"It is a good thing the poor sheep have shepherds who are mindful of them. All the same, if that Shepherd[59] did not help, much good it would be!"
"One cannot understand why that Shepherd should require such messengers" (in allusion to my shaven beard and short-skirted coat).
Another is more liberal in her views, and helps herself out of the difficulty by means of the Röfeh.
"Take a Röfeh," she says, "he is likewise a heretic, and yet he also is permitted—"
"That is another thing altogether, he is a private individual, but is it so hard to find good Jews for public affairs?"
"They'd better," opines another, "have sent a few hundred rubles. They might let the writing be and welcome, even though my son were not made a general!"[60]
Sitting at the table, I saw without being seen. I was hidden from the street, but I could see half the market-place. Meantime, mine host had finished his prayers, put off Tallis and Tefillin, poured out a little brandy, and drunk my health in it.
"Long life and peace to you!" he said.
I answer, "God send better times and Parnosseh!"
I envy my host—Parnosseh is all he wants.