Once upon a time there lived a very pious man, R. Matya, son of Harash, who was very handsome and had never looked at any woman except his own wife.

One day, Satan passed by and became envious of R. Matya because he had never committed a sin. Satan thought it was impossible for a man to be without sin. Accordingly Satan went to God and said: "Lord of the universe, what is R. Matya, son of Harash, in your sight?"

And God answered: "R. Matya is a very pious man."

Then Satan said: "Give me permission and I will make him sin."

But God said: "You will not be able to make him sin."

Satan said: "Give me permission."

And God gave him permission. Then Satan took the form of a beautiful woman, the like of whom was not to be seen at that time, and placed himself in front of R. Matya, son of Harash, who, when he saw her, turned away.

Then Satan went over and stood facing him on the other side, and again R. Matya turned around.

And whichever way he turned Satan turned also, hoping that the pious man would conceive a desire for her. Then R. Matya said: "I am afraid my evil inclination will overcome me and incite me to sin."

What did the pious man do? He called one of his pupils and told him to bring him some live coals. When the pupil brought the coals, the pious man burnt his eyes out with them.

When Satan saw this, he was very much frightened, for he had hoped that he would cause him to sin. Then God called the angel Raphael and said: "Go down and heal R. Matya, son of Harash."

So the angel Raphael went down to R. Matya and said to him: "The Lord has sent me to heal you."

R. Matya replied: "I do not wish it. What has happened has happened."

The angel Raphael went back to God and said to Him: "R. Matya refuses to be healed."

But God said: "Go to him and tell him that I assure him that no evil passion will have power over him." Then he allowed himself to be healed and God prolonged his life.