The Daily Phoenix

AN EASTERN TALE.--A certain Rabbi had two sons, whom both he and his wife tenderly loved. Duty obliged the Rabbi to take a journey to a distant country. During his absence, his two promising boys sickened and died. The grief-stricken mother laid them out on their bed, drew the curtain, and waited anxiously for her husband. He came--it was night. 'How are your boys?' was his first question. 'Let me see them.' 'Stay awhile,' said his wife; 'I am in great trouble, and want your advice. Some years ago, a friend lent me some jewels: I took great care of them, and at last, began to prize them as my own. Since your departure, my friend has called for them, but I did not like to part with them. Shall I give them up?' 'Wife what a strange request is this! Give them up, and that instantly--this very night. Show me the jewels.' She took the Rabbi to their bed, drew the curtain aside, and said: 'Husband, these are the jewels!' The Rabbi bowed his head and wept.