THE HOLY History of King David, wherein is chiefly learned these godly and wholesome lessons, that is: to have sure patience in persecution due obedience to our Prince without rebellion: and also the true and most faithful dealings of friends.  
Drawn into English Méetre for the youth to r●●de, by john Marbeck.  
AT LONDON Pri●●●d by Henry Middleton, for john Harison. ANNO. 1579.   

TO THE RIGHT Worshipful and his singular good Mistress, ELIZABETH BARRET, wife to Master EDWARD BARRET Esquire: I Marbeck wisheth long life and continual health, to the pleasure of God.  
TO TENDER YOU THE CAUSE or rather the causes (Right Worshipful Mistress) that first moved me to take in hand the travel of this divine History of the holy Prophet king David? This, in my judgement, were not so necessary, as it might prove tedious unto you, and therefore I omit it, saving that thus much I affirm, that aswell in the writing, as in the delivering of it to the press, I not meanly regarded that such histories as God's spirit hath left and commended unto us in the sacred Scriptures, might be advanced before, and infinitely far above those vain, unstable, and most unfruitful devices whatsoever (so I term them as they are to be compared with the histories of Gods holy Scriptures) whatsoever (I say) proceeding from the pen of man, albeit never so thoroughly dipped in the depth and soundest part of that that man's reason might reach unto: But much more I intended to the uttermost of mine ability, to impair hereby the credit aswell of all lewd lying legends of unsound Saints, consecrated and canonised in the high Court of Rome, (the sovereign seat of that purple Whore, whom the Lord with the breath of his mouth shall shortly destroy to the great glory of the Lamb) as also of all filthy, fond, and unsavoury songs, books, and fancies far unfit and ill beseeming the eyes of baptised Christians. And the better to bring this to pass, I have not only endeavoured myself to be plain and familiar in all things, but also (for the more delectation to the Reader) have continued the history whole and entire of itself, without entermingling any matter or discourse that might seem to digress from the order of the Story. And now, having in this sort finished the same, and not finding in myself ability sufficient whereby to express the thankfulness and entire affection of my heart, which I would should be manifested unto you (to whom, as to the right worshipful gentleman your husband, the Lord hath granted great measure of zeal to his truth, and love to his poor Saints) what other shift should I make, being now, as my years and infirmities tell me, trudging to the end of my race, but to use this as a pledge of these the premises which the Lord jesus alone must make absolute at his coming? This little book therefore, in this only consideration and respect, I humbly dedicated and exhibit unto you, beseeching you (right worshipful Gentlewoman) that in receiving it at my hands, you will look into that that my heart hath herein behighted, namely that it be taken as a poor supply of the thing which I own, but (for want of ability) can not otherwise tender. I leave to be tedious unto you, beseeching that Lord that hath a continual eye to his Church, to preserve you and your right worshipful husband long time as bright burning lamps to the comfort of the same, and in the end of your earthly pilgrimage, to cloth you, as he hath already chosen and called you, to wait upon the Lamb, and with him to live and reign eternally.  
Amen.   

I Regum xuj. Chapter.  
WHen as the Lord out of his sight  
had Saul the king reject,  
Unto the Prophet Samuel  
his word he did direct,  
On this wise saying unto him:  
How long wilt thou lament  
For him that I have cast away,  
and of his reign repent?  
Fill now thy horn with oil and ●ome, for I have great delight  
To sand thee forth to Isai that ancient Bethlemite:  
Because I have provided me a king among his seed  
To rule and govern Israel: make haste and go with speed.  
O Lord, quoth he, how shall I go? for I do greatly fear  
That Saul shall take away my life, when he thereof doth hear.  
The Lord made answer thus & said, with thee an Heifer take:  
And say thy only coming is, an offering there to make.  
Give warning unto Isai, call him unto the same,  
And whom thou shalt to me anoint, him will I to thee name.  
So then the Prophet took his way, & came to Bethlem town,  
The Elders feared much to see his sudden coming down:  
Demanding if he came in peace, or what was his intent?  
An offering here to make (quoth he) the Lord me hither sent.  
Do therefore sanctify yourselves, and come with one accord,  
That we together may go forth, and offer to the Lord  
He sanctified both Isai, and eke his sons also,  
Exhorting them (as he was did) with all the rest to go.  
Now, as the people stood before the Prophet Samuel,  
He cast his eye on Eliab, whose stature did excel:  
Wherefore he 'gan within himself to think, and thus to say,  
The Lords anointed certainly is present here this day.  
Then spoke the Lord, let not thy mind nor eye be so abused  
With favour nor with comeliness, for I have him refused.  
God doth not see as mortal man, nor look on outward shows,  
But doth behold the heart within, & virtue where she grows.  
Eliab in his father's sight when he repulse had take,  
Abinadab was brought to prove if he should be forsake:  
But when the Prophet had him seen, he made this answer plain,  
How that the Lord had neither called nor chosen him to reign.  
Then Samma was set forth in place to wait the prophets will,  
And as his brethren sped before, his luck was even as ill.  
Thus Isai seven of his sons he brought forth one by one,  
Whereof the Prophet gave to wit, the Lord had chosen none.  
Hast thou no more, quod Samuel, of sons then here be told?  
I have (quoth he) a little one remaining with my fold.  
Let him be fet, now out of hand sand of thy servants some,  
For we will stay and not sit down till he be hither come.  
Then was he fet out of the field, and from the sheepfold brought  
Unto the Prophet Samuel, as God the thing had wrought.  
This young man's favour did excel, in whom such beauty was,  
That with a special comely grace all other he did pass.  
Now said the Lord to Samuel, arise, do him anoint,  
For this is he whom I do choose, and unto thee appoint.  
The Prophet took his horn of oil, and with advisement good,  
He shed it out on David's head before them as they stood,  
And so forthwith returned home to Rama where he lay:  
And David to his fold again made spe speed and went away.  
From that day forth the spirit of god from Saul to David went,  
And unto Saul a cruel spirit in stead thereof was sent,  
Which vexed him full often times, and did him so molest,  
That for the time of all his wits he was quite dispossessed:  
Which grieved sore his men to see, wherefore they 'gan to say,  
Behold how this most wicked wight doth haunt thee day by day:  
Let there be sought a cunning man, of good and perfect skill,  
On harp or other instrument, some comfort bring it william.  
Provide me then of such a one, go search both ●arre and near,  
Where that the best is to be had, and bring him to me here.  
Than one did say that Isai had a son that did excel  
In music, and upon the harp he played passing well:  
A strong and valiant man of war, well made of bone & limb,  
exceeding wise in his affairs, and hath the Lord with him.  
Then sent the king, and made request that Isai would him sand  
His youngest son, that on his sheep and shepefold did attend.  
Who at the king's commandment prepared therewithal  
A simple present with his son, and sent him unto Saul.  
So David served now the king, and in the Court remained,  
Where he was well accept of Saul, and gently entertained.  
His harness bearer he become. The king sent once again  
To Isai, that David should with him a while remain.  
Then David great attendance gave upon his master Saul,  
To be at hand if that the spirit should chance on him to fall,  
As now and then it came to pass: then David 'gan to play  
Upon his harp so pleasantly, that soon it went away.  
Now after this the Philistines came with a mighty host, 
Cap. 17.   
To war against the Israelites, & pitched in Dammims coast.  
Then Saul the king of Israel them to resist he goes,  
And camped in the vale of Oak, in sight of all his foes.  
The Philistines stood● on an hill: the Israelites were seen  
To stand upon an other hill, a valley them between.  
And while the host stood at a stay, a Philistine came down  
Into the bottom of the vale, a strong and mighty clown:  
His name it height Goly of Gath, so big and huge a man,  
As was in length from top to toe six cubits and a span.  
An helmet on his head he had of hard and massy brass,  
A coat of male upon his back of passing weight it was:  
A shield & boots of brass likewise, which he was wont to wear,  
And scarcely could a weavers beam well counterpoise his spear.  
Now having one to bear his shield, and wait upon the same,  
Against the host of Israel with voice he 'gan proclaim:  
Why come ye out in battle ray? behold I am but one,  
Sand out a man that dare assay to fight with me alone:  
If he do beat me in this place, than we will all be yours:  
If I prevail with force and might, than you shall all be ours.  
This day the host of Israel I do it all defy:  
Sand out a man that we may fight and here the matter try.  
When Saul and all the Israelites had heard and seen his spite,  
They were with fear astonished, and out of courage quite.  
Here now to David Isais son our talk returned shall be,  
An Euphratite of Bethleem, a man of good degree.  
This Isai had unto his sons in number eight in all,  
And he himself well stepped in years now in the days of Saul:  
With whom three of his eldest sons into the wars did go,  
Both Samma and Abinadab, and Eliab also:  
But David went not out with Saul, for he was gone before  
To feed his father's sheep again, and came to Saul no more.  
His father now an aged man, and of the wars afraid,  
Bethought him of his sons with Saul, and thus to David said:  

Isai sent David to relieve his brethren, but God sent him for the deliverance of Israel.  Come forth my son, I'll sand thee now into the host of Saul,  
To see thy brethren how they far, and what thing i● befall:  
Go carry them this parched corn, & these ten loaves of bread,  
For in their hunger it perhaps may stand them in some stead:  
And to their captain under whom their lot is for to serve,  
Present these chéeses in my name, that he may them deserve.  
If need have forsoe thy brethren so that ●●ey have gauges laid,  
Redeem their pledge, and see that all their creditors be paid.  
Then David early got him up, committing all his sheep  
Unto an other skilful man, to tend them and to keep:  
So going forth, he came unto the host that lay about,  
Where as he heard the noise of war, & people make a shout:  
For both the hosts were in array, and stood in other's sight,  
Each one with weapon in his hand as ready for to fight:  
Then leaving all his gear with one that more things had in charge,  
He ran and found his brethren out, saluting them at large:  
And as he stood in talk, comes forth great Goly with his vaunts,  
Provoking still the Israelites with spiteful bitter taunts:  
Whose ugly shape and mighty corpse did so the people fray,  
That they durst not abide his look, but ran from him away,  
Each one to other saying thus, saw you this fiend of hell?  
His coming up is to revile the host of Israel:  
Who so can him deprive of life, and master in the field,  
To him the king his daughter dear & great rewards will yield,  
And furthermore he will also his father's house to be  
In all the land of Israel from tax and payments free.  
Now David hearing all the brags the Philistine had made,  
His heart was moved so within that he braced out and said:  
What shall be done unto the man, what honour to his name,  
That beateth yonder Philistine to save the land from shame?  
For what is this uncircumcisd, what power is in his rod,  
That he should thus revile the host of the true living God?  
The people said to him again as they had said before,  
That so it should be done to him, with praise for evermore.  
Which thing his brother Eliab took in such spite and hate,  
That he (offended with his talk) began him all to rate.  
What hast thou here to do? (quoth he) go home & tend thy sheep,  
Which thou hast left in wilderness without a guide to keep:  
I know the malice of thy heart, which so in thee hath wrought,  
That it & pride hath brought thee down to see the battle fought.  
Then David said, what have I done? there is some cause certain,  
And so departing farther of he spoke the same again.  
To whom the people, as before, assured him of all:  
But some that noted well his words rehearsed them to Saul.  
Who caused him for to be fet that he might see the man,  
And being brought immediately to speak he thus began:  
Let not the king dismayed be, let no man's heart him fail,  
For yonder bragging Philistine I shall (God will) assail.  
Thou art not able (quoth the king) to cope with him in hand,  
So far above thy power he is, thou mayst him not withstand:  
Thou art but yet a boy in age, and he a man of might,  
Brought up & traded from his youth in war & warlike fight.  
Then David to encourage Saul in God's great power and aid,  
'Gan to declare what he of late had done by him, and said:  
Thy servant kept his father's sheep that they should not astray,  
Among the which a Lion came to feed upon his prey,  
I ran & caught him by the beard, & shook him by the jaws,  
So that I rid him of his life for all his ramping paws.  
A Bear likewise with greedy paunch came to devour his prey,  
Whom I by strength did only kill before I went away.  
And as thy servant now hath done to these two beasts in deed,  
I doubt not but this Philistine shall have no better speed.  
I mind (God willing) to remove the infamy and shame,  
And to revenge this wicked talk against God's holy name:  
And as the Lord defended me from Lion and from Bear,  
So from this boasting Philistine he will I do not fear.  
The king well pleased with his talk, gave leave & bade him go,  
Beseeching God to be his guide and shield him from his foe:  
And gave a charge to put upon the armour of the king,  
His sword, his head piece, and his shield, and every other thing.  
Then David did assay himself how well that he could do,  
For he had never proved them ne wonted him thereto.  
Wherefore he turned to Saul and said, I can not go with these:  
So out of all he stripped him to have his arms at ease.  
With staff in hand he got him forth unto a little brook,  
Out of the which five pebble stones into his bag he took,  
And so from thence he made his way apace unto the man,  
Not other weapon but a sting he had to fight with than.  
The Philistine than drew him near to view him that was sent,  
A page before him bore his shield as he to David went.  
Now when he saw so young a man so nakedly arrayed,  
disdainfully on him he cast his eye, and to him said:  
Am I a dog that with a staff thou comest me to beat?  
So cursing him by all his gods he 'gan to fume and fret:  
Come on my child (quoth he) I will dispatch thee in this hour,  
And give thy flesh unto the beasts and birds for to devour.  
Then David not afraid of him nor any thing he saw,  
Did use such talk as he might see he weighed him not a straw.  
Thou comest to me with spear & shield wherein is all thy trust,  
But in the name of God I come to thee in quarrel just:  
The Lord whose name with wicked mouth thou hast blasphemed so,  
This day will use me as a mean to be thine overthrow,  
And minds your very carcases to scatter so on ground,  
That to the fowls & ravening beasts a pray you may be found:  
That all the world both far and near may know it very well,  
How that there is a mighty Lord and God in Israel:  
And eke the whole assembly here shall perfect notice have,  
That neither sword nor spear it is wherewith the lord doth save.  
For sure the battle is the Lords that ruleth in all lands,  
He will this day confounded you all, and put you in our hands.  
With that he stepped forth and came with weapon in his fist,  
The other 'gan to buckle him his malice to resist:  
A stone he had already set and folded in his sling,  
Which at his head he hurled out as hard as he could fling,  
Which (through the Lord) light full upon the forepart of his head,  
And sank so deep into his brain that down he fell as dead.  
Then David ran the groveling corpse there lying to bestride,  
And from the body with his sword his head he did divide.  
A sight no doubt that pleased much the Israelites that day,  
But so dismayed the Philistines that they did run away.  
Then all the host of Israel they shouted at that sight,  
Pursuing them with bloody swords, & slew them in the flight:  
And chase them to Ekron gates they gave them such a foil,  
That they returned joyfully and brought away the spoil.  
Now when as David had (in God) this mighty conquest wrought,  
He was by Abner unto Saul before his presence brought:  
And standing with the bloody head of Goly in his hand,  
The king 'gan say, whose son art thou, give me to understand?  
My sovereign lord I am (quoth he) the youngest son of all  
Of Isai the Bethleemite, most faithful unto Saul.  
This said the soul of jonathas to David did apply, 
Cap. 18. The unmovable love of jonathas and David.   
And firmly sought to knit with his by secret sympathy:  
Whom tenderly he did so love with inward fancy then,  
That greater love could not be wished among the sons of men.  
The king also for this his act did 'cause him to remain,  
And in no wise would suffer him to make return again.  
With David and with jonathas a faithful bond was made,  
That each of them while life did last should be each other's aid.  
At which time jonathas did give unto his friend so dear,  
Both cote and cloak, his bow, his sword, & girdle he did wear.  
Now David so behaved him that all men gave him praise,  
So faithful and so circumspect he was in all his ways.  
The king so well estemd of him that he put him in trust  
To rule and guide his men of war, and lead them as he lust:  
His name was praised every where his honour to enhance,  
The women also set him forth with timbrel in their dance.  
As they the king met at return from slaughter of his foes,  
They sung this song of victory in meeter as it goes.  
King Saul to his great laud and praise his thousand men hath slain,  
But David hath ten thousand times so many killed again.  
With this the king was very wroth and eke displeased sore,  
That unto him they gave so much, and to the king no more:  
For they (quoth he) have set him up ten times above my one,  
And what can he have more except the kingdom all alone.  
From that time forth he cast an eye on David somewhat strange,  
Rewarding all that he had done with hatred for exchange.  
It so befell the morrow next the king to be torment  
With that ill spirit which oftentimes the Lord had to him sent:  
Then David as his custom was to be before his grace,  
Stood playing on his pleasant harp to ease him in that case.  
The king beheld him earnestly, and to himself did say,  
I mind this javelin here of mine shall rid him clean away.  
So in his rage and madding mood at David forthwithall  
He hurled the javelin in his hand to nail him to the wall.  
But David to avoid the stroke as one that was full wise,  
Conveyed himself and did escape his danger once or twice.  
The king no doubt was much afraid to see his purpose fail,  
And David such defence to have that nothing could prevail:  
Wherefore he sought all means he could his honour to abase,  
Withdrew his charge and him removed into a meaner place.  
This notwithstanding prudently he walked in all his ways,  
As one that had the Lord with him for to prolong his days.  
The king perceiving how that he in favour daily grew,  
Was still afraid that danger might thereby to him ensue:  
For Israel and juda both to David cleaved sore,  
And eke their love to him each day increased more and more.  
Then Saul attempted David thus: I will on thee bestow  
My daughter Merob, whom thou hast deserved well I know.  
Which thing he spoke of no good will as he did then pretend,  
But meant thereby the Philistines might bring him to his end.  
When David had considered the offer Saul had made,  
Then he again with reverence to him most humbly said:  
O what am I, what is my life, my stock or my degregrée,  
That I so vile and base a wight thy son in law should be?  
But how so ere the matter went, when David should enjoy  
His wife of Saul, he had conceyud in mind an other toy,  
And minded to defeat him clean whom he enticed so,  
Intending his forenamed child on Adriel to bestow.  
Then was it unto Saul declared what favour Michol had  
To David, as it did appear, whereof the king was glad:  
She shall be his, and by her means he shall be caught in snare,  
And fall into the Heathens hands before he be ware.  
Pretending then as he would seem his very friend to be,  
My youngest daughter thou shalt have, & be my son (quoth he)  
And turning him unto his men, in secret to them said,  
Persuade him if ye can to cast his fancy on the maid:  
And say to him, behold the king doth greatly favour thee,  
In thee it lies, refuse it not his son in law to be:  
Also his servants love thee well, they wish thee for to stay  
Thyself upon the king's request, and to his will obey.  
The servants went & all these things they put in David's head,  
Whose answer showed he would not be by their persuasions led.  
Doth it, said he, seem unto you so small and light a thing,  
For me to be the son in law to such a mighty king?  
I am a man both poor and base, of reputation small,  
And have no dowry for to give, her to enrich withal.  
The men returned back again and made a true report  
Of all the answer David gave to them, and in what sort.  
Go yet, quoth he, and tell him thus, the king doth nothing crave,  
But of one hundred Philistines their foreskins for to have,  
That through his courage to his name immortal praise may rise,  
And I upon my deadly foes may be revenged likewise.  
Now saul's intent was only this, to bring him into thrall  
And danger of the Philistines, to lose both life and all.  
The messengers to David went and told him how it stood,  
What dowry he must seek to give to match in Royal blood.  
Now having good occasion given with Philistines to mell,  
To be the son in law to Saul it pleased David well.  
Not many days were passed when he his promise had fulfilled,  
And slain two hundred Philistines as he thereto was wild,  
Whose skins were brought & given to Saul by David & his men,  
So that of right he might not hold his daughter from him then.  
Wherefore the king did Michol give to David as his wife,  
Who loved him full tenderly even as she loved her life.  
Now having both the Lord with him, & Michols heart in hold,  
It made the king the more afraid of him an hundred fold.  
So deep a root had malice caught within his heart and eye,  
That unto David he become a deadly enemy.  
But David so behaved him with wisdom as it seemed,  
That none among the men of Saul above him was esteemed.  

