“The heart of her husband does safely trust in her, that he shall have no need of spoil.
“She seeketh wool and flax.”
Here the sheep seemed to be in a familiar atmosphere, and responded in his one word, baa.
“She layeth hands on the spindle, and holds the distaff. Her household are clothed in scarlet. Her children rise up and call her blessed, and her husband praiseth her.”
Dennis had seen many parts of the world, but he had never been introduced to any one in that way before.
The old man added, much to the wonder and amusement of his guest:
“I sheared the sheep and she carded the wool, and she spun the wool and wove it into strong cloth, and dyed the cloth, and here I am clothed against the storm. You see what a wife I have got.”
“And what a sheep you have got, too,” said Dennis. “But may the Lord protect you both. You have a heart to let the sheep warm himself by your fire, and that is why you give me a place here.”
“And now, wife,” said the tall man, “place the best that you have on the table for the stranger. ‘Be not forgetful to entertain strangers.’”
“But, my dear consort, we have only one cake left for us two.”