And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows and brought them to his
master, and he knew nothing about the meaning of that which he had
done. Only Jonathan and David knew that, and then because he was eager
to be alone with David, Jonathan gave the lad his bow and arrows and
bade him take them to the city.
As soon as the lad was out of sight and hearing, David who had heard
all that had passed between Jonathan and the boy, came from his
hiding-place, and as there was no one to see or hear them, those lads
of Israel in that far off land, sat together and talked as lads of
to-day might talk, while the sun was sinking low in the west, although
by doing so, they took a very great risk should they be found together.
But both of them were forgetful of all but the joy of being together.
Then with slow step and arm linked in arm, they walked together to the
spot where David had been in hiding, and with a quick realisation of
the danger ever shadowing David's life, both boys were overcome by the
depth of their affection for each other, and by the fear that something
was going to part them, and in the custom of the Orient at that time,
they clasped hands and made a solemn covenant, or vow, of eternal
friendship and mutual help, to extend after the death of either to
their descendants.
It was indeed a solemn moment, and the deepest feeling in the boyish
hearts was stirred when they made their vow under the wide blue sky,
and looked long and sadly into each other's eyes. Then Jonathan said to
David:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account