Cap. 19  Wherefore now saul's hypocrisy which he so long had hid,  
Braced out in open cruelty, and caused him to bid  
Both jonathas and eke his men that David they should kill,  
Who were full sorry in their hearts, and loath to do him ill.  

The first proof of jonathas fidelity to David.  When jonathas perceived well his father sought to wreak  
His malice on the innocent, with David he did break,  
And said: my father means deceit and seeks thine overthrow,  
Lake heed therefore, it stands thee on thy wisdom now to show,  
Go hide thee in some secret place, and keep thee out of sight:  
Until the morrow day put forth the comfort of his light,  
And I will stand my father by in field where that thou art,  
And do the best I can with him to feel and grope his heart:  
And as I found him bend to thee, to kill or eke to save,  
Doubt not but I will found the means that thou shalt knowledge have.  
As jonathas was in the field and by his father stood,  
And having talk of David there, he spoke of him much good.  
Let not the king (said jonathas) against thy servant sin,  
For he hath not offended thee without nor yet within:  
Did he not kill the Philistine with danger of his life,  
And brought therewith to Israel great peace in place of strife?  
Thou saw it well and did rejoice, now therefore take a pause,  
And do not hurt the innocent, nor kill without a cause.  
Then Saul gave ear to jonathas God wots full feignedly,  
Although he swore unto the Lord that David should not die.  
Yet jonathas upon his oath did David to him call,  
Declaring how the matter stood, and brought him unto Saul.  
With whom he was, and served him as he had in times past,  
But envy bore such rule in him that long it did not last.  
For now the wars began a fresh, and David by God's might  
Slay many of the Philistines, and put the rest to flight.  
The king envying this good luck which God had David sent,  
Was through the wicked spirit possessed, again to mischief bend.  
For as he sat his full intent was David to have slain,  
At whom he threw with mighty force his javelin, but in vain:  
For David shunned the deadly stroke, and durst not bide in sight,  
But got him home unto him wife, who saved him that night.  
For Saul had sent his men of arms to guard his house about,  
With charge to see him there dispatched before that he came out.  
Then Michol like a faithful wife gave counsel very good, 
The faithf●nnesse of Michol to her husband David.   
And bade him save himself that night, for sure they sought his blood.  
No other shift she had to make their purpose to prevent,  
But at a window let him down, and so away he went.  
Who being gone she took and laid an image in his bed,  
A pillow stuffed with Gothish here she put under his head:  
Declaring to the messengers that came their lord to please,  
How that in bed her husband lay not very well at ease.  
Of this they made certificate to Saul to know his will,  
Who bade them bring him bed and all that so he might him kill.  
But when the men were entered in and stood by his bedstocke,  
They found not David whom they sought, but in his place a block.  
Then Saul of Michol made demand wherefore she had done so,  
Deluding him and all his men to let his enemy go?  
Alas (quoth she) I could not choose I so enforced was,  
He threatened me with present death unless I let him pass.  
Thus David being fled away was gone to Samuel,  
To whom he had declared all the case; as it befell.  
From Rama then to Naioth with Samuel he went,  
Remaining there, although that Saul his messengers had sent.  
For they with other Prophets more 'gan now to prophecy,  
So that they had no mind to seek for David earnestly.  
But when as Saul himself was come to Naioth where he was,  
He then for fear departed thence and fled to jonathas,  

●he seconde●●ofe of Io●●thas ' fidelity.  Complaining thus: O jonathas what cause, give I of strife,  
That still thy father and my lord so seeketh for my life.  
Now God forbidden, quod jonathas, he deal so cruelly,  
Expel all fear, pull up thine heart, trust me thou shalt not die:  
For well I know my father will no one thing take in hand,  
But or he doth attempt the same I shall it understand:  
And will he now hide this from me? he is not so unkind,  
To work thy death so secretly, and show me not his mind.  
O jonathas thy father knows, and plainly this doth see,  
What faithful love and tender heart thou bearest unto me,  
Therefore perhaps he will it hide as though it were not so,  
To stay thy heart from pensiveness and filling it with woe:  
But truly as the Lord doth live, and thou dost live with breath,  
One step there is, and scarcely that between me and my death.  
What wilt thou have me do (quoth he) declare to me thy mind,  
For both in wealth and bitter woe thou shalt me faithful find.  
Behold (quoth he) to morrow next the king doth hold the feast,  
Where I should sit at board with him, my room to fill at lest,  
But let me go into the fields and keep me out of sight,  
Till all the feast be done and passed: the third day towards night  
If Saul thy father speak of me, demanding to and fro,  
Say then I craved leave of thee to Bethleem to go,  
Where once a year a solemn feast is holden there within,  
For all the stock and progeny of me and all my kin.  
If he be pleased there withal thy servant shall have peace,  
But if he do intent me hurt his malice will not cease:  
Then shall thy mercy do me good, and with thy bond accord,  
Which to thy servant thou didst make & promise' in the Lord:  
For if in me there can be found offence in all the land,  
Then let me never farther go but kill me with thy hand.  
God thee defend, quod jonathas, for if I did it know  
That any harm were toward thee, of truth I would it show.  
Then David said, how shall I learn what Saul doth say to thee,  
Or who shall tell me if my lord do answer cruelly?  
Come let us go into the field, and so they took their way,  
Where jonathas braced out in words, and 'gan to David s●●●  
O Lord the God of Israel, when I have gropen out  
My father's mind, or that all these three days be gone about:  
If all things touching thee be well, word shallbe brought to thee,  
And if I keep not touch therein, the Lord then punish me,  
And also if my father Saul do seek thy blood to shed,  
I will myself be thy defence, till thou away be fled:  
And so the Lord keep and defend thee where so ere thou goes,  
And be with thee as he hath been with Saul against his foes.  
Now this request of thee I crave, which grant thou wilt I trust,  
That I may live my days in peace to make thy covenant just,  
And when I have run out my course, them for my sake to mine  
Thou wilt not cut thy mercy off when that the sword is thine.  
Not not even when the Lord above thy foes hath all confound,  
And left thee not an enemy alive upon the ground.  
So jonathas renewed his bond, and to the Lord he spoke,  
That David's foes might it revenge if that the same were broke:  
And further swore to keep the bond that was between them sown,  
For David's body, life and soul, he loved as his own.  
Then jonathas to David said, to morrow doth begin  
The feast, whereas the king will spy thy place no man therein:  
Therefore go hide thee out of sight till three days pass, no more,  
Make haste & get thee to that place where thou was put before,  
Even when the matter was in hand, and there remain and lie  
By Ezel stone, which doth direct the way for passers by:  
And I will come & shoot three shafts, and they shall light beside,  
As though my mark were thereabout where thou thyself dost hide.  
Then will I say unto my boy go hence & tarry not,  
Seek out with speed & gather up the shafts that I have shot:  
And if I call and say to him, they be on this side thee,  
Then all is well, be not afraid to show thyself to me.  
But if I say, they are beyond, why standest thou so still,  
The Lord hath sent thee then away, and saved thee from ill.  
As touching this, and all that we have spoken of before,  
Between us two the Lord shall be a witness evermore.  
So David hide himself abroad when Saul the feast began,  
Where all the lords save he alone were placed every man.  
〈◊〉 Saul did note full well and mark, yet nothing did he say,  
But thought some one or other let did keep him then away.  
But on the next day when he saw his place was void again,  
Of jonathas he did demand the cause of his refrain.  
Where is the son of Isai? What is the cause (I say)  
He doth absent him from the feast both now and yesterday?  
Then jonathas made his excuse, and said that he was gone  
To Bethleem town, & asked him leave, for that it stood him on:  
For all his kindred there did meet an offering to present  
Unto the Lord, and therefore had his brother for him sent.  
This is the cause that doth him let to come and keep his place,  
Among the peers that present be at table with your grace.  
Then Saul fell out with jonathas at board before them all,  
The son of his rebellious wife he did him name and call.  
I know that thou and David both are joined in one frame,  
Which will be thy confusion, and eke thy mother's shame.  
For be thou sure so long as he doth live upon the earth,  
The kingdom thou shalt not possess whilst thou hast any breath.  
Wherefore go seek and fet him out where ever he be now,  
By force or any other mean, for sure his death I vow.  
What hath he done (quod jonathas) with either hand or breath  
Against your royal Majesty, that you have sworn his death?  
That said, he shook his spear at him with discontented brain,  
Which was a sign to jonathas that David should be slain.  
Whose heart did bleed his friend's estate and danger to conceive,  
No meat could down, and thereupon he rose & took his leave.  
So on the morrow which was now his just appointed day,  
He made his walk into the field and place where David lay:  
And while he tried his shafts to shoot, he bade his page make haste  
and run & mark them where they light, & gather them as fast.  
The boy made haste, and jonathas shot out a shaft or two  
Beyond the place were David lay, as he did think to do:  
And when the boy was at the mark where jonathas had shot,  
He called unto him and said with heavy heart, God wots:  
Are not the shafts beyond thee now, make haste & stand not still,  
The boy with speed them brought to him according to his william.  
Then with his bow and furniture away the boy was sent,  
Not knowing aught of that was done, or what his master meant.  
The boy no sooner home returned with his artillery,  
But David came and to the ground fell thrice upon his knee.  
With weeping eyes each other kissed, their hearts did melt & bleed:  
They wept so long together both that David did exceed.  
Then jonathas to David said, departed and go in peace,  
And let the bond between us two stand fast and never cease.  
So David to Abimelech Nobs priest his journey took, 
Cap. 21.   
Whose sudden sight paid him much, so that for fear he shook.  
And for to know the cause thereof demanded by and by:  
What is the matter thou art come, and hast so few with thee?  
The king (quoth) he hath secret things committed to my charge,  
That none may know, wherefore I have left all my men at large.  
If thou hast any bread or meat, or aught under thy hand,  
I pray thee give it unto me, for here I may not stand.  
Then he for lack of common bread did with himself devise,  
To give him of the holy loaves his hunger to suffice.  
Well yet, said David, one thing more I shall of thee require,  
My harness have I left behind, my weapons be not here:  
If thou have any better store I pray thee lend me one,  
The king did sand me in such haste that I provided none.  
Here is (quoth he) great Golies sword, & showed him where it lay,  
If that may haply serve your turn then spare it not I pray.  
〈…〉 etter sure (quoth he) then that, and therefore made no stay,  
But took it up, and to the king of Geth he went his way.  
Whose court did know him by and by, and therefore gave it out  
That this was David who was king of juda round about.  
Whose praise the women did set forth above all other men,  
Ascribing unto Saul but one, and unto David ten.  
Which saying David noted well, and put them in his breast, 
Now David feigned himself to be mad.   
But yet as one that stood in fear lest he should be oppressed.  
Wherefore his speech he counterfeit, & played such madding fits,  
That all that saw him did believe that he had lost his wits.  
From mouth to beard with loathsome sight his filthy spittle ran,  
And scrauld about from door to door much like a Bedlam man.  
Then Achis said unto his men, ye see it is of troth,  
This man to be beside himself, and wots not what he doth:  
Wherefore then have ye brought him me, as though great need I had  
Of frantic fellows in my sight so foolish & so mad:  
Away with him and get him hence, and trouble me no more,  
My pleasure is such frantic men come not within my door.  
When David had escaped the king by this devised guile,  
Within Odollams' hollow caves he did himself a while:  
Who was no sooner there and known, but thither did resort  
His brethren with his father's house, him only to support:  
And those that were entangled then with debt or else with law,  
And such as were disquieted, all such to him did draw:  
And those that so had flocked to him four hundred were in all,  
And he as captain ruled them, they ready at his call.  
And from that place with all his men he got him to Mizpa,  
A place among the Moabites, where he with favour lay,  
And made request unto the king his good will to obtain,  
That under his protection his parents might remain  
A while with him for their solace, till he did see and know  
What God would do for him and his in their distress and wo.  
The king was well content, and glad that David was so bold,  
And kept them all the while he lay within the fence and hold,  
Where he was warned of the Lord even by the Prophet Gad,  
That into juda he should go with all the men he had.  
Then marching forth came to the wood of Hareth, where he ●●e●d,  
At whose approaching Saul began, as one somewhat dismayed,  
Some means to seek as he might best his state & honour save,  
And leaning to his spear forthwith began such talk to have.  
O hear ye sons of jemini, what have ye take in hand?  
Think you the son of Isai will give you house and land?  
Will he in office you promote great Capteins for to be,  
That ye have thus with him conspired, & none doth tell it me?  
And where as jonathas my son with him hath made a bond,  
Yet none of you will mourn with me, nor let me understand?  
Then Doeg start him up and said, Abimelech the priest  
Had holpen David in his need against the king most highest.  
Wherefore the king put him to death, with all the priests each one, 
The Priests of Nob are slain.   
Save only that Abiathar to David fled alone.  
Declaring how that wicked Saul his father's blood had shed,  
For that he had sustained him, and in his hunger fed.  
I thought no less, quod David then, but such a thing would fall,  
That Doeg would in time accuse thy father unto Saul:  
I am the cause of all this death and great destruction,  
Thy father's house by me are brought to their confusion:  
Abide by me, and fear thee not where ever that I go,  
For he that seeketh for my life shall seek for thine also.  
It so befell the Philistines their force and might had bend 
Cap. 23.   
Against the town of Keilah, whose utter spoil they meant.  
Which thing when David knew, he sought the Lords good will to know,  
Who willed him with good courage fight, & give the overthrow.  
Then said his men, be we not all afraid in juda here,  
How much the more shall we to see the Philistines appear.  
He asked then the Lord again, who did him understand  
He should go down, for he would give them all into his hand.  
So David with his crew of men made haste unto the town,  
And fought against the Philistines till he had bet them down,  
And spoiled them of all their goods, and every thing they had, 
David saved the town of Keilah.   
And saved the inhabitants, and made the people glad.  
Of this the king was certified, and farther to him told,  
How David with his bond of men took Keilah for his hold.  
Whereat the king did much rejoice, and made his reckoning so,  
That God had now delivered up to him his mortal foe,  
For that he was within a town that was of such a strength  
To hold him fast, so that he might dispatch him at the length:  
And so prepared him an host of warlike men and stout,  
To take his way to Keilah the town to siege about.  
Now David being ware of all the mischief Saul had wrought,  
Begun to call unto the Lord, and thus he him besought.  
O Lord the God of Israel thy servant hears report,  
That Saul with might and power intends to Keilah to resort,  
The same (for my sake) to destroy: good Lord I ask of thee,  
Will they that devil in Keilah to Saul deliver me?  
Will he come down, as it is said, good Lord thy servant tell?  
He will (quoth he) come down and bring the host of Israel.  
But will the men of Keilah deceive both me and all?  
Yea (said the Lord) they will of truth betray thee unto Saul.  
Then David out of Keilah departed by and by,  
And sought abroad to find a place where he might safely lie.  
At last within the wild's of Ziph he got a place, and lay,  
Where Saul for him did hunt about, but yet he missed his prey.  

