REBELLION AND SORROW. 223

and instead of returning in triumph, like conquerors, as
they were, they crept into the city by stealth, as if they
had been defeated. Joab was very angry, and repre-
sented to David how foolish his conduct was. The
king profited by the rebuke, and ceased his lamenta-
tions. This example teaches us that when we are con-
vinced of a fault we ought to amend it without delay.

George. Was that an end of David’s wars?

Grandfather. No, he had yet another rebellion to sub-
due.

Marianne. But, grandfather, you have not told us
what punishment the man got who threw stones at
David and his followers when they were leaving Jeru-
salem.

Grandfather. Shimei, you mean. He was among the
first who came to meet the king on his return to his
capital. He fell down before David, confessed that he
had sinned, and besought pardon. Before the monarch
could intimate his wishes, Abishai, the son of Zeruiah,
exclaimed, “ Shall not Shimei be put to death for this,
because he cursed the Lord’s anointed.”

Marianne. I am sure he deserved it. I would have
agreed with Abishai.

Grandfather. David did not agree with him, how-
ever ; he spoke very indignantly to him. ‘ What have
I to do with you,” he said, “ ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye
should this day be adversaries unto me ?”

Marianne. What did he mean by speaking in that
way to Abishai ?