"When they take their wives, their minds and strength will be already developed."
"They will order us to warm ourselves at strange fireplaces, and drink from the wine-garden of Sodom."
"They will bring near to us the Jobel-ha-Gabel—the festival of joy, during which the lamb may eat beside the tiger."
"Hersh Ezofowich! Hersh Ezofowich! Through your mouth speaks the soul of your great-grandfather, who wished to lead all Jews to foreign fireplaces."
"Reb Nohim! Reb Nohim! Through your eyes looks the soul of your great-grandfather, who plunged all Jews into great darkness."
Deep silence reigned in the crowd as the two men, standing far from each other, spoke thus. Nohim's voice grew thinner and sharper; Hersh's resounded with stronger and deeper tones. The Rabbi's yellow cheeks became covered with brick-red spots—Ezofowich's face grew pale. The Rabbi shook his thin hands, rocking his figure backward and forward, scattering his silvery beard over both shoulders. The merchant stood erect and motionless, and in his green eyes shone an angry sneer.
A couple of thousand eyes gazed in turn on the two adversaries—leaders of the people—and a couple of thousand mouths quivered, but were silent.
Finally, the long, sharp piercing cry of Reb Nohim resounded in the courtyard of the temple.
"Assybe! assybe! dajde!" moaned the old man, sobbing and crushing his hands.
"Hoffnung! Hoffnung! Frieden!" joyfully exclaimed Hersh, raising his white hand.