270 BATTLES OF THE BIBLE.

master.” Jehoram obeyed the command of the prophet.
He treated the Syrians kindly, and sent them away
safely. Elisha here sets us an example of doing good to
them that hate us.

Marianne. The Syrians would not try to take Elisha
again ?

Grandfather. We are told that in consequence of
this failure, “ the bands of Syria came no more into
the land of Israel.” But we are immediately afterwards
told that Benhadad, king of Syria, assembled all his
armies, and laid siege to Samaria. The people within
the city were reduced to great extremities. Food was
So scarce that an ass’ head was sold for five pounds,
and a small quantity of coarse grain for five pieces of
silver, each piece of silver being about the value of half-
a-crown.

Johnnie. An ass’ head, grandfather! we do not eat
asses. They would not be good for food ?

Grandfather. In time of famine, my boy, people are
glad to eat anything that can satisfy hunger. When
we hear of what others have suffered from want of
food, it ought to teach us thankfulness that we have
abundance. While the city of Samaria was in this
state of distress, as the king was walking along, a
woman cried to him, “ Help, my lord, O king.” « If
the Lord do not help thee,” said the king, “ whence
shall I help thee?” He thought she asked for food,
and he had none to give her. “ What aileth thee?” he
said to her. The woman told her tale, and it was a