... However, when it came to making a resolution concerning his future, Joseph found that it was not so easy to fulfill the Rabbi's words. He, a great scholar, and in his declining days, to begin to drive a horse and wagon! Why, that's preposterous! People will think he's become touched in his head.
For a few days Joseph suffered great mental agony while he was weighing the matter, now for, now against it. Finally, he mustered up all his courage and went down to the market place where the coaches were stationed. When the coachmen saw him approach, every one greeted him respectfully, and offered to take him wherever he wanted to go.
"No, my friends, I have no intention of going any place. I merely came, er ... to get acquainted with your profession," Joseph said bashfully.
The coachmen exchanged curious glances, and looked upon Joseph, wondering whether they understood him clearly.
"It's not like you, Rabbi Joseph, to jest," one of them finally said.
"But I am not jesting," Joseph said, his eyes downcast.
Still the coachmen did not believe him. Some of them thought the old man had lost his wits. Finally, one of them approached him and said earnestly, "Follow me to the stable, Rabbi Joseph, and I will teach you the art."
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