With much contrition Saul then confessed his error, and as the Prophet turned to depart, grasped the skirt of his mantle to induce him to stay. The mantle rent, and Samuel interpreted the omen; the Lord had _rent the kingdom_ from its unworthy head, and designed it for _a neighbour of his_, who was better than he. Without denying the justice of the sentence, Saul entreated the granting of one concession, imploring Samuel to _honour him before the elders of his people, and turn with him and worship Jehovah_. The prophet yielded, and for the last time the two offered sacrifice together. But if Saul had neglected his duty, Samuel could not forget the captive king, whom the Divine decree had devoted to death. He ordered Agag to be brought before him. The king came forward _delicately_, remarking, as if to disarm hostility, _surely the bitterness of death is past_. _As thy sword_, rejoined the Prophet, _hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless among women_; and he hewed him in pieces before the Lord. The commission of Jehovah thus vindicated, Saul returned to Gibeah, and Samuel to Ramah, there to mourn for one, whose career, once so hopeful, was now obscured with such dark forebodings of coming doom (1 Sam. xv. 24–35). The sorrow of Samuel for Saul’s shortcomings was real. But he was before long roused from his grief by a Divine commission to take a horn of oil and go to Bethlehem, there to anoint another king. Fear lest the purport of his errand should reach Saul’s ears would have deterred him from venturing on the journey, but he was bidden to take a heifer and invite the elders of the town to a sacrificial feast. In obedience to this command he left Ramah, and proceeded on his way. As he ascended the long gray hill leading to the village, his approach was discerned by the elders, who trembled when they saw the venerable Prophet. _Comest thou peaceably?_ they enquired anxiously. _Peaceably_, was the reply, and they were bidden to prepare to accompany him to the feast.