And the messengers returning brought him word. And he sent again and said: Such and such things may the gods do to me, and more may they add, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me.
And Rabsaces said to them: Hath my master sent me to thy master and to thee, to speak all these words; and not rather to the men that sit on the wall: that they may eat their own dung and drink their urine with you?
For the land, which thou goest to possess, is not like the land of Egypt, from whence thou camest out: where, when the seed is sown, waters are brought in to water it after the manner of gardens.
For he hath said: By the strength of my own hand I have done it, and by my own wisdom I have understood. And I have removed the bounds of the people, and have taken the spoils of the princes, and as a mighty man hath pulled down them that sat on high.
And my hand hath found the strength of the people as a nest: and as eggs are gathered, that are left, so have I gathered all the earth. And there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or made the least noise.