The third proof of jonathas fidelity.  As David lay with fearful heart within the wilderness,  
Came jonathas to comfort him in his great heaviness.  
Fear not (quoth he) in any thing, nor trouble not thy mind,  
My father's hand, assure thyself, thy presence shall not find.  
Thou shalt be king of Israel, and I next after thee,  
The which my father knoweth well, and often hath told it me.  
And so the band was once again renewed on their parts,  
Then each of other took his leave with heavy careful hearts.  
Now while that David lay in Ziph, the Ziphits told to Saul,  
How that both he & eke his men lay in the thicket all.  
Grand mercies (said the king) my friends, but this you must me grant,  
If all be true he lacks no shifts, and therefore mark his haunt:  
And search me out his lurking dens the wilderness about,  
And him with well appointed men I mind to ferret out.  
But David being ware of this prevented all his foes,  
And so unto the wilderness of Maon forth he goes.  
Where he had not been very long or that he heard it said,  
How Saul was coming after him, or whom he was afraid:  
And got him up unto the rock to keep him out of sight,  
The king pursuing him at hand with his great power & might:  
So much that they were almost met and of each other's seéene,  
But that it so fell out by chance a mount was them between:  
Which Saul had almost compassed with armed men about,  
That neither he nor yet his men could any way get out.  
Thus taking thought how to escape his cruel enemy,  
The Lord prepared present help in his extremity.  
Word came the king should home return with all the speed he could,  
The Philistines were in his realm and made what spoil they would.  
Then Saul left of to persecute, & David got him thence,  
To wilderness of Engadi, a place of sure defence.  
When Saul was come from following the Philistines again, 
Cap. 24.   
And was informed credibly where David did remain,  
He took three thousand chosen men and went to Engadi,  
To seek out David and his men which lay in rock on high.  
But by the way it fortuned the king to step aside  
Into a cave to ease himself, which was both large and wide:  
Where in the inward parts thereof lay David and his band:  
Behold (said they) thine enemy is now within thy hand:  
According as the Lord did say and promise' long ago,  
That he would give him unto thee, thy will with him to do.  
Then David rose with stealing steps and got behind the king,  
And from his garment cut a lap, and did none other thing.  
This being done forthwith he felt a prick of conscience,  
As though against his lord and king he had made some offence.  
The Lord (quoth he unto his men) defend me from this thing,  
And grant that I lay not my hand on God's anointed king.  
As truly as the Lord doth live, till God his time hath sent,  
I will not lay my hand on him, nor yet thereto consent.  
So stopped he away his men from doing hurt to Saul,  
And would not suffer aught of them upon the king to fall.  
When Saul was gone out of the cave, than David did not slack,  
But went and cried after him, whereat the king looked back.  
To whom with all obedience, as subjects aught to do,  
He stooped down unto the ground and spoke him thus unto.  
My lord and king what credit hath the words of them that say,  
How David goeth about thy hurt in all that ere he may.  
Behold this day thine eyes have seen how that the Lord thee gave  
Into my hands, if that I would, when thou wast in the cave.  
Some bade me kill thee out of hand, but yet I did refrain,  
And would not lay my hands on him who in the Lord did reign.  
Behold and see within my hand a piece of thy coat lap,  
I might as well have killed thee when this to thee did hap:  
Therefore thou mayst consider well no wickedness in me,  
And that I never in my life committed fault to thee:  
And yet thou huntest after me, away my soul to take,  
The Lord be judge between us both, my venger him I make.  
But God forbidden against my lord that I should once but think,  
In subjects hearts such wickedness aught never for to sink.  
Then after whom art thou come out to hunt so cruelly,  
A dog that hath no life in him, or eke a seely fly?  
The Lord which is a righteous God be judge & pled my cause,  
And keep me from all violence that I offend no laws.  

The great gentleness of David compelled Saul his enemy to yield.  What voice (quod Saul) is this that so is come unto mine ears?  
Is't thine my son? and therewithal he poured forth his tears:  
Thy goodness far surpasseth mine, thou hast done good for ill,  
And thou hast put my lot aside whom thou mights easily kill:  
For who is he that of his foe that vantage hath to slay,  
And yet will suffer him untouched in peace to go his way?  
Wherefore the Lord reward it thee, and make thee recompense,  
For that thou suffered'st none at all to do me violence.  
I know full well, and do confess the kingdom of this land  
Shall after my decease be thine, and come into thy hand:  
And that I may make sure account of thy good will to me,  
Swear that my name & that my seed shall not be hurt by thee.  
Then David made a bond with him to keep it constantly,  
And so departed to an hold from Saul his enemy.  

Cap. 25.  And after that he went unto the forest of Pharan,  
Where Nabal his abiding had, a rich and wealthy man:  
Who had a thousand goats by tale, & eke three thousand sheep,  
Which were defended all by him and those that did them keep:  
For all the while those shepherds lay by David thereabout,  
They missed no goods, nor had no harm by David nor his rout.  
Wherefore he being in distress and want of things to eat,  
Did sand to Nabal, shearing sheep, for victuals to entreat.  

Of the churlish part of Nabal.  Who then refused churlishly to help him at his need,  
And moved David's patience against him to proceed.  
Intending to destroy his house, his cattle sheep and all,  
And for to leave not one alive to piss against the wall,  
Had it not been that Nabals wife Abigael by name,  
With wisdom and discretion had well appeased the same.  
In whom he blessed God that day that her to him had sent,  
To keep him from his own revenge, & from the thing he meant.  
Which woman was of such a grace, and of so pure a life,  
That David after Nabals' death did take her to his wife:  
And took an other of the stock of Israel also,  
For Saul upon one Psaltiel his Michol did vestow.  
When David had been after this among the Ziphits spid, 
Cap. 26.   
They went to Saul and made report where he and his were hid.  
And thereupon he took to him three thousand of his men,  
And went unto the wilderness to seek for David then.  
And pitched up his tents upon the hill of Achila,  
Which lieth over jesimon hard by the common way.  
Then David sent about his spies to know the certainty,  
If that the king were come or no with such a company.  
The thing now being unto him affirmed to be true,  
He made himself a privy spy and went the host to view.  
Beholding well his Lord and king and Abner how they lay,  
With all the people round about, so got him soon away:  
And asked both Abimelech and eke Abisai,  
Who would into the host of Saul go with him privily.  
Abisai offered himself and pressed forth in sight,  
So went they forth as secretly as they could go by night.  
Into the host when they had put themselves in hazard deep,  
Behold the king with all the rest lay hard and fast asleep.  
Then said to him Abisai, God hath delivered now  
Thy enemy into thy hands in form as thou seest how.  
Give leave therefore that I may give but one stroke with my spear.  
And he shall never after this put thee in any fear.  
Not God forbidden (said David then) for who can more or less 
Of David's faithfulness to Saul.   
Lay hand upon the Lords anoint, and be therein guiltless.  
As truly as the Lord doth live the Lord shall do his will,  
In battle or by other means, before I do him kill.  
The Lord me keep both now and aye my hand I never move  
Against the Lords anointed king, whom I am bound to love.  
Then David fair and softly went till he came unto Saul,  
And took his spear and water cruse, and went away withal.  
No man then saw ne marked it, ne took thereof no keep,  
For God had cast upon them all a dead and heavy sleep.  
Then David got him to an hill, where he aloud did call  
Unto the people in the host, and Abner most of all.  
O Abner Abner hearst thou not how I do call to thee.  
Who's' that (quoth he) that so doth cry unto the king and me?  
O Abner art not thou a man most chief in governing,  
Why hast thou then no better kept this night thy lord & king?  
For one there was that entered in this night thy lord to slay,  
Whose enterprise by weapon strong thou didst not seek to stay.  
In this ye have offended all, and worthy are to die,  
In that ye have not kept your Lord with more security.  
Behold & see your master's spear which at his head did stand,  
And eke the cruse of water both, they are now in my hand.  
My son (quod Saul) is this thy voice that cometh to mine ear?  
It is thy servants voice (said he) that liveth in great fear.  
Why doth my lord thus persecute his servant so at large,  
In whom there can no fault be found him justly for to charge?  
If that the Lord hath stirred thee to work me all this smart,  
Then let him smell a sacrifice out of a patiented heart.  
But if from wicked men do come the cause of this discord,  
Then they and their devices be accursed before the Lord.  
For they have wronged me and seek to dispossess in fine,  
Of that which in my Lord my God is due to me and mine.  
Seek not therefore to suck my blood, thou seekest but a fly,  
As he that seeks the seely bird to murder cruelly.  
Then Saul confessed his offence and wrong that he had done,  
Desiring David to return, and called him his son:  
And said he would him hurt no more, nor use extremities,  
Because his life that night had been so precious in his eyes.  
And that with grief he felt remorse of folly did him touch,  
And played the fool, and in his ways had erred very much.  
But David knowing Saul to have his promise broke before,  
Would not return, his sugared words to credit any more.  
But bad the king behold his spear, which he held up full trim,  
And willed him sand and it should be delivered unto him.  
The Lord my God reward each man, and every man preserve,  
As his upright and honest deeds and faith shall best deserve.  
For though the Lord delivered thee into my hands this day,  
Yet on the Lords anointed king my hand I would not lay.  
As I have always pitied thee, and never been thy foe,  
Even so the Lord be merciful to me in all my woe.  
Then he departing to himself complained inwardly,  
And said, no doubt the day will come that he will murder me:  
And I no better way can find this mischief to withstand,  
Then fly unto the Philistines for succour in their land.  
So he from Ziph to Geth that time his journey did address,  
To make his suit to Achis king for help in this distress.  
Where David with his company and his two comely wives,  
Did place themselves, & minded there to pass & spend their lives.  
But yet misliking to remain in Geth that City great,  
Some country place for to possess he did the king entreat.  
At whose request he gave to him the town of Zikleg then,  
Whereto he went and dwelled there, both he and all his men.  
Which town had evermore the name and counted to pertain,  
Unto the kings that wonted were in juda for to reign.  
He and his men had there remained not fully half a year,  
When he played rex, and overran the country every where.  
The Gersurites, Amalekites, the Gersites did he drive  
Out of the land, and slew the rest, not leaving one alive.  
And kept them so they could not pass to Geth no manner way,  
To tell the king how that he did them use from day to day.  
And often being lade with spoils to Geth he would then bring,  
And make presentment of the same in presence of the king.  
Who musing much from whence such store of spoils & prays he brought,  
Would ask what country he had rood, & for the same had sought.  
Among the jews, and such (quoth he) as Southwardly are set,  
I have bestowed myself the spoils and booties for to get.  
Thus making Achiz to believe he hated Israel,  
Become his man, and was retained with him for ay to devil.  

Cap. 28.  It so befell the Philistines to battle did address  
Themselves against the Israelites, and sought them to oppress.  
Then Achis unto David said, thou shalt go forth with me  
Unto the battle, thou and all the men that are with thee.  
If thou (said he unto the king) be pleased I shall go,  
Then shalt thou see and well perceive what I thy man can do.  
But when the lords of Philistines the Hebrews saw a far,  
Which came behind with Achis men, demanded what they war?  
'tis David, said the king, that served king Saul in jewish ground,  
Who I have long retained with me, and very faithful found.  
The lords 'gan frown & much mislike, & said he should not go,  
lest he in fight would give the slip and be their mortal fo.  
For why? he could devise no way in all the world so good  
saul's love to win, as to imbrue his weapon in their blood.  

