The reader learns of the brilliant beginning of the Jewish sage Matan's career, of his happy marriage, of his family, and of his and his wife's bitter old age. The children, whom the father and mother loved so much, became the unwitting cause of the tragic ending of the parents' lives. The narrative utilizes historical and folklore materials. The action dates from about the second century of our era and takes place mainly in Babylon. The author does not punctiliously follow literary sources, and the story is a free interpretation of events.