FISHEL THE TEACHER 127
louder, and when he comes to "And Moses declared the set feasts of the Lord unto the children of Israel," it reaches nearly to Heaven. And Froike stands at his father's side, and recites the prayers melodiously, and once more Fishel's heart expands and flows over with joy a good child, Froike, a good, pious child !
"A happy holiday, a happy holiday !"
"A happy holiday, a happy year!"
At home they find the Passover table spread: the four cups, the bitter herbs, the almond and apple paste, and all the rest of it. The reclining-seats (two small benches with big cushions) stand ready, and Fishel becomes a king. Fishel, robed in white, sits on the throne of his dominion, Bath-sheba, the queen, sits beside him in her new silk kerchief ; Ef roim, the prince, in a new cap, and the princess Resele with her plait, sit opposite them. Look on with respect ! His majesty Fishel is seated on his throne, and has assumed the sway of his kingdom.
The Chaschtschevate scamps, who love to make game of the whole world, not to mention a teacher, maintain that one Passover Eve our Fishel sent his Bath-sheba the following Russian telegram: "Rebyata sobral dyengi vezu prigatovi npiyedu tzarstvovatz." Which means: "Have entered my pupils for the next term, am bringing money, prepare the dumplings, I come to reign/' The mischief-makers declare that this telegram was seized at Balta station, that Bath-sheba was sought and not found, and that Fishel was sent home with the etape. Dreadful! But I can assure you, there isn't a
