I am mocked and
reviled--the door contemptuously shut in my face, which door,
however, was most graciously opened when I brought my gold. Such
conduct is neither right nor wise; and as the worm turns when it is
trodden upon, so is there also a limit to the endurance of the Jew.
He remembers at last that he is also one of God's creatures, and
that God himself has given him the passion of revenge as well as the
passion of love. The Jew, when too long mishandled, revenges himself
upon his torturers, and that will I also do, if I do not receive
justice at your hands. That will I also do, if you refuse me my gold
to-day."
"You have made a lengthy and impertinent speech!" said Frederick.
"You have threatened me! But I will forgive you, because you are a
Jew; because the tongue is the only weapon a Jew has, and knows how
to use. I now advise you to put your sword in its sheath, and listen
calmly to me. It is true, you have lent me four thousand dollars
without security and without interest. You need not extol yourself
for this, for you well know it is not the wish or the intention of
the prince royal to oppress even the most pitiful of his subjects,
or to withhold the smallest of their rights. You knew this; then why
were you not satisfied to wait until I sent for you?"
"I can wait no longer, your highness," cried Ephraim, passionately.
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