CHAPTER VIII

THE FAMINE AND THE SIEGE 76

Horrible straits of the besieged Samaritans--Stress of famine--The King of Israel--The miserable women--Sackcloth under the purple--The king's fury and despair--He threatens Elisha--The messenger--The king upbraids him--Prophecy of sudden plenty--The disbelieving lord--The extramural lepers--The Syrian camp--The king's misgivings--The lord killed in the rush of the people.