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!
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