Cap. 29.  Is not this he whose fame they sang in dances heretofore,  
Ascribing somewhat unto Saul, but unto him much more.  
Then Achis called David forth, and said to him his mind,  
As truly as the Lord doth live I found thee ever kind:  
So honestly thou hast thyself behaved ay with me,  
That from the first day hitherto I can not burden thee.  
But so it is, those lords of mine such favour do not bear  
As I would wish they did to thee, but somewhat stand in fear.  
Wherefore our pleasure is thou shalt return with all thy men,  
And take thine ease till we appoint thy service where & when.  
What have I done (quoth he again) what matter canst thou bring,  
That I may not to battle go to aid my lord & king?  
Of truth (said he) I have thee tried to be a man upright,  
And as an Angel of the Lord I take thee in my sight.  
Yet since my Nobles towards thee do bear a burning heart,  
A greater mischief to prevent we will that thou departed.  
Then David and his men with speed unto his home returned,  
And found what havoc there was made, & all their city burnt,  
The Amalekites had rushed in of malice and of spite,  
And all the people in the town by force had taken quite.  
When David saw their cruel spoils and fury to be such,  
Their wives and children led away, it grieved him very much.  
And being then it doubtful plight what he might best devise,  
For that the people ready were against him for to rise,  
And seek to stone him unto death, unto the Lord he drew,  
To know if that his pleasure was he should those men pursue.  
Yea (said the Lord) pursue them all, and make no longer stay,  
Make speed, thou shalt them overtake and get again the prey.  
So in pursuing after them he chanced for to find  
A certain sick Egyptian left in the field behind,  
Who being well examined did utter all he knew,  
And told him when and where he might Thamalekites pursue.  
And brought him just unto the place where they were laid along,  
Dispersed abroad and making there, with dancing & with song.  
Then David did bestir himself, and ere the morning light  
He slew them all, save that a few escaped in the flight:  
And did recover all his goods, his people eurychone,  
His men, their wives and children all, so that there lacked none:  
Beside the spoils that they had got by this their bloody fall,  
Whereby and that abundantly they were enriched all.  
Thus then returned he gave rewards, and sent about his gifts,  
To all his friends that him reléeud when he was put to shifts.  
This victory upon his foes when David had obtained, 
2. Regum. Cap. 1.   
To Zikleg he himself retired, and there two days remained.  
Behold to him the third day came one from the host of Saul  
With mourning weed, and at his foot before him than did fall.  
The king forthwith asked what he was, & bade his message tell?  
I am (quoth he) escaped from the host of Israel.  
What news (quoth he) are stirring there, & how do matters go?  
Both Saul (said he) and jonathas are slain with many more.  
How art thou sure that Saul (quoth he) and jonathas are slain?  
Vouchsafe (said he) O king to hear, & I will make it plain.  
As I by chance unto the mount of Gilbo took my way,  
With mazed mind I found king Saul upon his spear to stay:  
Then he demanding who I was, and I confessing plain, 
Here Saul is slain.   
Besought me to dispatch his life, and rid him out of pain.  
And thereupon I slew him strait, and took away with me  
His crown, his bracelet on his arm, which I have brought to thee.  
Then David rend & tore his clotheses, both he & all his men,  
For sorrow that the Israelites had such misfortune then.  
He did abstain from meat that day, & mourned for king Saul  
And jonathas, that now had lost their lives their men and all.  
Then David did command the man that had these tidings brought,  
To tell what country man he was, and to dissemble naught.  
I am my sovereign Lord (quoth he) as one to Israel sworn,  
And yet of truth an Amalekite in country bred and borne.  
How is it then (quoth he again) thou wast not sore afraid  
To kill the Lords anointed king as thou thyself hast said?  
Then David gave his men a charge to rid him out of breath,  
For that this heinous fact of his deserveth justly death.  
For he had with his mouth confessed that he the king had slain,  
Wherefore of right blood asked blood to be revenged again.  
This done the king's surpassing grief did not at all relent,  
But did for Saul and jonathas thus bitterly lament.  
O noble king of Israel thus murdered on the mount,  
Thy mighty capteins overthrown of whom thou madest accounted.  
Let neither Gath nor Askalon be told this heavy chance,  
Jest that the daughters of the heathen triumph with song & dance.  
On you ye mountains Gilboa your lord and king is slain,  
Upon your fields be no increase for lack of dew and rain.  
The shields of all the mighty men are cast down for a spoil,  
The shield of Saul, as though he had not been anoint with oil.  
The bow of jonathas my frieud it never turned back,  
Nor yet the sword of Saul my lord of prey did never lack.  
How lovely were they in their lives, how pleasant to behold,  
And in their deaths they never were divided nor unfold.  
Moore swifter than the Eagles foul to fly upon their prey,  
And stronger than the Lions were to bear the spoil away.  
You daughters now of Israel bewail your Lord king Saul,  
Who clothed you with scarlet robes, with purple, & with paul.  
His power, his might, his strength, his life, & all is gone you see:  
O jonathas my dearest friend my heart doth bleed for thee.  
Thy friendly love and faith to me so wonderful it was,  
That all the love that women have it did surmount and pass.  
O Lord how are the mighty men o'erthrown in Israel,  
Their warly weapons all destroyed that pity is to tell.  
When David had lament the death of Saul and jonathas, 
Cap. 2.   
He went and asked of the Lord his pleasure what it was:  
Demanding whether that he should to any City go,  
Or place that were within the land of juda, yea or no.  
The Lord said unto him, go up. And whither Lord, quoth he?  
To Hebron (said the Lord again) this answer take of me.  
Then David went with his two wives, the one a jezralite,  
The other Nabals wife that was the wealthy Carmalite.  
He took the men also with him that of his troubles felt,  
Who with their households all within the town of Hebron dwelled.  
Then came the men of juda forth to him with one accord,  
And did anoint him for to be their king and sovereign lord:  
And told him of the faithfulness of Jabes done of late,  
In burying Saul as did become a prince of high estate.  
Then David sent Ambassadors the jabites to commend,  
For their great love and kindness showed to Saul at his last end.  
The Lord (quoth he) do bless you all with mercy for your fact,  
And I will do the like to you for this your godly act.  
Therefore now let your hands be strong, & turn your hearts to me,  
For Saul is dead, & juda hath me choose their king to be.  
So juda only clave to him, the rest of Israel  
To Isboseth the son of Saul they stack to him aswell.  
Now David joab did appoint his general to be,  
And Isboseth did Abner choose his men to oversee.  
The wars between these houses two increased more & more, 
Cap. 3.   
But David had the stronger hand, the other weakened sore.  
For Abner went from Isboseth upon displeasure take,  
And with king David secretly a faithful band did make:  
And Michol he brought home again, the king's beloved wife,  
Whom Psaltiel did never touch by way of spotted life.  
But or he could the rest all bring about effectually,  
He was by joab murdered, and that most judasly.  
Which sore aggrieved David's heart, as one that guiltless was  
Of joabs shameful wicked act which he had brought to pass.  
Wherefore to joab than he wished, that for his small regard  
Both blood and plagues on him & his might fall for his reward.  
And that he should go with the rest & bring the coarse to grave,  
In sackcloth & in mourning weed, he strait commandment gave.  
Himself all full of heaviness, with sad and heavy cheer,  
Came after Abner as he went, even next unto the beer.  
And as they laid him in the grave according in Hebron,  
The king and people all they wept to see the earth put on.  
But David mourned most of all since treason did him kill,  
And knowing that by nature's course he might have lived still.  
Now when the people came to feast, as they were wont to do  
At burials, the king to eat they could not bring unto.  
By that they knew that Abners' death the king had never meant,  
But joabs grudge did work it out without the king's consent.  

Cap. 4.  It so befell that Baana and Rechab sought the way,  
How they their lord king Isboseth might craftily betray.  
The mean was this, they feigned themselves great merchants for to be,  
Came to the palace of the king his corn & grain to see:  

Here Isboseth is slain traitorously.  Where they by chance found him a sleep, & slew him as he lay  
Upon his bed, & brought from thence his head with them away  
To Hebron, where king David was, and said, behold and see,  
Here is the head of Isboseth thy mortal enemy.  
For through the might that god hath given in working of this deed,  
Thou art avenged both of Saul & also of his seed.  
Then David said unto the men that brought to him the head,  
As truly as the Lord doth live ye are as good as dead.  
As you do now so one did once saul's death to me report,  
And made accounted such news as those should please me in like sort,  
And looked for some great reward for the good news he brought,  
But all the matter went awry against his mean and thought:  
For he was slain and put to death for his most wicked prank,  
And so he lost both life and all his labour and his thank.  
So shall the wickedness of you which have the righteous slain  
Upon his bed, be recompencd with blood for blood again.  
Then having feet and hands cut off for every man to see,  
Were hanged over Hebron's pool as other felons be.  
As for the head of Isboseth the king's good pleasure wild  
It should in Hebron be entombed, with Abner that was killed.  
Then came the Tribes of Israel to David flockingly, 
Cap. 5. David is anointed king.   
As to their king and sovereign lord, with him to live and die.  
So being now the lord and king of all the Israelites,  
He got him to jerusalem, and to the jebusites:  
Who bragging much upon their hold of Zion where they dwelled,  
By force of arms he wan the same, as many of them felt.  
The Philistines now hearing tell of David's power and might,  
Came to the vale of Raphaim against him for to fight.  
Who then demanded of the Lord to know his will therein,  
And whether that the Philistines or he should honour win.  
Go up (said God) and linger not while they be in thy land,  
For I assuredly will give them all into thy hand.  
So David went him forth and came to Baal Perazim,  
Where that he smote the Philistines as God had said to him.  
Then 'gan he say, O Lord my God thou hast mine enemies all  
Divided them, as waters do divide them when they fall.  
The Philistines for haste do leave their Idols all behind,  
And David and his men do burn as many as they find.  
Yet once again the Philistines came forth to fight with him,  
And brought their army whole into the vale of Raphaim.  
Now compass them behind (said God) & watch them well, & when  
They come against the Mulberry trees the onset give you then.  
So David then obeying God a conquest did obtain,  
From Geba unto Gazer town the Philistines were slain.  
Soon after this the king prepared to fet the Ark of God, 
Cap. 6.   
With thirty thousand chosen men of Israel and odd.  
And so out of jerusalem he went his men with him,  
To set and bring away the Ark from Kiriath jarim.  
And that he set with careful heed upon a charet new,  
And from Abinadab his house he decently it drew.  
Two of his sons drove forth the same, Vza and Ahio,  
The one before, tother behind the Chariot did go.  
The king and all the Israelites made melody, and played  
Triumphantly before the Lord as they the Ark conveyed.  
But when the king did see the hand of God on Vza light,  
And strike him dead, because he touched the Ark that went not right,  
He was afeard, and durst not seem to drive it as before,  
But left it Edom for to keep till he had learned more,  
Where it remained about three months, whereby both him & his  
The Lord of hosts with great increase abundantly did bliss.  
Then was it told to David how the Lord had Edom blest  
And all his house, since that the Ark of God had been his gest.  
Then David went and brought the Ark of God from him away,  
With all the triumph and the joy that could be had that day.  
For as the Levites bore the Ark and had six paces gone,  
An Ox and eke a fatted beast was offered up alone.  
And David danced before the Ark as it was driven there,  
And had a linen Ephod on upon his other gear.  
So all the house of Israel brought forth the Ark with shout,  
And trumpet blowing as they went, the noise rang all about.  

Michol despiseth David for dancing before the Ark.  But when as Michol David's wife saw him so dance & spring,  
She grew in great disdain thereat, and did mislike the thing.  
Yet notwithstanding when the Ark was settled in his place,  
He made his offerings to the Lord of mercy, peace and grace.  
Which being done and finished, the people he did bless,  
And to them all of banquet meat dealt something more or less.  
Then he dismissing all the folk assembled in that place,  
Returned home unto his house to bless it in like case.  
Where Michol meeting him could not forbear, but thus did say,  
Good God how glorious was the king of Israel this day,  
Which seemed in thy maiden's eyes uncovered like a sot,  
Whereby of them and other more great hatred thou hast got.  
It was before the Lord (quoth he) that I did dance and sing,  
Who overthrew thy father Saul and chose me to be king,  
And made me ruler over all the people Israel,  
Rejecting Saul and all his house, as thou thyself canst tell.  
And yet if my humility be grievous in thy sight,  
I will be meek in mine own eyes before the Lord of might,  
And of the maiden servants here which thou hast spoken of,  
I shall be had in honour great, when they at thee shall scoff. 
Cap. 7.   
When God had settled David's reign, and him & his had blest,  
And with all Princes round about had given him peace & rest,  
God's glory to advance he sought, and bended all his heart,  
And to the Prophet Nathan then his mind he did impart.  
Behold (quoth he) how that my house is built with cedar trees,  
And yet the Ark hath nothing else but curtains as thou sees.  
The Prophet said, do what thou hast determined to do,  
For God which hath respect to thee will set his hand thereto.  
Thus Nathan spoke before he knew what Gods good pleasure was,  
And did receive a countermand before the night did pass,  
That willed him go unto the king and do him understand,  
That Solomon should build Gods house & he not take't in hand.  
When David being certified what God himself did say,  
He sat him down before the Ark and thus began to pray.  
O Lord my God what great account of me and mine hast thou, 
David's prayer.   
That to such Royal dignity hast me exalted now?  
And yet O Lord I know thou art of such a power and might,  
That greater things to bring to pass is nothing in thy sight.  
Thou spakest of thy servants house a great long while ago,  
Which unto men doth not pertain, but unto thee I know.  
To keep thy word & promise sure, and make it to be known,  
Not for thy servant David's sake (O Lord) but for thine own.  
Thou art (O Lord) the only God that evermore hast been,  
None comparable to thyself was ever heard or seen.  
And what one people in the earth or nation who can tell,  
Is better and beloved more of thee then Israel?  
Thou goest and redéemedst them out of captivity,  
That they might magnisie thy name and make it great to be.  
With mighty signs & tokens out of Egypt thou hast brought,  
Thy people from the nations and from their Gods of naught.  
Thou hast elect and chosen them to be thy people aye,  
And art become their only God to serve thee and obey.  
And now (O Lord) the word thou hast of me thy servant spoke,  
And of his house, make thou it good, let not the same be broke.  
So shall thy name be magnified, and every man shall say,  
The Lord of hosts he is the God of Israel for aye.  
For thou Lord God of Israel hast thus revealed to me,  
And said, I will now build thy house and make it sure to be.  
And therefore hath thy servant found now in his heart to pray  
this simple prayer unto thee to be my help always.  
Let all thy words therefore be true that thou thy servant told,  
And keep thy promise unto him which thou hast made of old.  
And let it please thee for to bless thy servants house with grace,  
That it for ever may abide and stand before thy face.  
For thou my God hast spoken it, let it be done therefore,  
That thou thy servant David's house do bless for evermore.  

Cap. 8. The victory that God gave to David over the Philistines and other strange nations.  Now after this the Philistines he vanquished by strength,  
And thereby rid all Israel from bondage at the length.  
He smote also the Moabites, and meat them with a line,  
And cast them flat upon the ground, and made the rest incline.  
And being thus subdued to him, to him they tribute paid,  
In token that they were his men his Majesty to aid.  
He fought with Hadarezers host, and made a number fall  
As well of horsemen as on foot, beside his charets all.  
The Syrians which aided him and came his part to take,  
Of two and twenty thousand men a slaughter did he make.  
Thus David by the might of God did conquer all the land,  
So merciful was God to him in all he took in hand.  
Now after these great victories the king of Hamath sent  
His son to David with great gifts, therewith him to present:  
For that he had Hadarezer his enemy subdued,  
Who oftentimes with him and his had open war renewed.  
As for the spoils that he did get of silver, gold, or brass,  
He gave it to the house of God what ever thing it was.  
Thus David having got a name through honour he had won,  
Sat in his seat, and judged right to every mother's son.  
And calling now to memory the bond that he did make  
With jonathas the son of Saul, thus openly he spoke.  

Cap. 9  Doth any yet remain (quoth he) of all the house of Saul,  
That I for jonathas his sake may him to honour call?  
One Ziba then his servant old was brought unto the king, 
The restoring of Miphiboseth the son of jonathas.   
That he by talk might see what he could say to every thing.  
Of whom the king demanded then if Ziba were his name?  
Yea sir (quoth he) thy servant is the self and very same.  
Is there (quoth he) yet any left of Saul his line or blood  
To whom I may show mercy too, or do him any good?  
Yea, jonathas (quoth he) hath yet a son alive I know,  
But he is lame upon his feet so that he can not go.  
And where is he (quod David then, hide not if thou canst tell?  
He is (quoth he) in Machirs house the son of Amiel.  
Now then when that Miphiboseth was brought to David's sight,  
He fell to ground, and so did make such reverence as he might.  
Then David said, Miphiboseth be not afraid of me,  
For I will for thy father's sake be merciful to thee.  
Thou shalt enjoy thy father's lands that did to Saul pertain,  
And at my board thy food to eat I will thee entertain.  
Miphiboseth fell down and said, what is thy servant Lord,  
That thou wilt look on such a dog, and set him at thy board?  
Then David said to Ziba thus: the lands and rents of Saul  
Unto thy master's son I give, both vineyard, fields and all.  
Therefore thou & the men with thee do husband well the ground,  
That food for Micahs maintenance with plenty may be found. 
Micah was miphiboseth's son.   
For now thy lord Miphiboseth shall eat his bread with me,  
As though he were one of my sons, and be no charge to thee.  
Now after this it so befell king Ammon for to die, 
Cap. 10.   
A friend of David's in distress that showed him courtesy.  
Wherefore he thought it reason good to recompense his son,  
In this respect for that he had his reign but new begun:  
And thereupon an Embassy to this young king he sent  
To comfort him in heaviness, and for no worse intent.  
His Lords and his Nobility suspected David's men,  
And therefore came unto the king and said unto him then:  
What? dost thou think that David doth intent to thee none ill,  
Or to thy father that he doth this honour of good will?  
His meaning is thy land & strength to search with privy spies,  
And thereupon with might and main thy kingdom to surprise.  
The king gave credit to their talk and thought it verily,  
And thereupon devised how to work them villainy.  
And so for spite and open shame to David and his land,  
The one half of their beards he shaves, & lets the other stand,  
And did their garments all to cut accordingly with tools  
Hard to the buttocks of the men, and sent them home like fools.  
When David heard this misdemean he willed some to go  
And meet his men, who were ashamed that any should then know.  
So they abode at jericho until their beards were grown,  
And then returning home again it was no farther known.  
This spite could David not digest for aught that they could do,  
But sought revenge by open war and did perform it too.  

