1 Samuel 20:8

Therefore thou shalt deal kindly with thy servant; for thou hast brought thy servant into a covenant of the LORD with thee: notwithstanding, if there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; for why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?

Ver. 8. Into a covenant of the Lord.] Who is witness to the bargain, and keepeth the bands.

Slay me thyself.] Let me die by a friendly and merciful hand. Nimis opto amantis immori manibus, said she in Seneca. a This David speaketh pathetically, to stir up his friend Jonathan to act vigorously for him.

For why shouldest thou bring me to thy father?] Who will not only slay me, but so torture me, that I may feel myself to die. "The tender mercies of the wicked are cruelties." Pro 12:10

a Phaedra, apud Sen.