Ephraim replied,—
“In three days’ time, if it please your Majesty, I will return and give you my humble opinion. I cannot promise to satisfy your Majesty, but I will do my best to justify my conscience.”
The King consented to this proposal, and dismissed the Jew with a friendly farewell.
Three days later the King and Nicholas were anxiously awaiting the promised reply. At the hour appointed, Ephraim appeared. He was very much agitated and gasped for breath.
“Most heartily welcome,” cries Pedro in his most friendly voice; “come and sit near my throne and tell me your answer to my question.”
Ephraim sat in silence and failed to control his agitation.
“What is the matter, good Ephraim?” asked the King, who was now beginning to feel concerned [[48]]at the Jew’s prolonged silence and unusual excitement.
At last by a great effort Ephraim exclaimed,—
“I grieve to tell your Majesty that I am ill. I have this day been most grossly insulted and abused. I am perfectly innocent of having done any wrong to the men who have been so cruel and unjust to me. Gracious King! I appeal to you to hear my complaint and to see that justice is done.”
“Have no fear,” cried the King. “I am the fountain of justice, and every one in my realm may look to me for impartial judgment. What is your complaint?”