This story happened during the last years of the life of the great rabbi and scholar, Rashi, when the Crusaders had begun an effort to liberate the Holy Land from the Turks.
A powerful captain, Duke of Lorraine, was about to set out with a large army on his way to Jerusalem. Having heard a great deal of the wisdom of Rashi, he decided to see him and ask his advice. When the Duke came to Worms, where Rashi lived, he sent for the great Jewish scholar. But his messengers came back saying that Rashi refused to come. The Duke became very angry and decided to call upon Rashi himself.
Bursting into Rashi's house, the Duke could see many books on a table, but no one was present. He called, "Solomon, Solomon, where are you?"
Rashi replied, "Here I am. What is your wish, your lordship?"
"But I cannot see you! Where are you?" the Duke called again.
"I am right here, my lord. What is it you wish?" came back the reply.
The Duke rubbed his eyes, but still could not see anyone. Then he said, "I swear to you, O Rabbi Solomon, that I shall not do you any harm. Let me see you."
The next moment the Duke beheld a very saintly looking man bent over his books.
