So they came to the river Jordan, and Elijah wrapped his mantle together and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, and they two passed over on dry ground.
Then Elijah said to Elisha: "Ask what I shall do for thee, before I am taken away from thee."
And Elisha said: "I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me!"
Elijah answered him that was a great thing he had asked, but if Elisha saw him when he was taken away, then he would know that his request was granted.
And as they were talking, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire, and they were parted from each other; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into Heaven.
And Elisha saw it, and he cried: "My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof."
And he took Elijah's mantle that fell from him, and smote the waters of Jordan again, and they were divided before him, and he passed over.
Then the sons of the prophets begged to be allowed to go to search for Elijah, or to find his body, but Elisha was unwilling, and begged them not to go, for he knew it would be useless.
But fifty of them went out and searched for three whole days, but did not find him.
