Davidsaidto him, "Ifyou passoverwith me, then you will be a burdento me.
"But ifyou returnto the city,and sayto Absalom,'I will be your servant,O king;as I have beenyour father'sservantin timepast,so I will nowbe your servant,'then you can thwartthe counselof Ahithophelfor me.
"I am noweightyyearsold.Can I distinguishbetweengoodand bad?Orcan your servanttastewhatI eator whatI drink?Orcan I hearanymorethe voiceof singingmen and women? Whythen should your servantbe an addedburdento my lordthe king?
