lands further towards the rising of
the sun, made me think of thee. Now my husband, though great among
the Mazikin, is more just than the other Demons; and he loves me,
whom he hath ruined, with a love of despair. So he said, that the
name of Jochonan the wise was familiar unto him, and that he knew
thou wouldst not be able to refuse. What thou hast done, to give
him power over thee, is known to thyself."

"I swear, before Heaven!" said the Rabbi, "that I have ever diligently
kept the law, and walked stedfastly according to the traditions of
our fathers, from the day of my youth upward. I have wronged no man
in word or deed, and I have daily worshipped the Lord; minutely
performing all the ceremonies thereto needful."

"Nay," said the lady, "all this thou mightest have done, and more,
and yet be in the power of the Demons. But time passes, for I hear
the foot of my husband mounting the stair. There is one chance of thine
escape."

"What is that? O lady of beauty?" said the agonized Rabbi.

"Eat not, drink not, nor take fee or reward while here; and as long as
thou canst do thus, the Mazikin have no power over thee, dead or alive.
Have courage, and persevere."

As she ceased from speaking, her husband entered the room, followed by the
nurse, who bore all things requisite for the ministration of the Rabbi.
With a heavy heart he performed his duty, and the child was numbered
among the faithful. But when, as usual, at the conclusion of the ceremony,
the wine was handed round to be tasted by the child, the mother, and the
Rabbi, he refused it when it came to him, saying:--

"Spare me, my lord, for I have made a vow that I fast this day; and I will
not eat, neither will I drink."

"Be it as thou pleasest," said the Demon, "I will not that thou shouldst
break thy vow;" and he laughed aloud.

So the poor Rabbi was taken into a chamber, looking into a garden, where
he passed the remainder of the night and the day weeping, and praying
to the Lord that he would deliver him from the city of Demons. But when
the twelfth hour came, and the sun was set, the Prince of the Mazikin
came again unto him, and said:--

"Eat now, I pray thee, for the day of thy vow is past;" and he set
meat before him.

"Pardon again thy servant, my lord," said Jochonan, "in this thing. I have
another vow for this day also. I pray thee be not angry with thy servant."

"I am not angry," said the Demon, "be it as thou pleasest; I respect thy
vow;