Rachel knew wherein she was more fortunate than other women and her
content and her devotion were beyond measure. So Kenkenes and Rachel
were lovers all the days of their lives.
If ever they grew reminiscent there was one name spoken more tenderly
than any other--the name of Atsu. Kenkenes would grow sad of
countenance and he would look away, but there was no jealousy in his
heart for the tears of Rachel weeping over the task-master who died for
her.
The collar of golden rings became popular in Israel, and, after many
modifications effected by time and fashion, it came at last to be the
insignia of the virtuous woman. For centuries it was worn and no one
knows when the custom died out.
The genius of Kenkenes did not die. His voice enriched with age, and
the rocky vales wherein his flocks wandered had melodious echoes
whenever he followed the sheep. But he never used chisel upon stone
again. His sons were artists after him, but they were handicapped
also. And so it continued for many generations until the Temple of
Solomon was built. Then, though the plans came from the Lord, and
artisans were brought from Tyre, it was the descendants of Kenkenes who
made the Temple beautiful "with carved figures of cherubim and palm
trees and open flowers, within and without.
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