There was a stir in Jerusalem, xs a "splendid procession passed from the capitol, down the main avenue, and out of the Exst Gate, a noble company of distinzuishe ministers riding upon richly cap risened mules, followed by e: mels eden with their lugeave and a large retinue of guards and servants. What splendid beards!" exclaimed the black-eyed maidens as the cavalcade rode by, and the "Lords of Judea" with bright smile and chivalrous how returned the compliment.
The old king of the children "f Amman is dead, and the king of Israel sends friendly embassy to Hamsen, the Crown Prince, as he ascends the throne. They tarry in the chief inn of Rabbah preparatory audience before the young ruler. That night a secr+t council is held in the palace, and the decision is come to that these Jews in their embroidered robes are spies, and must be treat~d withiznominy. The next morning the High Commissioners from the Court of good King David present their words of consolation on the decease of their monarch's friend, and a congratulatory address to the new king, upon whose brow rested (with the nid of Princes' hands)
crown of one hundred! pounds of pure, gold studded with rubies and emeralds and diamonds.
"Sammon a barber and sheep-shearer, cried Hamsen. The latter wit jshearers made short work with their **all-round-about," and in a few minutes one cheek wf each ambassador was as clean as a baby's. They decidedly "lost face," and in silene+ recrossed the Jordan, but on reaching the city whose walls fell in ancient times, they were so "greatly Jashamed" that they gladly obeyed the command "to tary at Jericho till their beards he grow!
This was too much for David's marti He General Joab with "Li the host of the mighty men" and defeated the confelerat - armies, preparing [for a heavy campos mn, as sion as the winter season ve- he commenced military operations and completely in-ugly fortified city Rabbah.
men of Israel, feeling keenly the ber the Ministers" rang our on the air of the early morn, a terrible onslaught was made and the flag of the chosen people floated over the heathen capital, Then followed a scene which makes the flesh quiver. The princes of Ainmen who counselled the shaving and shearing were tied straight uj to posts and cut in two lengthwise by cross-cut saws. Threshing in-traments were used on the unhappy citizens. Axes of Iron" put an end to many " life. while the defeated soldiery were made to pass through heated brick kilns. There is no question that there was a "'thorough s.tlement."
For this David his been severely criticised. Perhaps he did yo a little too far, In his defence, it may be said:
First, that Amman was not specially noted for its amiahi Within" half century its king sid to the city of Jahesh, then besieged: We will make a treaty with you upon the condition that we pluck out the right eye of ey an, and perhaps every woman and child, under your jurisdiction." The young king Sul, by his prompt attack sive! the people from this horrible treatment. Ltis probable that the saw and the axe were the instruments which Amman used tu inflict punishment upon its conquered foes Second. In the days of Homer aid his temporaries the person of the Minister ipoventiary, representing, as he did, his ign, was' considered sucred, and an.
sult to him was a crime against the com-
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.