New Edition of the Babylonian Talmud, Vol. 1

CHAPTER V.

MISHNA I. The court used to examine the witnesses with seven inquiries, etc. Should one of the witnesses say, "I have something to say in behalf of the defendant," or one of the disciples say, "I have something to say to the disadvantage of the defendant," the court silences him. Why not say that eight queries are necessary? Viz., how many minutes are in the hour? Do you recognize this man as the murderer of the slain? Was he a heathen or an Israelite? Have you warned him? Did he accept the warning? Whence do we deduce that the warning is biblically prescribed? Witnesses who testify in the case of a betrothed woman, if found to be collusive, are not put to death. What is the difference in examination? etc. Until what time may the blessing of the moon be pronounced? If Israel had only the merit of receiving the glory of their heavenly Father once a month, it would be sufficient. They do not drink wine. Why not? In civil cases, the court may say: "The case has become too old," etc. 115-125

CHAPTER VI.

MISHNAS I. TO IV. If the verdict was to condemn, the guilty one was taken out immediately to be stoned. A herald goes before him, announcing: "So-and-so is being led out to be stoned," etc. One stands with a flag. I doubt who had to bear the cost of the flag and horse mentioned in the Mishna. If one of the disciples said, "I have something to say in behalf of the defendant," and thereafter he became dumb—the verse considers the modest person as if he should...