The Jews being prevented by decree from studying,
Pappos met R. Akiba who had defied that decree. Rebuked
by Pappos Akiba replied: “A fox on the shore of the sea saw
some fish hiding from the nets and hooks. He asked them
to come to the dry land to dwell with him. They replied:
“Art thou the clever, cunning animal? If in this place
where we live we are not safe, how much more are we sure
to die on dryland. So with us. If we give up the study of
the law we are sure to die.” Shortly afterwards both met
- 57 ~
in prison and Pappos said: "Happy art thou that thou
art imprisoned for the sake of the study of the law.” The
Rabbi was then led to execution at the time of morning
prayer. They combed his flesh with iron combs and he
expired with the words, "The Lord is one.”
21. The daughter of the Emperor was once found murdered
and the Romans accused the Jews of the murder. Two
brothers from Ludikia sacrificed themselves in order to
save the rest of the Jews. They were tortured the whole
day, having their limbs cut off until their souls departed.
Those are the two martyrs of Lud, who sit in the highest
place in heaven.
20. The Jews being prevented by decree from studying,
Pappos met R. Akiba who had defied that decree. Rebuked
by Pappos Akiba replied: “A fox on the shore of the sea saw
some fish hiding from the nets and hooks. He asked them
to come to the dry land to dwell with him. They replied:
“Art thou the clever, cunning animal? If in this place
where we live we are not safe, how much more are we sure
to die on dryland. So with us. If we give up the study of
the law we are sure to die.” Shortly afterwards both met
- 57 ~
in prison and Pappos said: "Happy art thou that thou
art imprisoned for the sake of the study of the law.” The
Rabbi was then led to execution at the time of morning
prayer. They combed his flesh with iron combs and he
expired with the words, "The Lord is one.”
21. The daughter of the Emperor was once found murdered
and the Romans accused the Jews of the murder. Two
brothers from Ludikia sacrificed themselves in order to
save the rest of the Jews. They were tortured the whole
day, having their limbs cut off until their souls departed.
Those are the two martyrs of Lud, who sit in the highest
place in heaven.
