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and were told that he always came in shoes, and theyasked other similar questions because they were doubtfulas to the genuineness of King Solomon's being on thethrone. So they gave King Solomon, who had reachedJerusalem, the ring and the chain with the divine Nameupon them at the sight of which Ashmedai disappeared.
115. The throne of Solomon was entirely made of gold,having 33 steps upon which were various animals. 12 goldenlions, and 2 golden bears stood on each step and over thethrone was a kind of canopy. In the midst of this was agolden chain and from the chain hung a golden dove whoheld in his beak a golden crown in which was a preciousstone which illuminated the whole world. When the Kingascended the throne the lions lifted up their paws and oneach paw a verse out of the Bible was written, suggestiveof the carrying out of the Law and urging him to judgeuprightly. Facing the lions there were 12 golden eagles.On the first step of the one side there was a golden lionand on the other a golden ox; on the second a golden bearand a golden lamb; on the third a panther and a baby; onthe fourth an eagle and a hart; on the fifth a peacock anda cock; and on the sixth an hawk and a dove. When theking ascended the throne wheels turned and he was assistedby the various animals to the top. Then a golden doveopened an ark and took out the scroll of the Law, andplaced it before him. From that seat he used to judge thewhole world.
116. Hananya, nephew of R. Joshua tried to fix thecalendar abroad, but the effort was frustrated by twomessengers from Palestine.
117. A pious man gave up mending the hedge of his vineyard,because he thought of it on the Sabbath. As a reward avery rarely found tree grew there.
118. A poor tailor paid a dinar for the only fish left inRome, in honour of the Sabbath. Upbraided by the Hip-parch he explained the reason and was allowed to go free.He found a priceless pearl among the scales of the fish.