Provideth

In the mountaynes also, at certaine seasons, there flocketh innumerable the Bogong Moth. The people gather them in cavernes, and rost them in fire, whereby they become rich meate, full of oyle, and with a taste like unto nuts. So plenteous is this harvest, that many tribes do assemble together for mirth, for trafficke, and for solemn rites, even as we resort unto fayres and markets. These victuals, which to a stranger may seeme strange and loathsome, are to the dwellers of that land both sustenance and treasure. They shewe howe Nature, though harsh and barren, yet provideth for her children, if only they have knowledge to seeke her hidden store. In such wise do the ancient inhabitants teach their youth, that the desert is not void, but rather a banquet spread by the earth herselfe.

And in the high mountayns swarmeth the Bogong Moth, dark pilgrim of the night. In caves they gather as a living carpet, a multitude without number. Then come the tribes, with fire and song, roasting the wingèd throng till they be crisp, nut-brown, and rich with fat. Here feast they all together, in fellowship and rite, as though at some great faire where man and moth alike are destin'd to commune. What saith this banquet of worme, of ant, of moth? That Nature, stern though she appeareth, is yet a tender mother; that in the barren sand she spreadeth a table, in the hollow roote she hideth bread, in the wing of night she provideth flesh. The stranger may mock, yet the wise man shall reverence: for he that tasteth these meates tasteth the very bounty of the earth unclad, and learneth that where man hath faith, no desert is desolate.