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

FITZ OF FITZ-FORD. 35
vineg-ar to the teeth, and smoke to the eyes.
What talk you of pixies, and simple Naza-
rene fairies ? There is nought dances in the
flood of the lesser light, but the motes in these
foolish people's own eyes. Fear nothing-, Benjamin,
for fear becometh well the woman, who
cling-eth to her husband as the tendril to the
vine; but in a man it is the reproof of shame,
and the fool layeth open his fear. Fear no-
thing, but trust in the providence of God, for
he careth for all his people ; and of him even
the young" ravens, as saith holy writ, seek their
food."
*^ That may be, uncle, but if you were to
turn me out upon this dreary place, and I had
nothing- to eat but what the ravens might bring
me, I fancy I should look long enough before
I might hear them come flapping their wings,
and cawing through the air, with a piece of
flesh in their claws to feed me. It is only a
prophet in Israel, and a great one too, who
can look to be fed by miracles."
'' Benjamin," said Levi, '' you must learn
to trust in Providence, and he will never desert
you at your need. We must not be of doubt-
ful mind. We must trace the finger of heaven
in all things, as I said to my neighbour Ma-