St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-06-27
THE CHANGED BBIDEs.
How a Deserted Girl was Made a
HanDY Wife.

HOW a Deserted C1rl was MADE a
Happy Wife.
When RASH, the celebrated interpreter of
the bible and Talmud. grew old he wished
to know whom he should have as a COM
rade in paradise; for he thought the pious
were to sit in pairs there. After he had
tasted and prayed for long time God re-
veaIed to him in a dream that his future
companion would be Abraham ben Gerson
of Barcelona.
AS soon as Rashi learned this he felt a
great desire to make the acquaintance of his
future neighbor in this life, and with this in
view he set out for Barcelona. On his ar
rival there he inquired for the said Abraham
ben Gerson. There was no such person to
be found among the pious daily visitors of
the temple. He stayed over Sabbath; he
sought among all who came to the syna-
gogl1e, but there was no Abraham ben Ger
son in the throng. Perhaps" suggested
some one at last, you mean Don Abra-
ham, the rich man? How do you come to
be seeking such a heather? You certainly
viii not visit him, rabbi?"
But RASH started off to find Don Abra-
ham. AS he stood before his house he was
much surprised. 1t was splendid house.
is that dwelling fora son of our racer"
thought the rabbi, shaking his head. But
Servants in gold-embroidered livery sped
hither and yon; fine gentlemen and ladies
came and went, splendid carriages rolled
into the court yard; everything was in mo-
ton and gave proof of a gay life. The rabbi
came near turning away, his purpose unful-
fulfilled. Fully expecting to be turned
away, he spoke to a servant, who, however,
led him with the greatest pOliteneSS up a
wide marble stairway into richly-furniShed
room, where he babe him wait while he
told Don Abraham. While he waited the
rabbi said to himself: well, there are
curious things in this world. Here is a
wicked Jew, deSpiser of the law, living in
royal splendor; in other places have seen
pious, GOd-fearing men, struggling in the
most bitter want, perishing in misery and
oppression. What do these rich men want
of paradise, who enjoy one already on
earth? If the Pharisees go to heaven, why
must the pious deny Themselves"
Then the door opened and tall, hand
some man came toward the rabbi. ST feel
myself highly honored with a visit from the
celebrated rabbi" said he; ''allow me the
pleasure of keeping you long time as my
guest"
The rabbi was so astounded by this re-
ception that he could find no words at first.
The courteous host noticed his embarrass-
ment and said: ''YOu are no doubt sur
prised az such luxury in a Jewish house."
mo, "replied the rabbi, not at the riches
am / surprised, nor at the splendor, but
that you are not in the least grateful to the
giver, that you -"
''Ah now know what you are aiming
at, dear rabbi" interrupted the mae with a
smiling gesture, ''but spare your pains.
have chosen my mode of life, and beg you
to stay here a while and watch it very
closely. Tomorrow is my daughters we'd
ding; be present at the feast"
''Your daughters wedding? No doubt
you have rich son-in-law?"
mo; he is a poor but ambitious young
man, whom / love as a son."
That softened the rabbi somewhat, but he
continued in stern voice: mo, wish to
have nothing to do with you until you have
sworn repentance and improvement, and at
tend to your salvation"
Il hope to be saved, just as surely as
YOU" answered the host, calmly. The con-
versation was interrupted by the entrance
Of a servant, who said poor woman
wished to speak with Don Abraham.
81 will come at once" said the host.
GA poor woman" exclaimed the rabbi;
your daughters wedding is tomorrow,
and you have not remembered the poor yet,
but let them come to you and begt'
My dear rabbi, that you may not think
evil of me nor do ME injustice, you shall ask
the woman yourself"
Then they went together into the room
where the poor woman was waiting; but
she answered the rabbits question: "Gifts
enough are divided among the poor; 1 am
not come after any gift"
The rabbi was glad that his future COM
rade was at least benevolent to the poor.
Don Abraham asked her now himself how
he could help her. with advice" ''Speak,
and be assured that will gladly help you,"
answered Don Abraham
81 am poor widow" said the woman,
"and can scarcely support myself and four
children. My only hope was in the be-
trothed of my daughter Miriam; but now
he has chosen a rich bride and deserted my
daughter"
sssss.s...W oman" said Don Abraham, ''why do
yUu come to me for counsel? Have l any.
power over the young MANI"
Eyes, you have, sir; for tomorrow he is
to be united forever to your daughter!"
Don Abraham turned pale. After a long
pause he said to the woman: 1.-THE matter
shall be examined into, and if what you
have said is true you shall have satisfac-
ton. Now go home comforted."
THAT is an unpleasant affair."" said the