with great lamentations and sobs, moved out of Prague, but for the time being settled in the surrounding villages. They excused themselves on the ground that it was impossible for them to leave the country so suddenly without causing great loss to themselves or to the societies to which they belonged. But this was a mere pretext, made in strong hopes that their intercessors, as usual, might help them out of their difficulties. And they were not disappointed. Their friends interceded with the Empress so earnestly that she passed a second decree, allowing them to remain in Bohemia till her further commands. The people, now seeing that they would not get rid of the hated race, lost all patience. In the night bills were posted throughout the city inciting the citizens of Prague to do on their own responsibility what the Empress had intended to do—that is, to drive the Jews away from their homes. But against this legal measures were passed; and the Empress, after considering the loss that her country would sustain by a complete removal of the
