o the traditions of
our fathers from the days of my youth upward. I have wronged no man in
word or deed, and I have daily worshipped the Lord, minutely
performing all the ceremonies thereto needful."

"Nay," said the lady, "all this thou mightest have done, and more, and
yet be in the power of the Demons. But time passes, for I hear the
foot of my husband mounting the stair. There is one chance of thine
escape."

"What is that, O lady of beauty?" said the agonized Rabbi.

"Eat not, drink not, nor take fee or reward while here, and as long as
thou canst do thus, the Mazikin have no power over thee, dead or
alive. Have courage and persevere."

As she ceased from speaking, her husband entered the room, followed by
the nurse, who bore all things requisite for the ministration of the
Rabbi. With a heavy heart he performed his duty, and the child was
numbered among the Faithful. But when, as usual, at the conclusion of
the ceremony, the wine was handed round to be tasted by the child, the
mother, and the Rabbi, he refused it when it came to him, saying,

"Spare me, my lord, for I have made a vow that I fast this day, and I
will eat not, neither will I drink."

"Be it as thou pleasest," said the Demon; "I will not that thou
shouldst break thy vow." And he laughed aloud.

So the poor Rabbi was taken into a chamber looking into a garden,
where he passed the remainder of the night and the day, weeping and
praying to the Lord that He would deliver him from the city of Demons.
But when the twelfth hour came, and the sun was set, the Prince of the
Mazikin came again unto him, and said,

"Eat now, I pray thee, for the day of thy vow is past." And he set
meat before him.

"Pardon again thy servant, my lord," said Jochonan, "in this thing. I
have another vow for this day also. I pray thee be not angry with thy
servant."

"I am not angry," said the Demon; "be it as thou pleasest: I respect
thy vow." And he laughed louder than before.

So the Rabbi sat another day in his chamber by the garden, weeping and
praying; and when the sun had gone behind the hills, the Prince of the
Mazikin again stood before him, and said,

"Eat now, for thou must be an hungered. It was a sore vow of thine."
And he offered him daintier meats.

And Jochonan felt a strong desire to eat, but he prayed inwardly to
the Lord, and the temptation passed, and he answered, "Excuse thy
servant yet a third time, my lord, that I eat not. I have renewed my