‘Holy Rabbi!’ said a youthful reader of the synagogue, who now entered, ‘the hour is at hand.’
‘You don’t say so! Learned Miamon, I must to the synagogue. I could sit here all day listening to you. Come, David, the people await us.’
Zimri and Alroy quitted the house, and proceeded along the narrow hilly streets to the chief temple of the Hebrews.
‘It grieves the venerable Maimon much that he cannot join us,’ said Rabbi Zimri. ‘You have doubtless heard of him at Bagdad; a most learned doctor.’ Alroy bowed in silence.
‘He bears his years well. You would hardly believe that he was my master.’
‘I perceive that you inherit much of his erudition.’
‘You are kind. If he have breathed one year, Rabbi Maimon will be a hundred and ten next Passover.’
‘I doubt it not.’
‘When he is gathered to his fathers, a great light will be extinguished in Israel. You wanted to know something about the Tombs of the Kings; I told you he was your man. How full he was! His mind, sir, is an egg.’
‘A somewhat ancient one. I fear his guidance will hardly bring me the enviable fortune of King Pirgandicus.’