290 BATTLES OF THE BIBLE.

the city by storm, and barbarously slew all the people
—men, women, and children.

Marianne. What a dreadfully cruel man he must
have been ; the Israelites were very ill off for a king.

Grandfather. While these things were going on with-
in it, the kingdom of Israel made a poor figure to the
neighbouring nations. Pul, the king of Assyria, thought
this a good opportunity to invade it. He went thither
accordingly. Menahem durst not venture to meet him
in the field. Cruelty is not seldom united with cowar-
dice ; he was glad to buy peace. One thousand talents
of silver was the sum he paid. He raised the money
by laying a tax on the rich—fifty shekels of silver
each. Here he shewed some consideration in sparing
the poor, and taxing those only who were able to af-
ford it.

George. How much would it be that they each paid
in our money ?

Grandfather. About six or seven pounds each; four
hundred thousand pounds in all. The Assyrians left
on receiving this valuable present ; but getting so much
wealth with so little trouble, tempted them to return
soon ; 80 he who should have protected his country be-
trayed it. In the fiftieth year of Uzziah, Pekahiah
succeeded his father Menahem. Two years only was
he suffered to enjoy the throne. Pekah, one of his
captains, with fifty men of the Gileadites, conspired
against him, and slew him in his palace. Pekah then