“ONE THAT WOULD CIRCUMVENT HEAVEN.”

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3319, 21 November 1883, Page 3

“ONE THAT WOULD CIRCUMVENT HEAVEN.”

There was a wealthy Jew, who was seized with a dangerous illness. Seeing death approach he bethought him of vowing a vow, so he solemnly promised that if God would restore him to health health he, on his part, on his recovery, would sell a certain fat beast in his stall, and devote the proceeds to the Lord. The man recovered, and in due time appeared before the door of the synagogue, driving before him a goodly ox, and several Jewish butchers, after artistically examining the fine fat beast, asked our convalescent what might be the price of the ox. “ This ox,” replied the owner, “ I value at two shillings ” (I substitute English money); “ but this cock,” he added, ostentatiously exhibiting a chanticleer, “ I estimate at £20.” The butchers laughed at him; they thought he was joking. However, as ho gravely persisted that he was in earnest, one of them, taking him at his word, put down two shillings for the ox. “ Softly, my good friend,” rejoined the seller, “I have made a vow not to sell the ox without the cock; you must buy both, or be content with neither.” Great was the surprise of the bystanders, who could not conceive what perversity possessed their wealthy neighbour. But the cock being valued for twenty pounds and the ox for two shillings, the bargain was concluded and the money paid. Our worthy Jew now walks up to the rabbi, cash in hand. “ This,” said he, handing the two shillings, “Idevote to the service of the synagogue, being the price of the ox which I had vowed ; and this,” placing the twenty pounds in his own bosom, “ is lawfully mine own, for is it not the price of the cock ?”