Cap. 11.  The next year Zibba to besiege he sent his soldiers priest,  
But he within jerusalem abode and took his rest.  

David committeth adultery and homicide.  It chanced so that on a time with some delightful sights,  
He walked upon his house above to recreate his spirits:  
Where he a passing goodly wight espied from above,  
As she was bathing of herself, with whom he fell in love.  
And thereupon he sent his man and bade him word to bring  
What was her name, whose wife she was, & every other thing.  
Word was returned 'twas Bethsabe and one Urias' wife,  
Who in the warfares of his grace was venturing of his life.  
He sent for her, and when she came his heart was so inflamed,  
With her to join in filthiness he nothing was ashamed.  
And she returning to her house by David thus defiled,  
Did sand him word of certainty how that she was with child.  
Then David to avoid the crime which he apparent saw,  
Devised means her to defend from rigour of the law.  
To joab strait he did dispatch a post, and bade him tell  
That he should sand Urias' home, to make the matter well.  
And when Urias came before the presence of the king,  
And had discoursed of the wars and every other thing,  
The king did will him to go home and with his wife to rest,  
To wash his feet and recreate himself as he thought best.  
Urias took his leave and home as David thought he went,  
Who for his service in the wars a recompense him sent.  
But yet in deed Urias did not move one foot away,  
But for that night before his gates upon the ground did stay.  
Which thing when David knew he asked what was the cause, & why  
He went not home unto the house, & with his wife did lie,  
And rest him there a while with her and eke his friends among,  
Until he had refreshed himself upon his journey long?  
Urias' said, our sovereign Lord, the Ark of Israel,  
The tribes of juda, they also in tents and booths do devil.  
My captain joab with his men in open fields they lie,  
Abiding hard adventures there in wether wet and dry.  
And shall I now go to my house there for to eat and drink,  
And have the pleasure of my wife? I did it never think.  
I make an oath even by thy life, and by thy soul, O king,  
So long the Ark doth lie abroad I will not do this thing.  
Then David willed he should remain and tarry one day more,  
And on the morrow should have leave for to departed and go.  
That night he made Urias drunk, him to provoke thereby  
To have a mind unto his wife, and with her for to lie.  
But as before, so now again upon the ground he lay,  
And would not go unto his house what ever he did say.  
Upon the morrow David wrote to joab his intent,  
Which letter sealed surely up he by Urias sent:  
The sum whereof was only this, he should Urias' train  
Unto some piece of service there where that he might be slain.  
Which thing of joab being done and David thereof told,  
He thought himself now safe enough & that he might be bold.  
Then sent he for the woman home, and she become his wife,  
But God was very sore displeased with this his sinful life.  
Now David being wrapped in sin the Lord his Prophet sent, 
Cap. 12. David is reproved for his adultery and homicide.   
Who did propose this parable to make him to repent.  
Two men (quoth he) upon a time within one town did devil,  
The one but poor, the other God had blessed very well.  
The rich man had exceeding store of cattle, ox, and sheep,  
The poor man had in all the world but one poor lamb to keep,  
Which he had fostered & brought up with him from day to day,  
Till it grew up and with his babes 'gan pleasantly to play.  
It eat and drank with him at home, and in his bosom slept,  
And as a daughter dear to him he caused it to be kept.  
Unto the rich man's house there came a stranger as a gest,  
Of all his sheep he would not let so much as one be dressed:  
But took the poor man's lamb away, who had no more but one,  
And so prepared it for his gest, and let his own alone.  
The king was moved with this talk, and grew in choler than,  
And thought no pain or punishment to much for such a man.  
And made an oath that unrevengd that man should never go,  
But should fourfold repay to him whom he had wronged so.  
Thou art (said he) the very man, even thou thyself art he,  
The Lord therefore hath bid me come and say thus much to thee.  
He made thee king of Israel, and of his people all,  
And did also deliver thee out of the hand of Saul:  
And gave to thee thy master's house, and eke his wives also,  
And gave thee juda, Israel, and might have given thee more.  
Why hast thou then so soon forgot the Lord his power & might,  
And fearing not what great offence thou dost before his sight.  
Thou hast Urias murdered, and spoiled him of his wife,  
And thinkest now by marrying her to cloak thy sinful life.  
From thee therefore & from thy house the sword shall not departed,  
And thou shalt see & feel those plagues, & rue them with thy heart.  
And furthermore he will stir up of thine own stock and race,  
Such as shall take by violence thy wives before thy face,  
And give them to thine enemy, who shall in thy despite,  
Misuse them to thine utter shame, yea openly in sight.  
Thou didst thy sin most secretly to hide the same from me,  
But I will do this openly that all the world shall see.  
Here David with repentant heart his wickedness confessed,  
And prayed God to sand him grace to rectify the rest.  
Then Nathan being at his hand, said to him by and by,  
The Lord hath put away thy sin, be sure thou shalt not die.  
Yet since by thee and thy default thy God sustaineth shame,  
The child that now is borne to thee shall die & bear the blame  
And Nathan so departing home the child did sicken sore,  
Whose pain and grief in every place increased more and more.  
Then David fasting for the child besought the Lord with tears,  
To give it health and life withal to run his race of years.  
Great mourning made he for the child, & none could him entreat  
To rise from ground, but there he lay abstaining from his meat.  
The seventh day came, & then the child did end his fatal thread,  
But none durst signify so much or tell that he was dead.  
For all the while he was alive he would not hear them speak,  
And now to tell him of his death would 'cause his heart to break.  
But David through the whispering he saw among his men,  
Perceived well the child was dead, and asked of them then,  
If that the child did live or no? who told him how it was,  
How God had wrought his will in him from life to death to pass.  
Then from the earth he lift him up and washed all away,  
Anointing him and putting on apparel fresh and gay,  
And got him first unto the house of God to give him praise,  
And being turned home to eat his servants to him says.  
We marvel why thou didst lament thy child while it was here,  
And now that he is gone from hence to be of so good cheer?  
So long (quoth he) as it had life I did both fast and weep,  
For this I thought, that God always doth mercy with him keep.  
And who could tell if that he would his mercy to him show,  
And save the child from cruel death if that his will were so?  
But now he is departed hence it booteth not to fast,  
Nor yet to weep, for nothing here on earth is made to last.  
I can not bring his life again, but rather I shall go  
To him than he shall come to me, no doubt the truth is so.  
Then David knowing Bethsabe to be in heaviness,  
Went in to her and sought the means her sorrows to redress.  
Who at her time brought forth a son one Solomon to name,  
Whom God appointed to himself his temple for to frame.  
While joab Rabba to besiege with all his army lay,  
He sent to David messengers, thus willing them to say,  
How he had take the chiefest place of all the City strong,  
Where that the palace of the king and Condites lie along.  
Wherefore he willed David now to come and give the fall, 
A rare example in a captain.   
That he might have the praise himself, and joab none at all.  
Then David with an army went to joab his true man,  
And joining both the hosts in one the City so he wan.  
When he had now the City got and eke the king in hold,  
He took the Crown of from his head a talon weight of gold,  

The ingratitude of the Ammonites punished.  And therewith crowned himself as king to them whom he did foil,  
As for the riches of the land his soldiers had the spoil.  
And calling to his mind the shame which to his men they wrought,  
By all the means he could devise a just reward he sought,  
And plagued them with sundry deaths for to increase their woe,  
With sword, with saw, with fire, with rope, & many torments more.  
Now David as a conqueror returned with his prey  
Unto jerusalem, the place where most he made his stay.  

Cap. 13. Ammon ravisheth his sister Thamar.  Now after this the Lord began to stir his sons to strife,  
And him to plague for his offence commit with Vries wife.  
For Ammon with his sister fair whom Thamar they did call,  
Did fall so far in love that he was very sick withal,  
And could no manner way devise his purpose to obtain,  
For that within her father's house she always did remain.  

jonadab was the son of Simeah David's brother.  Then jonadab a friend of his and one of subtle wit,  
Came unto him and counsel gave for such a purpose fit.  
How cometh this to pass (quoth he) that thou art wasted so  
With inward pensiveness of mind, and will not let me know?  
Then Ammon said, O jonadab I am in love so sore  
With Thamar, as no earthly man can be with woman more.  
Why then (quoth he) do feign you sick, and keep your chamber to,  
And when the king your father comes to see you how you do,  
Then ask him leave that Thamar may on you attendance give,  
And dress good meats to nourish you, if he will have you live.  
This counsel his good friend did give, and he did like the same,  
And so he lay and kept his bed until his father came,  
Whom he in humble wise besought his sister might take pain  
To dress him some good pretty meats to get his health again.  
The king did grant, and did command the maiden so to do,  
And bade her dress such wholesome meats as he had fancy to.  
So Thamar came unto his house and took a little paste,  
Wherewith she made him dainty meat that had a pleasant taste,  
And came & brought the same to him where he was laid alone,  
For he of purpose order took that every man was gone.  
Then Ammon said, come lie with me good sister I thee pray,  
No man is here that can us see, thou shalt not say me nay.  
O good my brother force me not, that were too foul a fact,  
And never yet in Israel was heard of such an act.  
This would be such a blot as I should never purge the same,  
And thou likewise a great reproach shouldst purchase to thy name:  
Yet rather speak unto the king we may in wedlock devil,  
And live according to the law, and then it will be well.  
But Ammon strove and would not cease until that he had got  
His filthy pleasure satisfied, would she or would she not.  
And after this ungodly fact all fancy 'gan abate,  
His love was not before so much but more was now his hate.  
For when he had defiled her he made no longer stay,  
But in a fume and chasing heat he had her pack away.  
This spiteful usage of thy part is very much (quoth she)  
And is as ill as was thy force, and worse if worse may be.  
He gave no ear unto her talk, but like a Bedlam brain  
He turns her out, & locks the door lest she return again.  
And so poor soul away she goes as one without relief,  
With ashes cast upon her head and crying out for grief.  
Then said her brother Absalon, hath Ammon been with thee,  
Well, grieve thee not but tarry here and bide at home with me.  
Now when as David understood of Ammon's wicked part  
Which he with Thamar did commit, it grieved him to the heart.  
And Absalon bore it in mind although he nothing said,  
But thought to have a just revenge when all the wind was laid.  
Now after two years run and passed it chanced Absalon  
To shear his sheep, and did invite his brothers every one:  
The king with smiling countenance he did invite also,  
That with his sons for company might please him for to go.  
Not so my son (quoth he again) thine offer is too large,  
All may not go, lest that we should put thee to too much charge.  
Yet Absalon requested sore, and lay upon him still,  
But he would not, and yet he gave him thanks for his good wil  
Then Absalon pretending love to Ammon, did entreat  
That he might go for company more than for any meat.  
So many needs not (said the king) thou shalt be but oppressed,  
Yet since thou wilt, our pleasure is that he go with the rest.  
Now Absalon had given a charge unto his waiting men,  
When Ammon's heart was most in mirth to fall upon him then.  

Ammon is slain.  And so they slew him at the board, the rest were all aghast,  
Who rose and got them to their mules and fled away in haste.  
Then tidings came unto the king how Absalon had slain  
All David's sons, which he alive should never see again.  
Whereat the king his garments tore, and to the ground he fell,  
His men amazed, and what to do not one of them could tell.  
Then jonadab said to the king, let not my lord suppose  
That they have slaynè the young men all, the rumour falsely goes.  
But Ammon (this my lord is true) thine eldest son is dead,  
For that in heart of Absalon was long determined,  
Because his sister he misused and did such shameful wrong,  
And therefore thought to have revenge though he deferred it long.  
Therefore my lord (I think) may well assure himself of this,  
He shall his sons all safe receive, and none but Ammon mis.  

Thalmai was the king of Gesur, & father to Maacha Absalon's mother.  It was not long (as jonadab had said, but they came thither,  
And told the news, and did lament the king and they together.  
But Absalon was fled and sought assurance to procure,  
And three whole years with Thalmai king remained safe & sure.  

Cap. 14.  The heart of David somewhat lay to Absalon his son,  
Which joab saw and did invent a way to have him won.  
Which was, a certain witty wench well spoken in her speech,  
Should mourningly come to the king and humbly him beseach,  
To grant a pardon to her son which had his brother killed,  
As they by great misfortune were a fighting in the field.  
In fine the king smelled well enough her talk and her intent,  
And asked her if joabs head did not thereto consent?  
She said 'twas true, yet quit herself so well before her lord,  
That by her means fair Absalon was home again restored,  
Who falling down before the king he openly him kissed,  
In token that all former things were quite and clean remist.  
But Absalon soon after this ambitiously began 
Cap. 15. Absalon aspireth to the kingdom.   
For to prepare himself a king, with charets, horse, and man:  
Alluring every where abroad the people as he met  
With fawning speech, so that they 'gan on him their hearts to set.  
When he the hearts of Israel from David had withdrew,  
To him he goes and frames a tale, and not a word was true.  
The sum was this: Such time as he in Gesur did remain,  
He made a vow if ever that he should come home again,  
He would serve God accordingly, his suit therefore is now,  
He might to Hebron go with leave and satisfy his vow.  
The king was very well content. So he did then departed,  
And wrought such treason as was hid within his hollow heart.  
And being there foreslows no time, but sends throughout the land  
To all the Tribes of Israel, by writing of his hand,  
That when they heard the trumpet blow then each man should accord,  
That Absalon of Hebron soil should be the king and lord.  
Yet many of a simple heart with Absalon went out,  
Not knowing of his treason wrought nor what he went about.  
But through the fear and counsel of Achitophel thereto,  
They were persuaded for to join and do as others do.  
For he was very popular and bore a mighty sway,  
And by his means to Absalon great strength grew every day.  
Then David being certified how that all Israel  
Did join themselves with Absalon and eke Achitophel,  
Did will his men for to prepare themselves unto the flight, 
David flieth from his son Absalon.   
For other means he knew of none for to escape his might.  
Make haste (quoth he) lest that they come upon us unawares,  
And smite the City with the sword to bring it full of cares.  
They said to him, what ere thou shalt thy servants point unto,  
With all our hearts and minds we are most ready priest to do.  
Then went he forth with all his folks, save that he let remain  
Ten Concubines to keep the house while that he came again.  
So going from jerusalem unto a certain place,  
One Ithai with all his men did follow him apace. 
The fidelity of Ithai the son of Achis king of Geth, as some do writ.   
And when the king saw Ithai he said unto him thus,  
O Ithai my faithful friend why comest thou with us?  
Return unto jerusalem and with the king abide,  
For thou art but a stranger here, do for thyself provide.  
Thou camest but yesterday my friend, should I disquiet thee?  
I am not sure, nor know what ill or good may hap to me.  
Therefore return, both thou and all thy soldiers, and be gone,  
The mercy and the truth of God be with you every one.  
As truly as the Lord doth live (quod Ithai again)  
I will not hence nor yet dpart, but with my lord remain:  
For in what place the king shall be to venture life or death,  
There will thy servant eke appear so long as he hath breath.  
Come on (said David) let us go, we will not here abide,  
So went he forth with Ithai and all his men beside.  
The country wept all as they went, the people mourned sore,  
To see the king so pass in fear the brook of Cedron over.  

