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"What did you mean to say? You have already begun to mar my

undertaking. It is well that thou art undeceived in time. What!

thou didst seek friends! and what friends! they could not have

aided thee, had they been willing. And thou didst not apply to

the only friend who can and will protect thee;-dost thou not know

that God is the friend of all who trust in Him? dost thou not

know that to spread the talons does little good to the weak? and

even if--" at these words he grasped forcibly Renzo's arm; his

countenance, without losing his wonted authority, displayed an

affecting remorse; his eyes were fixed on the ground; and his

voice became slow and sepulchral: "and even if that little should

be gained, how terribly awful! Renzo, will you confide in

me?-that I should say in me! a worm of the dust! will you not

confide in God?"

"Oh! yes!" replied Renzo; "He only is the Lord."

"Promise me, then, that you will not meet or provoke any one;

that you will suffer yourself to be guided by me."