y case and
out of thy friendship for me, as instances of which friendship thou hast
vouchsafed to accept of the assurances of my love to thee, and to give
the like assurances to me, that is, those of a master to his servant;
but if thou discoverest any wickedness in me, do thou prevent thy
father, and kill me thyself."

8. But Jonathan heard these last words with indignation, and promised
to do what he desired of him, and to inform him if his father's answers
implied any thing of a melancholy nature, and any enmity against him.
And that he might the more firmly depend upon him, he took him out
into the open field, into the pure air, and sware that he would neglect
nothing that might tend to the preservation of David; and he said, "I
appeal to that God, who, as thou seest, is diffused every where, and
knoweth this intention of mine, before I explain it in words, as the
witness of this my covenant with thee, that I will not leave off to make
frequent trims of the purpose of my father till I learn whether there be
any lurking distemper in the most secret parts of his soul; and when I
have learnt it, I will not conceal it from thee, but will discover it to
thee, whether he be gently or peevishly disposed; for this God himself
knows, that I pray he may always be with thee, for he is with thee now,
and will not forsake thee, and will make thee superior to thine enemies,
whether my father be one of them, or whether I myself be such. Do thou
only remember what we now do; and if it fall out that I die, preserve
my children alive, and requite what kindness thou hast now received to
them." When he had thus sworn, he dismissed David, bidding him go to a
certain place of that plain wherein he used to perform his exercises;
for that, as soon as he knew the mind of his father, he would come
thither to him, with one servant only; "and if," says he, "I shoot three
darts at the mark, and then bid my servant to carry these three darts
away, for they are before him, know thou that there is no mischief to be
feared from my father; but if thou hearest me say the contrary, expect
the contrary from the king. However, thou shalt gain security by my
means, and shalt by no means suffer any harm; but see thou dost not
forget what I have desired of thee in the time of thy prosperity, and
be serviceable to my children." Now David, when he had received these
assurances from Jonathan, went his way to the place appointed.

9. But on the next day, whic