61. But that he spared him was a small
matter; he also grieved for him when slain in war, and mourned for him
with tears, saying: “Ye mountains of Gilboa, let neither
dew nor rain fall upon you; ye mountains of death, for there the shield
of the mighty is cast away, the shield of Saul. It is not
anointed with oil, but with the blood of the wounded and the fat of the
warriors. The bow of Jonathan turned not back and the sword of
Saul returned not empty. Saul and Jonathan were lovely and very
dear, inseparable in life, and in death they were not divided.
They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. Ye
daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet with
your ornaments, who put on gold upon your apparel. How are the
mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan was wounded
even to death. I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan;
very pleasant hast thou been unto me. Thy love came to me like
the love of women. How have the mighty fallen and the longed-for
weapons perished! 2 Sam. [2
Kings] i. 21–27.