Pagina 232 di 788

The tavern was in front like an ark, behind like a temple; the

ark was Noah's genuine oblong chest, known to-day under the

simple name of stable; in it there were various beasts, horses,

cows, oxen, bearded goats; and above flocks of birds; and a pair

each of various sorts of reptiles-and likewise insects. The rear

portion, formed like a marvellous temple, reminded one by its

appearance of that edifice of Solomon that Hiram's carpenters,

the first skilled in the art of building, erected on Zion. The

Jews imitate it to this day in their schools, and the design of

the schools may be traced in their taverns and stables. The roof

of lath and straw was peaked, turned-up, and crooked as a Jew's

torn cap.