Ivanhoe - Penn State University

Ivanhoe
nearly, discovered that one of them was his ancient employer, for the service of a hasty master, yet there be occupations —
Isaac of York. The other was the Rabbi Ben Samuel; and both How now, brother?” said he, interrupting his harangue to look
had approached as near to the Preceptory as they dared, on towards Isaac, who had but glanced at the scroll which Higg
hearing that the Grand Master had summoned a chapter for offered, when, uttering a deep groan, he fell from his mule
the trial of a sorceress.
like a dying man, and lay for a minute insensible.
“Brother Ben Samuel,” said Isaac, “my soul is disquieted, The Rabbi now dismounted in great alarm, and hastily ap-
and I wot not why. This charge of necromancy is right often plied the remedies which his art suggested for the recovery of
used for cloaking evil practices on our people.”
his companion. He had even taken from his pocket a cupping
“Be of good comfort, brother,” said the physician; “thou apparatus, and was about to proceed to phlebotomy, when the
canst deal with the Nazarenes as one possessing the mammon object of his anxious solicitude suddenly revived; but it was to
of unrighteousness, and canst therefore purchase immunity dash his cap from his head, and to throw dust on his grey hairs.
at their hands —it rules the savage minds of those ungodly The physician was at first inclined to ascribe this sudden and
men, even as the signet of the mighty Solomon was said to violent emotion to the effects of insanity; and, adhering to his
command the evil genii.—But what poor wretch comes hither original purpose, began once again to handle his implements.
upon his crutches, desiring, as I think, some speech of me?— But Isaac soon convinced him of his error.
Friend,” continued the physician, addressing Higg, the son of “Child of my sorrow,” he said, “well shouldst thou be called
Snell, “I refuse thee not the aid of mine art, but I relieve not Benoni, instead of Rebecca! Why should thy death bring down
with one asper those who beg for alms upon the highway. my grey hairs to the grave, till, in the bitterness of my heart, I
Out upon thee!—Hast thou the palsy in thy legs? then let thy curse God and die!”
hands work for thy livelihood; for, albeit thou best unfit for “Brother,” said the Rabbi, in great surprise, “art thou a fa-
a speedy post, or for a careful shepherd, or for the warfare, or ther in Israel, and dost thou utter words like unto these?—I
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