David and his three captains bold Kept ambush once within a hold.
It was in Adullam's cave Nigh which no water they could have.
Nor spring, nor running brook, was near To quench the thirst that parch'd them there.
Then David, King of Israel, Straight bethought him of a well Which stood beside the city gate At Bethlem; where, before his state Of kingly dignity, he had Oft drunk his fill, a shepherd lad; But now his fierce Philistine foe Encamp'd before it he does know.
Yet ne'ertheless, with heat oppress'd, Those three bold captains he address'd, And wish'd that one to him would bring Some water from his native spring.
His valiant captains instantly To execute his will did fly.
Those three brave men the ranks broke through Of armed foes, and water drew For David, their beloved king, At his own sweet native spring.
Back through their enemies they haste, With the hard-earn'd treasure graced.
What with such danger they had sought With joy unto their king they brought.
But when the good king David found What they had done, he on the ground The water pour'd, "Because," said he, "That it was at the jeopardy Of your three lives this thing ye did, That I should drink it God forbid! "
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