Zemira poured out her heart to the man telling him of all her troubles and her plan to see the king and ask him to pardon her husband.
The stranger shook his head slowly and said: “Do not think that it is so simple to see the king. He has many officials that will not permit you to bother him. I suggest that you wait until the time for the Simchas Beis Hashoayva. At that time the king comes in his carriage to celebrate before G-d.
“When his carriage pulls into view, throw yourself in front of the carriage. When it stops, approach him and tell him what your troubles are.”
Zemira thanked the kindly stranger and agreed to do as he suggested.
The Day Arrives
The day of the great celebration finally arrived. The path along which the king would ride was carefully strewn with red carpet and flowers. Decorated posts lined the highway and the houses that overlooked the route were jammed with people at the windows seeking a glimpse of the king.
Zemira had arisen early in order to be near the route along which the king would come. As she waited nervously, she heard a great roar come from the crowd down the road and she knew that her moment was at hand.
Rushing out into the road with her little child in her arms, she threw herself before the horses that pulled the king’s carriage. The driver, seeing the woman jump into his path, hastily reined the horses to a halt.
The king leaned out and saw the unfortunate woman lying on the ground. Leaping from the carriage, he knelt by her side and asked: “What is the matter my daughter?”
(To be continued)
