Two RABBIS approaching Jerusalem observed a fox running upon the hill of Zion, and Rabbi Joshua wept, but Rabbi Eliezer laughed. "Wherefore dost thou laugh ?" said he who wept. "Nay, wherefore dost thou weep," demanded Eliezer. "I weep," replied the Rabbi Joshua, "because I see what was written in Lamentations fulfilled: 'Because of the Mount Zion which is desolate the foxes walk upon it.'" "And therefore do I laugh," said Rabbi Eliezer, "for when I see with my own eyes that God has fulfilled his threatening to the very letter, I have thereby a pledge that not one of his promises shall fail, for he is ever more ready to show mercy than judgment."—Sel.