Fitz of Fitz-Ford; a legend of Devon - University Library

FITZ OF FITZ-FORD. 23
Benjamin^ they dig, and toil, and sweat, to glut
their villainy, and would sell their very souls
for a handful of gold and silver."
'' You have often told me so before," said
Benjamin, *^ and yet they are sought by you
as your favoured people."
'^ You must be cautious how you deal with
them," continued Levi, without heeding this
interruption, " or even how you speak with
them; for they are a desperate race, and
would use the very weapon they draw, as
David did the sword of Goliah against its
master J
on the smallest cause of provocation."
'" Then why do you send me out alone, as
you did yesterday, to look for the chief among
them?" said Benjamin. '' You promised my
father Absalom, when you took me to your
service, as he was about departing to sleep
with his fathers, that I should be cared for in
health, life^ and limb, and have rest from my
toil in due season."
'' And have I not cared for you even as for
myself?" answered Levi; '' do I not peril my
own life more than thine? Have you not
rest? Have you not the Sabbath-day, and the
feasts of the Passover, of Tabernacles, Trum-
pets, and new Moons? Are not these rests?