3:16. Then there came two women that were harlots, to the king, and stood before him.
3:17. And one of them said: I beseech thee, my lord, I and this woman dwelt in one house, and I was delivered of a child with her in the chamber.
3:18. And the third day after I was delivered, she also was delivered; and we were together, and no other person with us in the house; only we two.
3:19. And this woman’s child died in the night: for in her sleep she overlaid him.
3:20. And rising in the dead time of the night, she took my child from my side, while I, thy handmaid, was asleep, and laid it in her bosom: and laid her dead child in my bosom.
3:21. And when I arose in the morning, to give my child suck, behold it was dead: but considering him more diligently, when it was clear day, I found that it was not mine which I bore.
3:22. And the other woman answered: It is not so as thou sayest, but thy child is dead, and mine is alive. On the contrary, she said; Thou liest: for my child liveth, and thy child is dead. And in this manner they strove before the king.
3:23. Then said the king: The one saith, My child is alive, and thy child is dead. And the other answereth: Nay; but thy child is dead, and mine liveth.
3:24. The king therefore said: Bring me a sword. And when they had brought a sword before the king,
3:25. Divide, said he, the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other.