The people would not listen to the words of Samuel. "We will have a king," they said. "We will be like other nations. We will have a king, and he shall go into battle with us." And so it came about that from out their number a king was chosen. Now, there was a man of the tribe of Benjamin, who had a son, named Saul. Saul was a tall, strong, brave, young man, and of him the Lord said to Samuel, "If the Israelites have a king, let this man Saul be that king." One day it chanced that the cattle belonging to Kish, Saul's father, strayed away; and Kish said to Saul, "Take a servant with thee and go and seek the cattle that have strayed." So Saul took a servant, and they searched the country round about, going great distances; still the cattle could not be found. At last Saul said to the servant, "I am tired with this search. Let us go back and tell my father all we have done." Then the servant said, "There is a prophet living near this place into which we have come. Let us seek him; for I am told he is most wise. Perhaps he may help us to find our cattle." "Let us go to him," Saul answered readily; and so the two men came into the city where Samuel dwelt; for it was he they sought. As they drew near the city, they met two young women coming to a well to draw water. "Tell me, is the prophet here?" Saul asked. And the young women said, "Yes, to-day he offers sacrifice in the city. First, he blesses the sacrifice, and then the people feast; and now he is going towards the temple. Make haste and you will see him." Saul and the servant hurried on towards the gate of the city; and there they saw an old man, sitting alone. "Tell us," said Saul, "where we may find the prophet Samuel." And the old man answered, "I am Samuel. Come and feast with me; and to-morrow thou shalt go. Grieve not about the cattle; already they are found. But come with me, for I have much to tell thee. The desire of all Israel is upon thee and upon thy father's house." Then Saul said, "Why dost thou speak so to me? Knowest thou not that my family is one of the least of the tribe of Benjamin?" But Samuel knew; and he led Saul to his house and feasted him. And when the feast was over, Samuel said to Saul, "The people of Israel desire a king; and it is thou, Saul, whom the Lord has chosen to be that king." [Illustration: SAMUEL BLESSING SAUL.] Then, when morning came, Saul and his servant set out upon their journey home; and Samuel went with them, even unto the city gates. Then Samuel said to the servant, "Go on before. I would speak once more with Saul alone." And when he had gone, Samuel poured oil upon the head of Saul and kissed him, saying, "God has chosen thee to be king to rule over his people in Israel."