and he hinted to the besiegers in the Greek language that, so long as the Temple services were kept up the city could not be taken. The next day accordingly, when the money had been let down, they sent back a pig in return. When about half-way up the animal pushed with its feet against the stones of the wall, and thereupon an earthquake was felt throughout the land of Israel to the extent of four hundred miles. At that time it was the saying arose, " Cursed be he that rears swine, and he who shall teach his son the wisdom of the Greeks. (See Matt. viii. 30.)