d in the
traditions of the fathers, and his word on a disputed point was
decisive. He was pious, just, temperate, and strict; but he had one
vice: 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, the 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 a youth on the interpretation
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 glorified the Lord. But his heart was touched,
and the thoughts of death troubled him in the visions of the night. He
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 I am asked
to do in that holy name will I perform." But he sighed, for he feared
that some one might ask of him a portion of his gold.

While yet he thought upon these things, there came a 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, that thou mayest do thine
office."

"The night is dark and gloomy," said the Rabbi, coming to his
casement, "and mine age is great: are there not younger men than I 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 a purse of sequins; "I want not thy labour for nothing.
I adjure thee to come, in the name of the living God."

So the Rabbi thought upon the vow he had just made, and he groaned in
spirit, for the purse sounded heavy.

"As thou hast adjured me by that name, I go with thee," said he to the
man; "but I hope the distance is not far. Put up thy gold."

"The place is at hand," said the stranger, who was a gallant youth, in
magnificent attire. "Be speedy, for time p