The Lot Falls on Raban Shimon

When Raban Shimon and Rebbi Yishmael were taken out to be killed, Rebbi Yishmael fell at the feet of the executioner and begged, "I am a Kohen Gadol, the son of Kohanim Gedolim. Kill me first, so that I will not see the death of my fellow." Raban Shimon pleaded, "I am a Nassi, the son of a Nassi. Kill me first, so that I will not see the death of my fellow."

The executioner cast lots, and the lot fell on Raban Shimon to be killed first. The executioner immediately beheaded him. Rebbi Yishmael took the head in his arms and held it close, placing his eyes against the eyes of Raban Shimon and his mouth against his mouth. In a loud voice he cried out, "Holy lips, you never spoke anything but the secrets of the Torah. How can you be made to lick the dust?"

When Rebbi Akiva and Rebbi Yehuda ben Bava, or Betaira, heard of the deaths of Raban Shimon and Rebbi Yishmael, they arose, put on sackcloth, tore their garments in mourning, and said, "If there was any good in the world, it was in the merit of Rebbi Shimon and Rebbi Yishmael. Great misfortunes will befall the world."