THE KING OF SCHNORRERS. 121
perceive that those who take the charity are the pillars of the Synagogue. What keeps your community together? Fines. What ensures respect for your constitution? Fines. What makes every man do his duty ? Fines. What rules this very Mahamad ? Fines. And it is the poor who pro- vide an outlet for all these moneys. Egad, do you think your members would for a moment tolerate your penalties, if they did not know the money was laid out in 'good deeds ' ? Charity is the salt of riches, says the Talmud, and, indeed, it is the salt that preserves your community."
" Have done, sir, have done ! " shouted the President, losing all regard for those grave amenities of the ancient Council Chamber which Manasseh did his best to maintain. " Do you forget to whom you are talking? "
" I am talking to the Chief of the Elders," said Manasseh in a wounded tone, " but if you would like me to address myself to you — " and wheeling round the Chief of the Elders, he landed his chair next to the President's.
" Silence, fellow ! " thundered the President, shrinking spasmodically from his confidential contact. " You have no right to a voice at all ; as the Chancellor has reminded us, you are not even a Yahid, a congregant."
"Then the laws do not apply to me," retorted the beggar quietly. " It is only the Yahid who is privileged to do this, who is prohibited from doing that. No Ascama mentions the Schnorrer, or gives you any authority over him."
" On the contrary," said the Chancellor, seeing the Presi- dent disconcerted again, " he is bound to attend the week- day services. But this man hardly ever does, sir." " I never do," corrected Manasseh, with touching sadness. " That is another of the privileges I have to forego in order to take your charity ; I cannot risk appearing to my Maker in the light of a mercenary."
