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Patriarchs and Prophets
neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom
had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.
Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably unto thy servants:
for I swear by the Lord, if thou go not forth, there will not tarry one
with thee this night: and that will be worse unto thee than all the evil
that befell thee from thy youth until now.”
Harsh and even cruel as was the reproof to the heart-stricken king,
David did not resent it. Seeing that his general was right, he went down
to the gate, and with words of courage and commendation greeted his
brave soldiers as they marched past him.
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