Answer:
What has a thumb and four fingers but is not alive?
I am a tale in childrens' minds. Though an illusion, I occur every night. I give them a fantasy, I give them a fright. What am I?
I can be short and sometimes hot. When displayed I'm never cold. What am I?
In wealth I abound; in water I stand; as a fencer I'm valued all over the land; at Venice I'm famous; by farmers I'm prized; respected by law yet huntsmen despised; consternation and ruin ensue when I break; And the beasts of the forest advantage won't take.
I can run but not walk. Wherever I go thought follows close behind.
When is it bad luck to see a black cat?