The little ready money which was in the

country was chiefly in possession of this persecuted people, and the

nobility hesitated not to follow the example of their sovereign, in

wringing it from them by every species of oppression, and even personal

torture. Yet the passive courage inspired by the love of gain, induced

the Jews to dare the various evils to which they were subjected, in

consideration of the immense profits which they were enabled to realize

in a country naturally so wealthy as England. In spite of every kind

of discouragement, and even of the special court of taxations already

mentioned, called the Jews' Exchequer, erected for the very purpose of

despoiling and distressing them, the Jews increased, multiplied, and

accumulated huge sums, which they transferred from one hand to another

by means of bills of exchange--an invention for which commerce is said

to be indebted to them, and which enabled them to transfer their wealth

from land to land, that when threatened with oppression in one country,

their treasure might be secured in another.

The obstinacy and avarice of the Jews being thus in a measure placed

in opposition to the fanaticism that tyranny of those under whom they

lived, seemed to increase in proportion to the persecution with which

they were visited; and the immense wealth they usually acquired in

commerce, while it frequently placed them in danger, was at other times

used to extend their influence, and to secure to them a certain

degree of protection. On these terms they lived; and their character,

influenced accordingly, was watchful, suspicious, and timid--yet

obstinate, uncomplying, and skilful in evading the dangers to which they

were exposed.

When the travellers had pushed on at a rapid rate through many devious

paths, the Palmer at length broke silence.

"That large decayed oak," he said, "marks the boundaries over which

Front-de-Boeuf claims authority--we are long since far from those of

Malvoisin. There is now no fear of pursuit."

"May the wheels of their chariots be taken off," said the Jew, "like

those of the host of Pharaoh, that they may drive heavily!--But leave me

not, good Pilgrim--Think but of that fierce and savage Templar, with

his Saracen slaves--they will regard neither territory, nor manor, nor

lordship."

"Our road," said the Palmer, "should here separate; for it beseems not

men of my character and thine to travel together longer than needs must

be. Besides, what succour couldst thou have from me, a peaceful Pilgrim,

against two armed heathens?"

"O good youth," answered the Jew, "thou canst defend me, and I know thou

wouldst. Poor as I am, I will requite it--not with money, for money, so

help me my Father Abraham, I have none--but---"




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