The kingcoveredhis faceand criedout with a loudvoice,"O my sonAbsalom,O Absalom,my son,my son!"
Now Joabthe sonof Zeruiahperceivedthat the king'sheart[was inclined] towardAbsalom.
And Davidwentup the ascentof the [Mount of] Olives,and weptas he went,and his headwas coveredand he walkedbarefoot.Then allthe peoplewhowere with him eachcoveredhis headand wentup weepingas they went.
The kingwas deeplymovedand wentup to the chamberoverthe gateand wept.And thushe saidas he walked,"O my sonAbsalom,my son,my sonAbsalom!WouldI had diedinsteadof you, O Absalom,my son,my son!"
So the peoplewentby stealthinto the citythat day,as peoplewho are humiliatedstealawaywhen they fleein battle.
Then Joabcameinto the houseto the kingand said,"Todayyou have coveredwith shamethe facesof allyour servants,who todayhave savedyour lifeand the livesof your sonsand daughters,the livesof your wives,and the livesof your concubines,
