The latter with his son fled and concealed himself in the college when
this fiat became known to him. For some time he remained there
comparatively safe, his wife bringing his meals daily. But when the
officers were directed to make diligent search he became afraid, lest
through the indiscretion of his wife his place of concealment might be
discovered.
"The mind of woman is weak and unsteady," said he, "perhaps they may
question and confuse her, and thus may death come upon me."
So leaving the city, Simon and his son took refuge in a lonely cave.
Near its mouth some fruit trees grew, supplying them with food, and a
spring of pure water bubbled from rocks in the immediate vicinity. For
thirteen years Rabbi Simon lived here, until the emperor died and his
decrees were repealed. He then returned to the city.
When Rabbi Phineas, his son-in-law, heard of his return, he called upon
him at once, and noticing an apparent neglect in the mental and physical
condition of his relative, he exclaimed, "Woe, woe! that I meet thee in
so sad a condition!"
But Rabbi Simon answered:--
"Not so; happy is it that thou findest me in this condition, for thou
findest me no less righteous than before. God has preserved me, and my
faith in Him, and thus hereafter shall I explain the verse of Scripture,
'And Jacob came perfect.
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