Page:The Rebellion in the Cevennes (Volume 1).djvu/209

Rh said Favart. " Why godless?" asked Edmond. "It is only a worldly little pipe," said the squinting huntsman, "all these things proceed from the wicked enemy, to ensnare our souls and hearts through sensual pleasure; in simplicity we should think on the Lord and our lips alone should laud and praise him, but not artificially and seducingly, for it is not seemly. to make jubelee in our sorrow."

"You are too severe," said Stephen, "the birds in the woods praise the Lord and artificially too, in their way."

"They have no reason, no soul," said Favart, "they are poor beasts, even if it were the nightingale herself; it is still no praise to the Lord, they do but call their mates, or brood in their nests, their godiness is all a lie."

"As yon will," said Stephen, at the same time replacing his flute. They came to a number of trees hewn down, and placed so as to form a sort of fence, from out of which a voice exclaimed: "Who