It had been good for me to have been there still, rather than here, because my estrangement from him now when I am so near to him is both moro grievous and more shameful to me. But the truth of the business was this, Absalom saw that his father had accomplished his design in bringing him thither, having satisfied both his own natural affection, and his people's desire of Absalom's return from banishment; but that he could not without restitution into the king's presence and favour compass his design, i.e. confirm and improve that interest which he saw he had in the people's hearts. Let him kill me; for it is better for me to die, than to want the sight and favour of my dear father. Thus he insinuates himself into his father's affections, by pretending such respect and love to him. It seems that by this time Absalom having so far recovered his father's favour as to be recalled, he began to grow upon him, and take so much confidence as to stand upon his own justification, as if what he had done had been no iniquity, at least not such as to deserve death; for so much this speech intimates.

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