But the Jew was thinking:
"Now the Rabbis will let me into the secret which is theirs, and which they share with those only who are at once pious and rich, that great and pious Jews must have blood for Passover."
For a long time he lived in hope, but the Rabbis told him nothing, the subject was not once mentioned. But the Jew felt sure that the Count would never have lied to him, and he gave more liberally than before, thinking, "Perhaps after all it was too little."
He assisted the Rabbi of the nearest town for a whole year, so that the Rabbi opened his eyes in astonishment. He gave him more than half of what is sufficient for a livelihood.
When it was near Passover, the Jew drove into the little town to visit the Rabbi, who received him with open arms, and gave him honor as unto the most powerful and wealthy benefactor. And all the representative men of the community paid him their respects.
Thought the Jew, "Now they will tell me of the commandment which it is not given to every Jew to observe."
As the Rabbi, however, told him nothing, the Jew remained, to remind the Rabbi, as it were, of his duty.
"Rabbi," said the Jew, "I have something very particular to say to you! Let us go into a room where we two shall be alone."
So the Rabbi went with him into an empty room, shut the door, and said:
"Dear friend, what is your wish? Do not be abashed, but speak freely, and tell me what I can do for you."