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72
THE DANCE TO DEATH.
And scrape, to merely fill the household larder.
What said 70a of this pilgrim, Naphtali ?
These inequalities of fortune rub
My sense of justice so against the grain,
I lose my very name. Whence does he come ?
Is he alone ?
KAPHTAU.
He comes from Chinon, France.
Rabbi Cresselin he calls himself — alone
Save for his daughter who has led him hither.
A beautiful, pale girl with round black eyes.
BABUCH.
Bring they fresh tidings of the pestilence ?
NAPHTALI.
I know not— but I learn from other source
It has burst forth at Erfurt.
BABUCH.
God have mercy !
Have many of our tribe been stricken ?
NAPHTAU.
No.
They cleanse their homes and keep their bodies sweet.
Nor cease from prayer — and so does Jacob's God