The Golden Monkey - Act I

Pinchas: Old cloths, old clothes! Who sells old clothes!

Janosh: (Aside to Joerg) There goes that Jewish peddler again. I bet he comes here to collect his weekly allowance from our good-natured master.

(Pinchas knocks at the door)

Duke: See who it is. (Janosh looks out. Returns)

Janosh: The Jew Pinchas has come to draw his weekly allowance from the kindness of your noble soul.

Duke: Hush, Janosh! Pinchas is a good and wise man who deserves the little help I give him. Without it he would never be able to celebrate his Sabbath.

Janosh: He does not seem very grateful, though. Whenever he collects his money, he thanks his G-d, instead of thanking you, the noble lord who feeds the hungry mouth of his children.

Duke: Guard your words, Janosh. You know very well that Pinchas is a grateful man and that he blesses me a thousand times for the few coins that I give him. Somehow my business always turns out better after his blessings. He is a pious man and G-d must love him.

Janosh: (Aside) Really, why then is he so poor!

Duke: Stop mumbling. Bring in the Jew!

(Janosh goes out, brings in Pinchas, a Jew with a long beard, dressed in shabby clothes, an almost empty sack on his back.)

Duke: (to Pinchas, waiting respectfully at the door) Come here, Pinchas, tell me how was business this week?

Pinchas: Your Honor, may G-d pour His blessings on you, and all your business undertakings. I am glad that the Almighty permits me and my family to live, with the help of your gracious highness. For no one wants to sell old clothes these days.

Duke: How much did you earn this week?

Pinchas: Only a kreutzer and a half.

Duke: Well, here is four more kreutzer. Go home and see that your wife prepares the Sabbath properly.

Pinchas: Praised be G-d who gives unto His children their daily needs! (His face turns heavenward , then turning back to the duke) A thousand thanks to your highness. My family and I shall never cease to bless you from the depths of our grateful hearts.

Duke: Do not thank me, Pinchas. Hurry home now. Your wife must be waiting for you.

Pinchas: (As he walks away, bowing several times) A thousand thanks and blessings, noble sir!

Janosh: (After Pinchas is gone) Well, your highness, did he thank you, when you gave him the money?

Duke: He thanked me more than the whole thing is worth.

Janosh: But not until he thanked his G-d.

Duke: I am perfectly satisfied. Don’t look for trouble, Janosh!