R. Hananiah, son of Hakinai, went to the marriage feast of R. Simeon, son of Yohai. When the ceremony was nearly at an end, R. Simeon said to R. Hananiah: "Friend, remain here until the feast is over, and I will journey with you for the purpose of study."

R. Hananiah did not wait, but went on his way and remained twelve years in the college. When he returned home and entered his town, he found so much change in

the conformation of the streets that he could not find his way to his own house and became quite confused. So he went and sat down at the river-side where the people came to draw water. And he heard one girl calling the other, "daughter of Hakinai."

So he thought: "Surely this must be my daughter, I will follow her." And he followed her.

When he came to his house, he found his wife sifting the flour. When she lifted her eyes and saw her husband, she was so overjoyed that she fainted.

Hananiah then said: "Lord of the universe, is this the reward of my poor wife

who waited for me so long and suffered patiently all the while?"

And he prayed for his wife until she came back to life.

Therefore no man should enter his house suddenly, but should announce his arrival beforehand.