Entering the rich man’s home, Hershele had the following proposition: “The young man I have in mind for your daughter is a wonder boy,” he said. “He’s handsome, learned in the Torah, and he has a wonderful character.”
“Who is he?” asked the rich man, evincing interest.
“Reuven, the butcher’s son,” Hershele replied.
“You bum! How dare you propose a match for my daughter with such a poor man?” He took Hershele by the seat of his pants and threw him out of the house.
The following morning Hershele was back again.
“You again?” shouted the rich man. “I told you not to come back!”
“Calm down,” said Hershele in a soothing tone. “This time I have the real jewel for your daughter.”
Interested, the rich man asked, “Who is it?”
“He is the catch of the town,” said Hershele. “He is none other than the rav’s son.”
The rich man jumped with joy. “Wonderful,” he shouted. “This is really something I never expected. How did you arrange it? Did you speak with the rav?”
“What a question,” replied Hershele. “Indeed, I saw the rav and I talked to him about your daughter.”
“And what did he say?” asked the rich man eagerly.
“What did he say? He said the same thing you said the other day, “You bum! How dare you propose such a match for my son! Out of my house this minute!’ And he, too, took me by my pants and threw me out!”