[and] indicated with his hand,1 ‘If the goat were better, let it be offered for the daily sacrifice’. Said the king, ‘Since he had no fear of my royal person, let his right hand be cut off.’ But he gave a bribe [and] they cut off his left hand [instead]. Then the king heard [of it] and they cut off his right hand [too]. Said R. Joseph: Praised be the Merciful One Who caused Issachar of Kefar Barkai to receive his deserts in this world. R. Ashi said: Issachar of Kefar Barkai had not studied the Mishnah. For we learned, R. Simeon said: Lambs take precedence over goats in all places.2 You might think that that is because they are the best of their species, therefore it is stated, And if he bring a lamb as his offering.3 Rabina said: He had not even studied Scripture either, for it is written, If [he bring] a lamb . . . And if [his offering be] a goat:4 if he wishes, let him bring a lamb; if he wishes, let him bring a goat.5 CHAPTERV