[If] these [fasts] passed and they were not answered [with rain], they must decrease commerce, construction, planting, betrothals, marriages, and greeting one another —- as [befits] people censured by the Omnipresent.  The [distinguished] individuals resume their fasting until Nissan is over. If after Nissan ended rain fell, it is a symptom of curse; as it says: Is today not the wheat harvest ...?

What is the order [of service] for fast days? They would bring out the Ark to the town square and place ashes upon the Ark, the head of the Nassi, and the head of the Chief of the Court, and everyone [else] places [ashes] upon his [own] head.  The eldest among them would preach words of inspiration before them: “Our brethren, it is not stated regarding the people of Nineveh: And God saw their sackcloth and their fasting, but [rather]: And God saw their deeds, that they repented their evil ways. And in the admonition he states: Now rend your hearts and not your clothing.”