121. But there were four lepers 2 [4] Kings
vii. 3, 4. at the gate of the city to whom life was
a misery, and to die would be gain. And they said one to
another: “Behold we sit here and die. If we enter
into the city, we shall die with hunger; if we remain here, there are
no means of living at hand for us. Let us go to the Syrian camp,
either they will quickly kill us or grant us the means of
safety.” So they went and entered into the camp, and
behold, all was forsaken by the enemy. Entering 2 [4] Kings
vii. 8, 9. the tents, first of all on finding food
they satisfied their hunger, then they laid hold of as much gold and
silver as they could. But whilst they were intent on the booty
alone, they arranged to announce to the king that the Syrians had fled,
for they thought this more virtuous than to withhold the information
and keep for themselves the plunder gained by deceit.