to extort from him. The little ready money
which was in the country was chiefly in possession of this persecuted people,
and the nobility hesitated not to follow the example of their sovereign, in
wringing it from them by every species of oppression, and even personal torture.
Yet the passive courage inspired by the love of gain, induced the Jews to dare
the various evils to which they were subjected, in consideration of the immense
profits which they were enabled to realise in a country naturally so wealthy as
England. In spite of every kind of discouragement, and even of the special court
of taxations already mentioned, called the Jews' Exchequer, erected for the very
purpose of despoiling and distressing them, the Jews increased, multiplied, and
accumulated huge sums, which they transferred from one hand to another by means
of bills of exchange - an invention for which commerce is said to be indebted to
them, and which enabled them to transfer their wealth from land to land, that
when threatened with oppression in one country, their treasure might be secured
in another.
    The obstinacy and avarice of the Jews being thus in a measure placed in
opposition to the fanaticism and tyranny of those under whom they lived, seemed
to increase in proportion to the persecution with which they were visited; and
the immense wealth they usually acquired in commerce, while it frequently placed
them in danger, was at other times used to extend their influence, and to secure
to them a certain degree of protection. On these terms they lived; and their
character, influenced accordingly, was watchful, suspicious, and timid - yet
obstinate, uncomplying, and skilful in evading the dangers to which they were
exposed.
    When the travellers had pushed on at a rapid rate through many devious
paths, the Palmer at length broke silence.
    »That large decayed oak,« he said, »marks the boundaries over which
Front-de-Boeuf claims authority - we are long since far from those of Malvoisin.
There is now no fear of pursuit.«
    »May the wheels of their chariots be taken off,« said the Jew, »like those
of the host of Pharaoh, that they may drive heavily! - But leave me not, good
Pilgrim - Think but of that fierce and savage Templar, with his Saracen slaves -
they will regard neither territory, nor manor, nor lordship.«
    »Our road,« said the Palmer, »should here separate; for it beseems not men
of my character and thine to travel together longer than needs must be. Besides,
what succour couldst thou have from me, a peaceful Pilgrim,