Servile Flattery
2 Samuel 15:2-6
And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so…


Compare the description of Bolingbroke's behaviour which Shakespeare puts into the mouth of Richard II.: —

"Ourself and Bushy, Bagel here and Green,

Observed his courtship to the common people;

How he did seem to dive into their hearts

With humble and familiar courtesy,

What reverence he did throw away on slaves,

Wooing poor craftsmen with the craft of smiles."

King Richard II., Acts 1, Sc. 4.

(A. F. Kirkpatrick, M. A.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.

WEB: Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate. It was so, that when any man had a suit which should come to the king for judgment, then Absalom called to him, and said, "What city are you from?" He said, "Your servant is of one of the tribes of Israel."




Courtesy Wins Hearts
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