2 Samuel 4:5

And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went, and came about the heat of the day to the house of Ishbosheth, who lay on a bed at noon.

Ver. 5. Who lay on a bed at noon.] And on his bed was slain sleeping: so true is that

“ Per quod quis peccat, per idem punitur et ipse. ”

It was much he could sleep at all, having so lately lost his Antipater, his Abner; but to sleep at noon, and without a guard, speaketh him both sluggish and secure. He dieth therefore in his sloth, who had lived slothfully all his days: Qualis vita finis ira. a Some hold that these two were captains of Ishbosheth's guard, and thereby had so easy an access unto his person. Queen Elizabeth complained that in trust she had found treason. And Augustus Caesar was wont to say of his own guard, Metuendum est esse sine custode, sed multo magis a custode metuendum est. b It is dangerous to be without a guard, and yet more dangerous to have one.

a Salian.

b Dion., in August.