Turn thee unto me and have mercy upon me,
For I am desolate and afflicted.
The travellers were invited to take some food, but Elisama declared that only the servant in Israel [took food early] in the morning, and to others it was a disgrace. The mother, however, was not to be dissuaded, and compelled them to take dates, figs, and honey. “Greet thy father’s grave,” said she to Helon. “Let thy first visit be to the valley of Jehoshaphat.” Sallu led out the camels. He was full of joy, and every moment touched his ear-ring as a badge of honour. The mother embraced her son, and weeping said to him,
The Lord bless thee and keep thee!
The Lord make his face to shine upon thee
And be gracious unto thee!
The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee
And give thee peace!
“Go then,” she exclaimed, “God be with thee on the way, and his angel lead thee!”
Helon tore himself from her, and, accompanied by his uncle, descended the inner court. He had scarcely reached the outer, before the delightful expectation of visiting Jerusalem had already gained the ascendency in his thoughts over the sorrow of departure. And when from the end of the street he had cast back a look on the parental house, and blessed once more his mother and the alija, he proceeded with alacrity on his way, repeating to himself,