics, who fell back and
allowed the old man to pass.
Raschi's face grew crimson. His
hand tremblcd as he thrust it forth and
laid it on the arms of the wealthy Jew.
+. *Are you Abraham, son of Gerson?"
he asked, in falteringt tones.
81 am What do you want with
me, father ?" '-si.,- H-,
e1 must speak with you. Lead on
to a private chamber"
The merchant obeyed, and brought
the Rabbi into little room hung with
blue silk, fretted with silver.