Sadoch followeth after David with the Ark, & is sent back again.  Then Sadoch with the Levites came out of jerusalem  
Unto king David where he was, & brought the Ark with them.  
Who would it not as then receive, but bad that Sadoch should  
Go set it in his place again, let him do what he could.  
For if the Lord do favour me he'll bring me home again,  
And set mine eyes upon the Ark and Tabernacle plain.  
But if the Lord do plainly say, I have to thee no lust,  
Then let him work on me his will, for he I know is just.  
In secret sort than David said to Sadoch, whom he knew  
To be a very secret priest, and faithful, wise, and true.  
Return thou and Abiathar, you and your sons also,  
And in the City there remain till we do further know:  
And I will tarry in the fields within the wilderness,  
Until I reap some friendly fruit of your two faithfulness.  
Then Sadoch and Abiathar as David willed them,  
Returned with the Ark of God unto jerusalem.  
Then David full of grief and care as one that was distressed,  
Upon the mount of Olivet went weeping with the rest.  
With bared head and feet unshod, and tears that trickled so  
That they bedewed all the place as they went to and fro.  
As they and he did thus lament, a messenger doth come  
With heavy cheer & heavy news, whereof this was the some.  
Achitophel had joined himself with Absalon as than,  
And of his counsel and devise was now his chiefest man.  
O Lord (quoth he) let be thy will in this my great distress,  
That all this traitor shall devise may turn to foolishness.  
And being now ascended up unto the mount on high,  
He worshipped the Lord his God in faith unfeignedly.  
There came to him immediately, but as a man forlorn,  
With clots of earth upon his head and garments all to torn, 
Chusai cometh to David who sendeth him to Absalon.   
One Chusai a faithful friend, and with well meaning heart  
Made offer in this time of need his service to impart.  
If thou (quod David) shouldst remain and tarry here with me,  
It would be but a charge to both, as I do plainly see:  
But if thou wilt return and go to Absalon the king,  
And make as though thou didst me not regard in any thing,  
But say thou wilt him only serve as thou his father did,  
And that thy faithful heart to him at no time shall be hid:  
Thy wisdom and thy secretness may stand me in good steed,  
And be a mean their practices may not at all proceed.  
But Sadoch and Abiathar thou shalt before thee find,  
To whom as to my faithful friends thou mayst disclose thy mind.  
And whatsoever thou shalt hear determined in hand,  
That I with all convenient speed may thereof understand:  
For both their sons Ahimaas and jonathan no doubt,  
Give their attendance for to come if any thing fall out.  
So Chusai departed there as David had him sent,  
The wickedness of Absalon and treason to prevent.  
When David was a little past the highest of the hill, 
Cap. 16. Ziba cometh to David to deceive Miphiboseth his master.   
The false and flattering Ziba came with heart all bend to ill  
Against his Lord Miphiboseth, with presents that he brought,  
His master to defeat of all was his intent and thought.  
Now as the king beheld him well and stood himself to ease,  
I pray thee Ziba (than quoth he) what meanest thou with these?  
I have (quod Ziba) asses brought thy men thereon to ride,  
With bread and meat for such as are with thee to eat beside:  
And where as many of thy folk be fayntie as I think,  
To quench their thirst I have here brought good wine for them to drink.  
Then David minding jonathas and pleasures to him done,  
Did ask of Ziba suddenly where was his master's son.  
Then Ziba falsely 'gan accuse his master to the king,  
How in jerusalem he lay in hope of some good thing.  
This day the house of Israel I heard him say (quoth he)  
The kingdom of my father shall restore again to me.  
Then David blinded with the gifts that Ziba to him gave,  
Bade take to him his master's land, for he the same should have.  
Whose swift & hasty judgement might have better been deferred,  
Then so to credit ziba's words the other yet unheard.  
But Ziba now had that he sought and fell upon his knees,  
With giving thanks that he had found such favour in his eyes.  

Semei curseth David.  Now when the king was past the hill to go to Bahurim,  
A kinsman of king saul's came forth and all to cursed him,  
Whose name was called Semei, a spiteful railing man,  
Whose hands & tongue ran all at large, and out of order than,  
Not only railing to his face with bitter crooked talk,  
But also hurling stones at him as he and his did walk,  
And said: Come forth thou bloodshedder, thou man of Belial,  
The Lord hath brought on thee the blood of all the house of Saul:  
Whose kingdom thou usurpest yet, but long thou shalt not reign,  
For God hath gi'en it Absalon to whom it doth pertain.  
And so thou like a murderer art into mischief brought,  
Because that thou hast heretofore the blood of many sought.  
Abisai so moved was with this his railing tongue,  
That he could not withhold himself but to the king he flung,  
And asked leave that he might go that varlet's tongue to tame,  
So foul a mouthed Cur to bark to suffer was a shame.  
But David full of patience in no wise would permit  
That any should gainsay his talk, or that he should be smit:  
And said, that railing tongue of his the Lord himself had sent,  
And therefore no man aught repined or he be discontent.  
And see you not how Absalon my son is set on strife,  
And seeketh means to take away my kingdom and my life?  
If that my son dare this to do, what marvel is to see  
The son of jemini to curse and rail so sore on me?  
Therefore I pray you suffer him to rail and curse his fill,  
For so the Lord hath bidden him to execute his william.  
It may be that the Lord will look on mine affliction,  
And do me good for this his curse and malediction.  
So David going with his men forth still upon his way,  
The spiteful tongue of Semei would never stint nor stay,  
But cursed him, and took up stones and dirt and earth to fling,  
And void of order, fear and wit, he hurls them at the king.  
So David being with his men all weary, thought it best  
Within the town of Bahurim to stay and take his rest.  
And in mean while came Absalon unto jerusalem  
With all his rout, Achitophel for his part aiding them.  
Then Chusai the Harachite to Absalon doth go,  
And pressing near unto his seat he 'gan salute him so:  
God save the king, God save the king. And is't (quoth he) even so?  
Is this the kindness that thou wilt unto king David show?  
Why dost thou now forsake him thus, & come & cleave to me?  
Why dost thou not stick to thy friend that stands in need of thee?  
Not so (quoth he) for whom the Lord and all the people choose,  
I will obey and serve with heart, and never him refuse.  
To whom if not to thee his son should I my duty vow?  
On thee my service to bestow I mind God willing now.  
Then Absalon to counsel went, and first he said unto  
Achitophel, declare thy mind what we were best to do.  
Go take (quoth he) the Concubines that David left behind, 
Achitophel's counsel against David.   
And keep them to thy proper use, and use them to thy mind,  
Then will thy father thee abhor, and those be firm to thee  
Which take thy part, when they perceive you two do disagree.  
This counsel pleased Absalon, and he performed the same,  
And used them in open sight unto king David's shame.  
And well it was allowed off of all men more and less,  
Because they saw it commonly to have so good success.  
Grant me (than said Achitophel) twelve thousand men of might,  
And I will after David go and fall on him this night.  
I will upon him suddenly while that he lieth at rest,  
Who is but weak, and all his men with weariness oppressed.  
So shall thy father be afraid, the people will be gone,  
Then shall I rid him of his life when he is left alone,  
And bring again the people all to thee with one accord,  
Who when they found him dead will come and serve thee as their lord.  
This saying pleased Absalon, his father should not live,  
The rest they thought no man on earth could better counsel give.  
Yet let us hear (quod Absalon) what Chusai will say,  
It may so fall that he perchance will take an other way.  

Chusai overthroweth the counsel of Achitophel.  And when he came he broke to him Achitophel's intent,  
And bade him freely speak his mind and he would then consent.  
Forsooth (quoth he) if I may speak my fancy from the rest,  
The counsel of Achitophel at this time is not best.  
For as thou knowest thy father and his men be very strong,  
And being chafed in their minds, as they have been so long,  
Are now become like cruel bears all rob of their whelps,  
So that their fiersnesse will not pass on thee nor on thy helps:  
Thy father is a man also well practised in wars,  
He will not tarry long in place for fear of sudden scars,  
And for my life he lieth hid, within some cave or den,  
Or other place, where is with him a number of his men.  
If some of those he left behind at first be overthrown,  
Yet that thy men have got the worst it will abroad be blown.  
So shall the ftoutest of thy rout when they thereof do hear  
Be faint & shrink, as though they were all out of heart for fear.  
Wherefore my counsel now is this, from Berseba to Dan  
That all the people may be priest in armour every man,  
So shall thy men as far exceed as doth the seaish sand,  
And when thou comest into the field he fall into thy hand.  
For we shall come on him as thick as dew upon the ground,  
So that there shall not one of all his men alive be found.  
And furthermore if that he be in city or in town,  
We shall with ropes & strength of men pull all that city down,  
And draw it to the river side, and cast it stone by stone  
Into the sea, until we have not left remaining one.  
This counsel pleased Absalon and all the other well,  
Who thought he gave more sound advise than did Achitophel.  
To Sadoch and Abiathar then Chusai doth come,  
And of Achitophel's devise he uttereth the some.  
But thus and thus did I (quoth he) his counsel overthrow,  
And therefore wish some messenger to David now did go,  
And bid him get away this night out of the wilderness,  
And pass the water, otherwise he will be in distress.  
Then Sadoch and Abiathar herein had great respect,  
How that their sons might know of this the matter unsuspect.  
Wherefore the message they commit unto a wench that goes  
To Rogels well, as though she went to water there her clotheses,  
Where that their sons Ahimaas and jonathas did lie,  
That none within jerusalem should see or them espy.  
So they receiving of the maid the message to them sent,  
Made haste and tracted not the time, but forth away they went.  
Yet of a lad they were espied, who told it Absalon  
That such two men were passed forth and out of Rogel gone.  
But they before the messengers that he sent out from him,  
Were got into an house within the town of Bahurim,  
Whereas their host to save their lives within his well them hid, 
Ahimaas & jonathan are hid in a well.   
And made his wife to cover it that they should not be spid,  
Who took a cloth and spread it forth upon the well on high,  
With wheat thereon, as though it were set out abroad to dry.  
And when those came that after them did narrowly pursue,  
And made inquiry where they were, and bade her answer true,  
They are (quoth she) gone o'er the brook but even a while ago,  
If you make speed and follow them they cannot scape I know.  
The men with this delusion went forth and sought in vain,  
Who in the end not finding them returned home again.  
This being known the messengers were let out of the well,  
And came to David and began their message for to tell.  
Go get you o'er the water brook as quickly as you can,  
Achitophel is purposed to kill you every man.  
Then David being certified of all was done, and what,  
He slacked not but hasted forth and over jordan got.  
So going forth he came unto the town Mahanaim  
Belonging to the tribe of Gad, where he refreshed him.  
And lying there his very friends whom he had tried long,  
Came in to see and visit him, and for to make him strong:  
Who brought him beds to lie upon & presents meet for kings,  
With earthen vessels for the use of other needful things.  
Of barley flower and parched corn, of beans and also wheat,  
Of honey, butter, sheep and cheese, for all his men to eat.  
For weary, hungry and a thirst, was he and all his train,  
And their intent was to refresh and ease them of their pain.  

Cap. 18.  Now Absalon with all his men, as ye have heard before,  
Pursued David, and was come the water jordane over.  

