20 And when one spake chidingly unto them, saying, Why do ye not rejoice, O men of little satisfaction? Behold, there is yet another that fighteth with us. Then would they make answer and would say, Assuredly is there another ally come to join us. And there is also another Flag Day that bringeth greater persecution at the corners of the streets. And they were full of foreboding concerning it.
21 But the Flag Days found favour amongst the women of the land, for then was man delivered into their hands and they needed not to spare him.
CHAPTER XI.
1 The young men go out for to fight. 2 Many take unto themselves wives. 11 Some think it not wise. 19 Some transgress the law. 22 The matrons are rejoiced. 23 All the maidens would wed amongst the officers. 27 Concerning the damsels that were left over.
Now in the land of En the young men did hurry them away unto the war, and amongst the maidens there were many sad at heart.
2 ¶ And when the time drew nigh unto a young man that he must gird up his loins and go, then would he speak unto the damsel of his choice.
3 And he would say unto her, Thou knowest that there yet remaineth unto me only so many days; let us therefore arrange matters quickly that we be married.
4 And because the time was short and it was her chance, she would answer and would say unto him, Thou art my lord, and whatsoever thou commandest, it shall be done. Let us therefore hasten about it lest, peradventure, we meet with an hindrance upon the way.
5 For the women of that time were a crafty lot and they did beguile their men with soft words; and the wiles of Bathsheba, that did wash herself, were as nothing in comparison to these, for they were full of artfulness.