DAVIDE IS. BOOK IV. THE ARGUMENT. Moab carries his guests to hunt at Nebo; in the way falls into discourse with David, and desires to know of him the reasons of the change of government in Israel; how Saul came to the crown, and the story of him and Jonathan-David's speech, containing the state of the commonwealth under the Judges; the motives for which the people desired a king; their Deputies' speech to Samuel upon that subject, and his reply-The assembling of the people at the tabernacle, to enquire God's pleasure—God's speech-The character of Saul; his anointing by Samuel, and election by lot; the defection of his people-The war of Nahush king of Ammon against Jabesh-Gilead; Saul and Jonathan's relieving of the town-Jonathan's character; his single fight with Nahash, whom he slays, and defeats his urmy-1 -The confirmation of Saul's kingdom at Gilgal, and the manner of Sa muel's quitting his office of Judge-The war with the Philistines at Macmas: their strength, and the weakness of Saul's forces; his exercising of the priestly function, and the judgment denounced by Samuel against him—Jonathan's discourse with his Esquire; their falling alone upon the enemy's out-guards at Senes, and after upon the whole army; the wonderful defeat of it-Saul's rash vow, by which Jonathan is to be put to death, but is saved by the people. THOUGH state and kind discourse thus robb'd the night Of half her natural and more just delight, Moab (whom temperance did still vigorous keep, |