The marriage service began, and at its conclusion the guests took their places at the banquet. At the head of the table sat the bridegroom, and at his side was his beautiful bride. The guests began to eat and to drink, when all of a sudden there was seen at the door of the room a beggar in rags and tatters, his skin yellow and unwashed, his hair unkempt and his stature bent. His eyes were flaming like fire, and at his presence profound silence obtained. Not a sound was heard within the room; all was hushed in strange suspense, till Joseph in a loud and fearless voice cried,—
“Come hither, good friend; you are most welcome at this, my marriage feast. At my side shall you sit, for here all are most heartily welcome, rich and poor alike.” [[63]]
Joseph told the servants to go to the door of the house and to invite all the poor who passed by to join his guests.
The beggar went to the seat next to Joseph’s and sat down. Joseph waited on his unknown guest and gave him of the best. When the banquet was over the bride arose and retired to her apartment. Joseph arose likewise and was about to follow her when the beggar placed his hand on Joseph’s shoulder and said in a whisper—
“I must have just one word with you in private, please. I cannot stay here much longer, but I have to tell you why I am with you to-day.”
Joseph led him to an empty room and requested him to be seated. After a moment or two had elapsed the stranger began to speak as follows:—
“My friend, I am truly sorry for your own and also for your dear wife’s sake, but I have come here on a very sad errand. I am sent to you against my will. It is God who has sent me here to take you to Him. Prepare now to leave the world and all its joys.”
Joseph looked at his guest without fear, and in a very calm voice he said,—
“If this be God’s will, so be it done in love and obedience. Nevertheless, I do beseech you grant me a respite—just one year in happiness [[64]]with my wife, and then I promise to go with you.”
“No, my good friend, it cannot be,” cried the angel of death, who was in the beggar’s guise. “Not even a month,” said the angel, “not even the seven days of rejoicing appointed to be kept by bride and bridegroom, not even one day’s delay, but this very day must you die even as the former three husbands of your beloved wife.”