Note 140 — Chapter XXIII · A.D. 1300-1400. THE JEWS IN GERMANY, THE LOW COUNTRIES, ETC.

i.e., Little Esther. Some historians have doubted this story. They point out that Casimir’s demeanour towards the Jews was only of a piece with his conduct towards the lower classes of his subjects generally. He showed so great a regard for the rights of the despised serfs that he was called ‘the Peasant King.’ Again, it is certain that Casimir’s edict is dated 1343, and his connection with Estherka did not begin till 1350. On the other hand, Casimir’s one weakness was his passion for women, and the Polish historians say distinctly that Estherka gained great privileges from him for her people. Probably both explanations are correct. He granted the edict of 1343 from a sense of justice, and the monopolies of the Jews, later in his reign, at Estherka’s entreaty.