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In the centre of the room stood the host, Jankiel, in a long gown

that reached to the floor, and was fastened with silver clasps;

one hand he had tucked into his black silk girdle, with the other

he stroked in dignified fashion his grey beard. Casting his eye

about, he issued orders, greeted the guests who came in, went up

to those that were seated, and started conversation, reconciled

persons quarrelling, but served no one-he only walked to and fro.

The Jew was old, and famed everywhere for his probity; for many

years he had been keeping the tavern, and no one either of the

peasants or of the gentry had ever made complaint against him to

his landlord. Of what should they complain? He had good drinks to

choose from; he kept his accounts strictly, but without any

knavery; he did not forbid merriment, but would not endure

drunkenness.