The Jew began his tale, and said he had been robbed of his money.
"Robbed, indeed!" said the countryman; "why, you gave it me for playing you a tune, and teaching you to dance."
The judge said that was not likely; that the Jew, he was sure, knew better what to do with his money; and he cut the matter short by sending the countryman off to the gallows.
Away he was taken, but as he stood at the foot of the ladder, he said—
"My Lord Judge, may it please your worship to grant me but one boon?"
"Anything but thy life," replied the other.
"No," said he; "I do not ask my life. Only let me play upon my fiddle for the last time."
The Jew cried out—
"Oh, no! no! no! for heaven's sake don't listen to him! don't listen to him!"
But the judge said—