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that people only laughed once or twice; then they becameaccustomed to the sight, and so he devoted himself heartand soul to the study of the Law. It is said that every dayhe used to gather hay half of which he sold to supporthimself and the other half he used for lighting the fire. Hisneighbours said to him:" Akiba! thou art killing us withthis smoke; sell us the other half and buy oil with the moneyand you can study by the light of the oil." But Akiba said," I cannot very well do that, because I learn, warm myselfand obtain my living by the straw."- After 12 years he re-turned to Jerusalem with 2000 pupils and all the peoplecame to meet him. Kalba Shebua came also and asked himwhat he should do with his daughter whom he had drivenaway from his house and with regard to whom he had madea vow not to support her. Now she was starving and hewanted R. Akiba to release him from his vow. Akiba askedhim the reason and he replied," She betrothed herself toan ignorant shepherd who could not even say the blessingover meals." And Akiba replied" But if he has since becomea scholar?" Kalba Shebua replied," If he only knew theblessing I would give him half my fortune." And Akibareplied," I am the man," and his father- in- law at once aroseand kissed him and thanked the Lord for His mercy. AsAkiba drew near to his house his wife came to meet himand fell at his feet and wanted to kiss them; the pupilswished to push her away not knowing who she was, butAkiba said," Leave her alone, for all that you know and allthat I know is due to her, for it is the wisdom of women thatbuilds up the house."
( 149.) 148. King Antoninus was a friend of R. Jehudaha- Nassi. The King went to visit him by an undergroundpassage and the two servants who accompanied him werealways killed, lest through them the people should get to knowthat he had friendly intercourse with the Rabbi. He also gavestrict orders that no one should be with the Rabbi at thetime. Once he met Hanina b. Hama there, but R. Jehuda saidthat he could be trusted. The King ordered him to call the