“Is it not written thrice in the Law,” said the guest, “‘Thou shalt not seethe the kid in its mother’s milk’?” “In our country,” said the Galilæan, “fowls give no milk.” And we all of us laughed, save only Jesus. “Nay, but the Sages have carried their prohibition even unto fowls, lest the people be led to confuse flesh and flesh.” By this time we had arrived at the third and last course of salted olives, lettuces, and radishes. And again the bowl and ewer were passed round, and this time the Galilæans did not refuse the water. Then the new son of the covenant recited in his clear voice the grace after meals. And all rose, while the slaves removed the remnants. Then said Elisha, “It is not well that when so many are together we should depart without discussing some words of the Law. My little Lazarus here would fain learn some new thing from the many learned men present on this day of his being received into Israel.” “Well, then,” said one of the company, “I should like to put a question to our friends here from Galilee.” And they said, “Speak, Rabbi.” And he addressed himself to Jesus, and said, “Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?” Then Jesus spoke out, and as he spoke he strode up and down the room, with his hand clutching the air, and the vein throbbing on his left temple. “Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, ‘This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.’” Then facing us all, he added, “For ye lay aside the commandment of God, and hold the tradition of men.” “How so, master?” said Elisha; “prove thy words.” “It is said in the Word of God, ‘Honor thy father and thy mother,’ and yet the Sages say, ‘If a man be asked by his father or mother to honor them with a gift, and he say, “I vow that thing to the Almighty,” then it is _Corban_,’ and put aside for the Lord, so that his parents cannot enjoy thereof. Thus by your tradition about vows ye make the Word of God concerning honor to parents of none effect, and many like things ye do.” Then Elisha said, “But the Sages are by no means at one in that matter of the vows, and in particular many of them declare all the vows annulled that would work against our duty to our parents, or even against our love to our neighbor. Yet, even if we take the more stricter tradition, in what manner that absolves us from washing our hands before meals, I see not.” “Nay, it is the same thing,” replied Jesus. “Ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and platter, but your inward thoughts are full of ravening and wickedness. Ye fools! did not the Holy One, blessed be He, who made that which is without, make also that which is within? Therefore give for alms that which is within, kindly thoughts and friendly feelings. If ye do that, all things are clean unto you.”