s free from after-thought (?). The man
who is dissatisfied induceth separation, and the man who hath been
condemned bringeth on schisms, even before one can know what is in his
mind. When thou hast arrived at a decision delay not in declaring it.
Who keepeth within him that which he can eject?... When a boat cometh
into port it is unloaded, and the freight thereof is landed everywhere
on the quay. It is [well] known that thou hast been educated, and
trained, and experienced, but behold, it is not that thou mayest rob
[the people]. Nevertheless thou dost [rob them] just as other people do,
and those who are found about thee are thieves (?). Thou who shouldst be
the most upright man of all the people art the greatest transgressor in
the whole country. [Thou art] the wicked gardener who watereth his plot
of ground with evil deeds in order to make his plot to tell lies, so
that he may flood the town (or estate) with evil deeds (or calamities)."

This peasant came the seventh time in order to lay his complaint [before
Rensi], and said, "O my lord steward, thou art the steering pole of the
whole land, and the land saileth according to thy command. Thou art the
second (or counterpart) of Thoth, who judgeth impartially. My lord,
permit thou a man to appeal to thee in respect of his cause which is
righteous. Let not thy heart fight against it, for it is unseemly for
thee to do so; [if thou doest this] thou of the broad face wilt become
evil-hearted. Curse not the thing that hath not yet taken place, and
rejoice not over that which hath not yet come to pass. The tolerant
judge rejoiceth in showing kindness, and he withholdeth all action
concerning a decision that hath been given, when he knoweth not what
plan was in the heart. In the case of the judge who breaketh the Law,
and overthroweth uprightness, the poor man cannot live [before him], for
the judge plundereth him, and the truth saluteth him not. But my body is
full, and my heart is overloaded, and the expression thereof cometh
forth from my body by reason of the condition of the same. [When] there
is a breach in the dam the water poureth out through it: even so is my
mouth opened and it uttereth speech. I have now emptied myself, I have
poured out what I had to pour out, I have unburdened my body, I have
finished washing my linen. What I had to say before thee is said, my
misery hath been fully set out before thee; now what hast thou to say in
excuse (or apology)? Thy lazy c