REBELLION AND SORROW. 215

the tribe of Benjamin, appeared, who imprecated curses
on the head of David, and threw stones at him and at his
servants. Abishai, one of David’s captains, asked leave
to go and smite off Shimei’s head; but David would
not allow it. “My son,” said the poor king, “seeketh
my life, how much more now may this Benjamite do it °”
He was so much humbled by his sorrow that he could
not feel anger even at treatment so undeserved and so
insulting as was that of Shimei.

George. You have not told us yet, grandfather, how
Ahithophel got on, and the man that David sent back to
contradict him. I do not recollect his name.

Grandfather. Hushai was hisname. When Absalom
expressed astonishment at seeing him among those who
came to welcome him, he answered very cunningly,
“ Whom the Lord and his people and all the men of
Israel choose, his will I be, and with him will I abide.”
This was a wise reply, according to the wisdom of this
world, but it was not an honest answer.

George. And how did the two advisers get on?

Grandfather. Abithophel advised an immediate pur-
suit of David. ‘ Let me now choose out,” he said,
“ twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after
David this night. And I will come upon him while he
is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid ;
and all the people that are with him shall flee, and I will
smite the king only. And I will bring back all the
people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest is as if
all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.”