fraction. This is illustrated by an anecdote from the Talmudic
leaflet entitled Callah, respecting Rabbi Akiva, whose fame
extends from one end of the world to the other. (See _Yevamoth_,
fol. 16, col. 2).

Once upon a time, as the Elders were sitting together, two lads
passed by them, one with his head covered and the other
bareheaded. Of the latter boy as he passed Rabbi Elazar said,
"He is a Mamzer," and Rabbi Yehoshua, "He is a Ben Haniddah,"
but Rabbi Akiva contended, "He is both a Mamzer and a Ben
Haniddah." Upon which the Elders said to Rabbi Akiva, "How
darest thou be so bold as dispute the assertion of thy masters?"
"Because I can substantiate what I say," was his answer. He then
went to the mother of the lad, and found her selling pease in
the market place. "Daughter," said he to her, "if thou wilt
answer all that I ask of thee, I will ensure thee a portion in
the life to come." She replied, "Let me have thy oath and I will
do so." Then taking the oath with his lips but nullifying it in
his heart, he asked her, "What sort of a son is thy lad?" She
replied, "When I entered my bridal chamber I was a Niddah, and
consequently my husband kept away from me." Thus it was found
out that the boy was a Mamzer and a Ben Haniddah; upon which the
sages exclaimed, "Great is Rabbi Akiva, for he has overcome his
masters;" and as they congratulated him they said, "Blessed be
the Lord God of Israel, who hath revealed His secret unto Akiva
the son of Joseph." Thus did the Rabbi forswear himself, and
thus did his companions compliment him on the success of his
perjury; yet the Bible says, "Thou shalt not take the name of
the Lord thy God in vain" (Exod. xx. 7), and "Keep thou far from
a falsehood" (Exod. xxiii. 7).