Achitophel hangeth himself.  But destitute of his chief stay and staff Achitophel,  
Who hanged himself when that he saw his counsel go not well.  
And being come within the coast and land of Gilead,  
He camped there, and Israel with all the men they had.  
Preparing in a readiness his army in that coast,  
He made Amasa governor and captain of his host.  
And David also now began his numbers to divide  
Into three armies several, with Captains them to guide.  
The first to have in governing to joab he commit,  
The second to Abisai to take the charge of it,  
The third he put under the hand and rule of Ithai,  
Who never would forsake the king but live with him and die.  
Thus when he had in order set his armies for to go,  
He told the people he himself would go with them also.  
Thou shalt not go, the people said, for if we chance to fly  
They will not care nor greatly pass, because they hunt for thee,  
Nor yet regard us any whit though half or more were slain,  
So long as thou art not in reach their labour is in vain.  
Wherefore in City do abide, for thee it shall be best,  
And if we need do secure us, of God thou shalt be blest.  
Then said the king, look what ye will in this thing have me do,  
I am content to frame myself according thereunto.  
Now as the king stood in the gate to see the people pass,  
For disobedient Absalon his heart full heavy was,  
And as the Capteins passed by unto them all he spoke,  
Entreat the young man Absalon most gently for my sake.  
The people heard what charge the king unto the Capteins gave  
Concerning Absalon his son, how that they should him save.  
So forth to battle all they went out of Mahanaim,  
And 'gan the field to fight within the wood of Ephraim,  
Where David's host a slaughter made of twenty thousand men,  
That took the part of Absalon against his father then.  
And by the wood and such mishaps as in the wood did light,  
As many did miscarry as did perish in the fight.  
And Absalon when that he could not make his party good  
With David's men, was put to shifts and fled into the wood,  
Where he was hanged by the hear upon an Oaken bow,  
His horse was gone, and to unloose himself he knew not how.  
A man of David's riding by and chancing him to see,  
Told joab how that Absalon was hanging on a tree.  
And why (quoth joab) didst not thou dispatch him at a blow,  
Ten sickles should be thy reward if thou hadst done but so.  
I do (quoth he) much more the king's commandment regard,  
Then all the sickles which thou wouldst give me for my reward,  
For if to me were given so much as any house could fill,  
Yet would I not stretch out my hand king David's son to kill,  
For I did hear unto his men when he did say thus much,  
Beware ye hurt not Absalon nor yet the young man touch:  
●nd if I had I know full well it would have cost my life,  
Yea thou thyself wouldst first of all have slain me with thy knife.  
Then joab said, I may not here with thee thus trifling stand:  
●nd so he got him forth apace with three darts in his hand,  
●nd thrust them into Absalon as he came underneath,  
●nd other ten did lay him on as long as he did breath.  
Then joab blew his trumpet up the people for to spare,  
●nd pitied them for that he saw how they seduced were.  
The bloody corpse of Absalon they threw into a pit,  
●nd laid thereon an heap of stones to be a mark for it.  
To joab came Ahimaaz he knowing of this thing,  
●et me (quoth he) I pray thee go with news unto the king.  
Thou art no man (quoth he again) this tidings now to bear,  
Thou shalt thereby displeasure get as I do greatly fear.  
But joab said to Chusai, go thou and tell the king  
Of this conflict, and make report of this and every thing.  
He thanked him with reverence, and as a joyful man  
Departed thence with his dispatch, and unto David ran.  
Ahimaaz to joab said, I pray thee heartily  
That I may at this time also run after Chusai.  
And why (quoth joab) wilt thou run? it is not worth thy pain,  
For neither thanks nor yet reward thou shalt receive again.  
Well what so ere befall (quoth he) yet let me go I pray.  
If thou (quoth he) will needs be gone I will not say thee nay.  
Ahimaaz a nearer way had found, and ran so fast  
That he got ground of Chusai although he came out last.  
Now as the king sat in the gate even of Mahanaim,  
With other more such as he had appointed there with him,  
The watchman watching o'er the gate at last he spied one,  
Where he came forth apace apace, and running all alone.  
With that the watchman cried down and told it to the king,  
Who said it was some person sent him tidings for to bring.  
The watchman saw one other come, and thereof gave a sign,  
Who said, it is some messenger with news of me and mine.  
The watch again said to his grace, me think the foremost man  
Doth seem to me as though it were Ahimaaz that ran.  
The king which had experience of his fidelity,  
'Gan say, he is a godly man and wisheth good to me.  
Then came Ahimaaz and said, to thee (O king) be peace,  
That many days and years thy life in honour may increase.  
And falling down unto the earth, he saith, the God of might  
Be blessed now and evermore which puts thy foes to flight,  
And shuts them up into thy hand as birds within a net,  
That now I trust my lord the king security shall get.  
But is the young man Absalon (quoth he) all safe and well?  
Ahimaaz said somewhat then, but would not plainly tell.  
When joab bade thy servants come both Chusai and me,  
I can no more but thus much say, a tumult did I see.  
Well (quoth the king) then stand aside, & turning him he stayed,  
And thereupon came Chusai, and thus to him he said.  
Good news my lord, good news I bring, the rebels of thy land  
Which rose against my lord the king are fallen into thy hand.  
But is the young man Absalon (quoth he) all safe and sound?  
Both he and his confederates lie dead upon the ground.  
Then was the king so much aggrieved that up on foot he stepped 
David mou●●neth for his son Absalon.   
Into his chamber, where alone for Absalon he wept.  
And being but upon the steps his tears for grief burst out,  
O Absalon my son my son, resounding round about,  
Would God (quoth he with sobbing voice) for thee I might have died,  
O Absalon my son my son, still blubbering he cried.  
Then was it unto joab told how David much bewailed 
Cap. 19   
The death of Absalon his son, which nothing him avaylde,  
Whereby the day of victory when they intended most  
To have rejoiced, did become a mourning to the host.  
The people went and stole away as men in dangers deep  
Do fly in battle, and bethink where they may safely creep.  
The king by this time hid his face and cried out amain  
As one that would give up the ghost, because his son was slain.  
Then joab standing in some fear his men would all away,  
He boldly priest unto the king and thus to him did say:  
Thou shamest all thy men of war and makest them to muse,  
Whose faithful hearts for thy defence no dangers did refuse.  
Thou livest, & thy sons do live, & we do live thy men,  
Thy daughters, wives, & concubines, what means this mourning them?  
It seemeth that thou lovest them who sought thine overthrow,  
And weigh'st not thy friends a whit that stuck unto thee so.  
For this thy mourning doth declare that thou regardest not  
Thy princes, neither yet the men that honour have thee got.  
If Absalon had scaped death, I do perceive and see,  
And we thy men our lives had lost, that had well pleased thee.  
Up, get thee forth abroad in sight, and do thy servants cheer  
With gentle and with loving words, or else by God I swear,  
Thou wilt not have a man this night, for they will thee forsake,  
And be against thee every where with all that they can make.  
Which will be worse than all the harms that yet upon thee fell,  
Even from thy youth, or since thou wast first king of Israel.  
Then David got him down to show himself among his men,  
And they that stepped before aside came flocking to him then,  
For all the Tribes of Israel among them did contend,  
Who first should bring king David home unto his journeys end.  
Then such as by the crafty means of Absalon's aspire  
Seduced were by simpleness, and knew not his desire,  
'Gan thus to reason with themselves: full well we understand  
That David hath preserved us, our wives, our goods, and land,  
And that he hath in our defence withstood our mortal foes,  
And for our better quietness hath given them overthrows,  
And that he is our lawful king whom we did once anoint,  
Whom Absalon of life and realm did seek to disappoint:  
Since Absalon is dead therefore, why take we not the pain  
To wait upon our Lord & king, and bring him home again.  
The people reconciled thus, the king to Sadoch sent  
And to Abiathar the priest, declaring his intent,  
Which was, to go and seek with those of juda to persuade,  
Who joined themselves with Absalon in his attempts he made,  
And say to them, why haste ye not king David to restore,  
As do the men of Israel who ready are therefore?  
You are by nature kin to us, our brothers as ye know,  
Why do ye linger last of all your loyalty to show?  
And thus much say to Amasa, of all that may be found,  
He is the nearest kin I have that liveth on the ground,  
And that I swear by God above I mind he shall succeed  
And be my captain general to rule in joabs steed.  
This talk of theirs did so persuade with juda, that they went  
And granted him their present aid, & that with one consent.  
And thereupon they sent him word to let him understand  
That he and his might safely now return into that land.  
So David going with his train even toward jordane shore,  
All juda met him by the way for to conduct him over.  
And Semei who had the king reviled to his face,  
Came now with juda for to seek his mercy and his grace:  
Who coming out of Bahurim with juda for to go,  
A thousand of the Beniamites he brought with him also.  
And Ziba of the house of Saul with all his sons fifteen,  
And twenty servants in a row, was there among them seen,  
Who got them o'er the water brook of jordane, to abide  
The speedy passage of the king, to meet him on that side.  
The king now being passed over but even a little while, 
The wiliness of Semei.   
There came before him Semei himself to reconcile,  
And falling flat unto the ground in mild and humble plight  
Besought him pardon for his faults and his great oversight.  
Impute not now the wickedness that then thy servant did,  
And lay it not unto my charge, but let it all be hid,  
I did misuse full wickedly my lord king David, when  
He from jerusalem went out and fled with all his men.  
I do it know, and now confess that I have done amiss,  
Beseeching thee my lord and king to pardon me for this.  
And now behold I am the first of joseph's house this day,  
That am come down to meet my lord & bring him on his way.  
Abisai with grudging heart offended at his word,  
Said to the king, shall not this dog now die upon the sword?  
That matter doth not appertain to you (quod David then)  
I say this day in Israel there shall not die a man.  
For I am king I know it well, therefore to Semei  
He spoke & gave him gentle words, and said he should not die.  
So forth he went until he came jerusalem unto 
Miphiboseth meeteth the king in jerusalem.   
Where that Miphiboseth him met as well as he could go,  
Who neither trimmed up his beard nor yet did wash his feet,  
until the king in quiet peace returning he did meet.  
Then David said as soon as that he cast on him his eye,  
Miphiboseth how chanced it thou went'st not out with me.  
O my most dear and sovereign lord my servant was unjust,  
For falsely he deceived me that put in him my trust.  
I willed him to prepare mine Ass and all things for the same,  
To ride upon with thee my lord thy servant being lame,  
But with his subtlety he hath thy servant sore abused,  
And unto thee my lord and king unjustly me accused.  
My lord thou as an Angel art that can judge all things right,  
And therefore do as thou shalt think most meetest in thy sight.  
For where as all my father's house was worthy for to die,  
For that with thee and thine king Saul did deal so cruelly.  
Yet was thy mercy unto me thy servant then so great  
That at thy table with thy sons thou settest me to eat.  
But seeing mine inheritance by thee is given away,  
What right have I to come before the king, or more to say.  
Thou need no more to speak (quoth he) we will that this ye do,  
That thou and Ziba shall divide the land between you two.  
Since that my lord (quoth he again) is now returned in peace,  
Let Ziba take all to himself and make his best increase.  

Berselai meeteth king David.  From Roglim comes Berzelai to meet the king also,  
In well appointed wise to wait and with his grace to go,  
Who for the space the king did lie within Mahanaim,  
Did friendly of his store convey all needful things to him:  
For God had blest him very well with riches and with wealth,  
And he wished David great increase of honour and of health.  
The king requested that he would go with him if he might,  
And he would by all means he could his courtesy requited.  
I have not long to live (quoth he) and needful 'tis that I  
Should not so much for honour seek as learn how well to die:  
For I am stepped so far in years that I have no good skill  
To judge or yet discern between the good and that is ill.  
My stomach is so weak it can away with little meat,  
Thy servant hath no taste at all of that which he doth eat.  
In music I have no delight, nor yet in skilful man,  
Why should I to your majesty be such a burden then?  
Thy servant will a little bring the king forth on his way,  
And will beseech my lord that then return again I may  
Unto the land where I was borne, and there to lay my bones,  
Even with my parents in the grave among the gravel stones.  
But if it please my lord the king Chimham my son shall be  
Thy servant, unto whom thou mayst do what it pleaseth thee.  
Then said the king, and for thy sake I will him so reward,  
That thou shalt well perceive I do thy kindness much regard.  
So all the people passed forth, the king with all his train,  
Berzelai then took his leave and turned back again.  
When juda and half Israel were passed Iordans banks,  
And had the king to Gilgal brought as men most worthy thanks,  
Then came the rest of Israel to David and 'gan say, 
A strife between the men of Israel and the men of juda for king David.   
Why hath all juda stole thee now so secretly away,  
And brought the king with all his house past jordan river thus,  
And made not privy thereunto so much as one of us?  
Then juda hearing Israel this great complaint to make,  
Did shape an answer out of hand to them, and thus they spoke:  
The king is near of kin to us, we have him therefore brought  
Of love, and not for great reward or honour that we sought.  
They said again, our part in him is ten times more than yours,  
And being ten to one we say the greatest part is ours.  
You did not well for to despise our counsel in this thing,  
You might have made us privy of restoring home the king.  
Thus they debated to and fro this quarrel of some grudge,  
But juda did prevail therein as every man might judge.  
But now a man of Belial, one Seba called by name, 
Cap. 20. Seba maketh an insurrection against David.   
Had got to him all Israel, and 'gan it to proclaim  
How they no part in David had the son of Isai,  
Nor yet inheritance in him, and spoke it scornfully.  
So when as Seba blew his trump each man got to his tent,  
All ready for to follow him which way so ere he went.  
But juda stuck to David fast, and not a man did miss,  
From jordan to jerusalem were full and wholly his.  
Now while this gear a working was with them of Israel, 
David shutteth up his Concubines.   
King David in his house at home not finding all things well  
Among his women Concubines, who had offence commit  
With Absalon while he was out, 'gan now to punish it:  
Yet not with death as was the law, but shut them all up fast  
In prison close, allowing food so long as life did last.  
Then hearing of these mutinies and stirs in every place,  
Scent out all juda to prepare, and that in three days space.  
And gave that charge to Amasa, but when he broke his day  
He grew in fear of some mishap, and thus began to say:  
Now Seba in this faction shall hurt and harm us more  
Than did my dear son Absalon in his attempts before.  
Take thou therefore Abisai of joabs men a band,  
And press on Seba lest he get some succour out of hand.  
And joab took with him also his men the Corethites,  
With many from jerusalem beside the Philethites.  
And as he marched on his way this Seba for to get,  
Even at the stone of Gibeon with Abasa he met,  

joab slew Amasa. some think he did it for that Amasa took part with Absalon, and that David had made him captain general in his stead.  Who brotherly saluted him as nothing were amiss,  
And made as though he would him take about the neck to kiss,  
But suddenly he smote him in the belly with his knife,  
That all his bowels gushed out, so ended he his life.  
Then joab and Abisai who were together met,  
To follow Seba at the back away apace they get,  
And came to Abel, where he was got in with all his rout,  
Which City joab with his host besieged round about,  
And thrusting at a certain place to overthrow the wall,  
A prudent woman came and 'gan aloud to cry and call  
Unto the people, praying them they would it not defer  
Their captain joab so desire to come and speak with her.  
Who being come she him beheld and asked him if 'twere he?  
I am (quoth he) good wife the same, say what thou wilt to me.  
Then hear thine handmaid what she saith, He said, I hear thee well,  
And will give good attentive ear to that that thou shalt tell.  
It was the use of old (quoth she) and Marshall law I know,  
Before a peace be offered no town to overthrow.  
The City here that I am in which called is Abel,  
Hath always kept fidelity with kings of Israel,  
And yet thou goest about with power a City to subvert,  
Who as a faithful mother peace doth nourish in her heart,  
O joab this thy tyranny with right doth not accord,  
So to destroy the heritage pertaining to the Lord.  
God shield (quoth he) I should attempt this City's overthrow,  
It never came into my thought that cruelty to show.  
But this it is, there is a man, one of mount Ephraim,  
One Seba who remains with you, our quarrel is to him,  
Who doth rebel against my lord king David forcibly,  
Deliver him and we will then departed hence quietly.  
Then let my lord but stay a while and I will forthwithall  
Provide (quoth she) ye shall receive his head cast o'er the wall.  
Then she with wisdom of her words among them in the town,  
Did 'cause his head be smitten off and hurled to joab down.  
A trumpet than he made to blow and from the City went  
With all the host he brought with him, each man home to his tent.  
And joab to jerusalem returned to the king,  
And told him of his good success, and every other thing.  
Now after these seditions the king new order takes  
Among his chiefest officers, and first of all he makes  
joab the son of Zaruia chief captain of the host  
Among the men of Israel to lead in every coast.  
Banaia a warlike man and one of perfect skill,  
The Corethites and Phelethites to guide it was his william.  
The tribute which he had among the nations won with fame,  
He did commit to Aduram to gather up the same.  
Now josaphat Recorder was to note up every thing,  
And Seva Scribe to writ all that pertained to the king.  
But Sadoch and Abiathar were priests of high degree,  
And Ira was chief counsellor and great in dignity.  
Now after this an hunger great the people fell among, 
Cap. 21. The dearth that fell in David's time.   
Which dured in king David's time the space of three years long.  
The king inquired what the cause of this great plague should be.  
The Lord made answer, 'twas for Saul and his great cruelty  
Which he had showed the Gibeonites, with whom duke josua made  
A covenant both of peace and life, and bound them to a trade,  
Which trade they did observe, & yet he sought their overthrow,  
Both juda and the Israelites he sought to pleasure so.  
None of the seed of Israel were now the Gibeonites,  
But were a certain remnant left of all the Amorites,  
Of whom then David did demand what he for them should do,  
Or what atonement shall I make that ye will 'gree unto?  
We will (quoth they) no silver have nor gold of thee at all,  
Nor any man to die for us but of the house of Saul.  
Look what ye will (quod David then) have me for you to do,  
Disclose your mind and you shall have me ready thereunto.  
We do request that of the line and kindred of king Saul,  
In Gibeah before the Lord seven may be hanged for all.  
The king had great compassion on jonathas and his,  
And would not for his oath of old his son should do amiss,  
And was exceeding glad because they did no more request,  
That he might save Miphiboseth from hanging with the rest.  
Fron Rizpa her two sons he took which she did bear to Saul,  
Miphiboseth and Armoni, these two and they were all.  
From Merob other five he took, which she by Adriel  
Had in her life, and after were by Michol brought up well.  
Thus plagued were the sons of Saul even for their father's sin,  
Who did destroy the Gibeonites and had delight therein.  
But Rizpa that was wife to Saul made speed without delay,  
To pitch her tent upon the hill to keep the beats away,  
And would not suffer beast nor foul to touch her sons at all  
Fron harvest time, till God did make his rain from heaven to fall.  
The king when he did understand her motherly intent,  
Their bodies to remove away he caused one be sent.  
The bones of Saul and jonathas he likewise brought away  
From Jabes, who did stealingly from Bethlem them convey,  
Where they had by the Philistines been hanged up on high,  
That day that Saul did loathe his life and willing was to die.  
And so the seven that hanged were and eke the bones of Saul,  
With those of jonathas his son, he did convey them all  
Into the land of Benjamin, and put them in a pit  
Where Cis the father of king Saul lay buried in it.  
When this was done as David did command & give a charge,  
The Lord withdrew the plague of dearth, & plenty sent at large.  
Now after this God gave to him always the upper hand  
Of all his foes the Philistines, which warred in his land.  
He bet them down in battles four, & slew the Giants stout,  
Which to his praise and honour great was noised all about.  

Cap. 22. David for his victories praiseth God.  Then David for the victories which in his latter days  
God gave to him, he thus began to give him laud and praise.  
O Lord thou art my rock and fort that dost me well defend,  
My only safe deliverer from those that ill pretend.  
God is my strength, in him I will put all my hope and trust,  
For I do find him unto me both merciful and just.  
He is my shield, the horn of health, my tower that is so strong,  
My refuge and my saviour from taking any wrong.  
I will on him call day and night who worthy is of praise,  
Not doubting then but that I shall preserved be always.  
The pangs of death got me about and gripped me full sore,  
The flowing floods of wicked men did fray me more and more.  
The sorrows of the hell or grave me compassed about,  
The snares were set to trap me in that I should not get out.  
Then in my trouble did I call unto the Lord on high,  
Who from out of his holy place gave ear unto my cry.  
God being wroth he made the earth to tremble and to quake,  
And all the bottom of the mount to totter and to shake.  
A smoke out of his nostrils came when he to wrath was bend,  
Consuming fire with kindled coals out of his mouth he sent.  
He bowed heaven as he came down mine enemies to confounded,  
The misty clouds beneath his feet made darkness on the ground.  
He road upon the Cherub and the Cherubin also,  
And on the wings of all the winds his flight was to and fro.  
He framed darkness as a tent him round about to be,  
With waters gathered into clouds that no man might him see:  
But when he list his presence show and to appear in sight,  
Then with the hail & flashing fire the clouds he maketh bright.  
God with his sundry thunder claps and fiery darts sent out  
With sudden lightnings, maketh them to fear him all about.  
O Lord the sea uncovered was, whose surges rise and fall  
At thy rebuke, and at a blast thy foes were drowned all.  
The Lord hath from the heaven above his help to me sent down,  
And drawn me out of waters great which came on me to drown.  
He by his might delivered me from all my foes each one,  
When I was weak and not of power to cope with them alone.  
They went about me to prevent in my most heaviness,  
But yet the Lord so wrought therein they could me not oppress.  
He brought me forth in open place to have my scope at will,  
And of his favour and his love preserved me from ill.  
And as I was a guiltless man and void of all offence,  
So to the cleanness of my hands I gave no recompense,  
For that I kept the ways of God and walked in the same,  
Nor did not speak against my Lord nor yet his holy name,  
But had an eye unto his laws to keep them in my heart,  
His statutes did I not cast off, nor from them once departed.  
An upright life the eyes of God delighteth much in it,  
From wickedness I did refrain, and would it not commit.  
Therefore the Lord requited all my doings done aright,  
According to my righteousness appearing in his sight.  
The Lord with him that godly is will godly be also,  
And with the man that is upright uprightly will he go:  
With those that are elect and pure he will with them so be,  
And with the froward he will deal with them as frowardly.  
The meek and simple man of heart thou wilt not see confounded,  
As for the proud and lofty man thou pullest to the ground.  
Thou art (O Lord) my light & guide to walk in all thy ways,  
Thou wilt my darkness make to shine as clear as the noon days,  
For by thy help an host of men I shall them make to fall,  
And through my God shall batter down the hard & stony wall.  
The ways of God are uncorrupt, his word must trial have,  
and to the steadfast faithful man he is a shield to save.  
For who is God except the Lord which made both heaven & earth,  
There is none other God but he that giveth life and breath.  
He is the God that girdeth me with strength to go to war,  
And maketh plain the way and path that I may see a far.  
My feet he maketh like the hinds in swiftness for to go,  
And setteth me upon my place as pleaseth him also.  
My hands he teacheth for to fight, mine arms he maketh strong  
To draw and break a bow of steel in compass short or long.  
By thy good sure protection and by thy saving health,  
And by thine aid and mighty strength I do increase in wealth.  
Thou hast enlarged all my steps in stretching them awide,  
And eke my tread made so plain my foot it can not slide.  
My foes I fiercely did pursue, and turned not again  
Until I had put all to flight, and many of them slain.  
I bet and wounded so my foes that in no manner wise  
Once under foot, they could again be able to arise.  
Thou didst me gird about with strength in battle for to fight,  
And hast dispersed all my foes abroad out of my sight.  
The necks of mine ilwillers (Lord) thou didst bow down and bend,  
That I on them might work my will and pleasure in the end.  
They looked round about for help but no man did appear,  
To God they cried in their distress, yet would he not then hear.  
I bet them still as small as dust that wind doth blow away,  
And trod on them as men do tread upon the mire and clay.  
O Lord thou hast delivered me from all seditious bands,  
And made me to be governor and head of divers lands.  
A people strange and eke unknown will humbly me obey,  
Where as mine own will overthwart and stubbornly say nay.  
Now blessed be the living God and praised be his name,  
The God of my salvation that worthy is of fame.  
It is the Lord that gave me power revenged for to be,  
And brought the people all into subjection under me.  
He saved me from all my foes, and set me up aloft  
Above the wicked cruel men that rose against me often.  
I will therefore praise thee O Lord among the Gentiles all,  
And sing unto thy holy name, and thereon daily call.  
Thou hast for thine anointed king such mercy's great in store,  
And them to David and his seed hast given for evermore.  
When David had now ended this his Psalm of thanks & praise,  
He speaketh certain sentences for to conclude, and says.  
King David which is called the son of Isai hath said, 
Cap. 23.   
And the anointed man of God whose kingdom sure is laid,  
The holy spirit of the Lord my speech he doth it guide,  
For to my tongue his sacred word is fast and surely tied.  
The Lord my God of Israel hath this by promise made,  
That in his fear and love I shall the just men guide and aid.  
As morning light when sun is up & void of cloud & rain,  
So shall my house in shining bright & clearness still remain.  
For by his everlasting bond it shall so stand always,  
That it may grow, but not as grass that hath his quick decay.  
But wicked and ungodly men shall be like thorns that prick,  
Plucked up and not be suffered within the ground to stick,  
But yet the man that toucheth them he must be in that case  
Desenced well, that he may take and burn them in their place.  

Here David numbereth his people.  It came now into David's mind his people for to some,  
To see what number in his land would rise thereof and come,  
Commanding joab for to go throughout all Israel,  
And take a view of all his men that under him did devil.  
The Lord thy God increase (quoth he) thy people in thy land,  
But what doth move my lord the king to take this thing in hand?  
The king would not be turned from his purposed intent,  
And therefore for to view his men his lords abroad he sent.  
And passing over jordan brook unto the vale of Gad,  
They went and summed every man from thence to Gilead,  
From thence to jaan, and so forth to Sidon and to tire,  
The Hevites and the Canaanites their numbers to inquire,  
And so from thence to juda land which in the south is placed,  
And therein made to Beerseba their progress at the last.  
Now when they had been thus abroad nine months & twenty days,  
Then home unto jerusalem they turn again their ways,  
Where joab unto David gave the sum of Israel,  
Which were eight hundred thousand men as he did count & tell,  
All fight men, besides all those which juda well could yield,  
Which were five hundred thousand men all able for the field.  
When this was done, within his heart the king conceived then  
A great misliking of his deed for numbering of his men.  
Wherefore with heavy heart and voice unto the Lord he cries,  
That he would pardon this offence committed in his eyes.  
That night the Lord commanded Gad the Prophet for to go  
And break with David for his fault, and tell him so and so,  
And when thou hast in every point these plagues before him laid,  
Then will him for to make his choice as I to thee have said.  
When Gad was come unto the king, the Lords will is (quoth he)  
That of such plagues I shall recite thou make thy choice of three.  
Will't thou have hunger seven years space to overpress thy land?  
Or else three months to feel the smart of wars & mighty hand?  
Or with the plague of pestilence be visited three days?  
Choose which thou wilt, & I will make report of that thou says.  
Hard is the choice O Lord (quoth he) yet Lord let be thy will,  
That I may fall into thine hands to save or else to kill.  
Then did the Lord for three days space a pestilence provide,  
Wherein of David's whole account a seventy thousand died.  
But when upon jerusalem the Angel now began  
To smite and to destroy the same, the Lord repented than  
Of all the former faults commit, and bade him hold his hand,  
For he would have compasson and pity on the land.  
Then David with a sorry heart laments that grievous case,  
And to the Lord with tears he calls for mercy and for grace.  
The people sinned not (O Lord) to have this plague of thine,  
These sheep (alas) what have they done? the sin (O Lord) is mine.  
Let not the harmless innocent be plagued now therefore,  
But me and all my father's house destroy for evermore.  
The Prophet Gad to David came, him willing in this case 
David is plagued for numbering his people.   
To go and rear an Altar up in Ornans threshing place.  
And when that Ornan saw the king and all his men so nigh,  
He met him, and with reverence fell down upon his knee,  
And said to him, why doth my lord come unto me this hour?  
In sooth (quoth he) it is to buy of thee thy threshing floor,  
To make an Altar to the Lord, and pray to him for peace,  
That this great plague of pestilence may from the people cease.  
My lord (quoth he) take what thou wilt, and do as seemeth good,  
Take Oxen, charets, & with them the instruments for wood,  
I freely give them to my lord, and do beseech thy God,  
That he accept thee in his sight and do withdraw his rod.  
Not so (quoth he) I will it shall be truly sold and bought,  
I will not offer to the Lord the thing which cost me naught.  
So David bought the threshing floor and Ox for sacrifice,  
And gave to Ornan for the same as they agreed of price.  
Then offering up peaceofferings upon that Altar now,  
The plague did cease, and God the same did very well allow.  
Now David being old & weak with years & troubles past, 
3. Regum Cap. 1.   
Can not in bed get any heat with clotheses upon him cast.  
His servants than did counsel him some young & tender thing,  
Whose lively blood with pleasant heat might cherish up the king,  
Should lie by him upon his breast, not meaning any harm,  
But raise a vital heat in him and make his body warm.  
And so they made a careful search throughout all Israel,  
And found at length one Abisag in Sunam that did devil,  
Who being brought unto the king her service did employ,  
To call again that lively heat which years and age destroy.  

Adonia aspireth to the kingdom.  And now began Adonia for to aspire on high,  
As had his brother Absalon before usurpingly.  
And 'gan all things for his estate both horse and men to seek,  
His father did not seem at all with any thing mislike.  
The captain joab took his part, and eke Abiathar,  
As chief of counsel every way his matters to prefer.  
But faithful Sadoch that good priest would never take his part,  
Nor Nathan, nor Banaia, would that way bend their heart.  
At Rogel was his sacrifice and all provision had,  
And there unto his brothers all and juda to he bade.  
But Nathan nor Banaia nor other mighty men,  
Nor yet his brother Solomon he called with him then.  
And hereupon to Bethsabe the Prophet Nathan goes,  
And what he sees, and what he hears, to her he plainly shows.  
Hast thou not heard what wicked seed Adonia hath sown,  
And yet unto our lord the king his purpose is unknown?  
But if you love your own estate or Solomon your son,  
Then mark what counsel I will give, and see that it be done.  
Go get thee forth unto the king and thus unto him say:  
My lord O king didst thou not make an oath to me for ay,  
That Solomon my son should sit upon thy kingly seat?  
And now thy son Adonia thereof doth him defeat.  
And while thou talkest with the king about thy son alone,  
I will come after and confirm thy sayings every one.  
So Bethsabe to David went into his chamber bold,  
Where Abisag was ministering because the king was old.  
She bowing down with reverence and great humility,  
He then demanded what the cause of her repair should be?  
My lord (quoth she) thou didst long since unto thine handmaid swear,  
That Solomon should after thee as king the sceptre bear.  
And now behold Adonia he is proclaimed king,  
And thou my lord unto this hour not privy to the thing.  
His Oxen are all offered up, his sheep and cattle fat,  
And hath both joab and his priest Abiathar thereat.  
And all thy sons be there with him save Solomon alone,  
With many other mighty men that unto him are gone.  
And now my lord the eyes of all the people Israel,  
Whom thou wilt have succeed do look that thou thyself should tell.  
For else when that my lord doth rest, both Solomon and I,  
We shall trausgressours counted be as worthy so to die.  
And while she thus stood with the king debating to and fro,  
The Prophet Nathan cometh in his pleasure for to know,  
And when he had with reverence obeisance duly made,  
He told his tale, and with the king 'gan wisely to persuade.  
My lord O king hast thou command or so ordained it,  
That after thee Adonia upon thy seat shall sit?  
For he hath made his kingly feast, and thereto hath he bid  
Thy sons & Capteins of the host, which thing to thee is hid.  
Abiathar with many more in banquets cheerfully,  
God save our king Adonia, God save our king, they cry.  
But me and Sadoch that good priest, nor Solomon thy son,  
Nor yet Banaia they called to this they have begun.  
Is this the kings good pleasure now and made to me so dim,  
That of my lord I may not know who shall reign after him?  
Then David called Bethsabe and thus unto her swore,  
As God doth live who hath me rid from trouble and from care,  
Assure thyself that Solomon thy son shall after me  
Sat on the seat of Israel, and thereof king shall be.  
The Queen then yielding hearty thanks & bowing him before,  
To God she prayed that he might reign and live for evermore.  
The king did call Banaia and Sadoch to him than,  
And Nathan to, and then his mind to break he thus began.  
Go forth and take with you my men, and set up Solomon  
Upon the mule whereon I rid, and lead him to Gihen,  

Solomon is proclaimed king.  And there let Sadoch him anoint with trumpets blowing brave,  
And then with trumpets do you cry, king Solomon God save:  
Then come you all and follow him, and set him on my throne,  
For I have sworn and do appoint he shall be king alone.  
Amen then said Banaia, the living Lord permit,  
That on thy seat a happy king he many days may sit:  
And as the Lord hath been with thee, so let him give his strength  
Unto the seat of Solomon, and stretch it more in length.  
So they departed from the king, and set up Solomon  
upon the Mule as they were bid, and brought him to Gihen,  
Where Sadoch than anointed him, and up the trumpets blow,  
God save our lord king Solomon the people's voice doth go.  
And coming after him with pipes they joyfully do sing,  
Whose sound of voice & instruments made all the earth to ring.  
The voice was such that it did come to Adonias place,  
And made his gests to turn & change the colour in their face.  
But joab 'gan to stir, & said, what means this passing noise  
Of trumpet blowing in the town, and sound of men & boys?  
He had no sooner spoke the word but in came jonathan,  
Who in the presence of them all to tell him news began.  
Our lord and king assuredly upon some weighty thing,  
Hath caused Solomon his son to be proclaimed king:  
They have him brought on David's Mule to Gihen regally,  
Where Sadoch hath anointed him our king and lord to be.  
Where at the people shout for joy that he shall o'er them reign,  
Which is the noise & sound ye hear of him and all his train.  
And furthermore the people hath given thanks to David great,  
And pray to God the son may pass the father in his seat.  
The king likewise hath praised God whose mercy brought to pass,  
That in his seat before he died his son invested was.  
Then all the gests Adonia had feasted that same day  
Were sore afraid, and made great haste to rise and get away.  
And he himself as one that feared the sight of Solomon,  
Did flee and catch the Altars horns to save himself thereon.  
Than one comes unto Solomon and humbly doth begin  
To tell the danger and the fear Adonia is in.  
Add makes request that he would swear & promise' by his word  
That he would not his servant put that day unto the sword.  
If that he may (quod Solomon) to me be faithful found,  
No hair that is upon his head shall fall unto the ground,  
But if I find untruth in him or wickedness espy,  
He may make his account thereof that he shall surely die.  
So being brought to Solomon he did himself submit,  
And home was sent unto his house there quietly to sit.  
Now came the time that David should pass from this world away, 
Cap. 2.   
Wherefore he called Solomon and thus 'gan to him say.  
My time draws on for me to die and pass an other way,  
Show thou thyself a man therefore and on the Lord thee stay.  
Keep thou his watch with careful eye, & walk in all his ways,  
That thou in all thy good attempts mayst prospero all thy days.  
So shall the Lord make good his word & promise firmly laid  
Unto his servant long ago, when thus to me he said:  
If that thy children take good heed and guide their steps aright,  
And walk before me in the truth with all their heart & might,  
Then shalt thou never want a man to sit upon thy throne,  
To rule and govern Israel when thou art dead and gone.  
And furthermore thou knowest right well how joab served me,  
And with a couple how he dealt far better men than he,  
How Amasa and Abner to he falsely did betray,  
And shed their blood most cruelly, and cast them both away.  
Deal thou therefore with joab as thy wisdom shall increase,  
And let not his door head be brought down to the grave in peace.  
But let the sons of Berzella be at thy table fed,  
For they came to me when away from Absalon I fled.  
Thou hast with thee one Semei a man of Bahurim,  
Who cursed me all the way I went unto Mahanaim,  
But yet at my return he came and brought me home again,  
Whereas I made an oath to him that he should not be slain,  
Yet shalt thou not him guiltless count, but by thy wisdom good  
See that his door head down be brought unto the grave with blood.  
Thus now when David in his reign had run out all his race,  
His soul departed unto God and left his son in place.  
FINIS