8. And David restrained his men with his words, and he would not permit them to rise up against Saul. And so Saul, going out of the cave, continued to undertake his journey.
9. Then David also rose up after him. And departing from the cave, he cried out behind the back of Saul, saying: "My lord, the king!" And Saul looked behind him. And David, bowing himself face down to the ground, reverenced.
10. And he said to Saul: "Why do you listen to the words of men who say: 'David seeks evil against you?'
11. Behold, this day your eyes have seen that the Lord has delivered you into my hand, in the cave. And I thought that I might kill you. But my eye has spared you. For I said: I will not extend my hand against my lord, for he is the Christ of the Lord.
12. Moreover, see and know, O my father, the edge of your cloak in my hand. For though I cut off the top of your cloak, I was not willing to extend my hand against you. Turn your soul and see that there is no evil in my hand, nor any iniquity or sin against you. Yet you lie in wait for my life, so that you may take it away.
13. May the Lord judge between me and you. And may the Lord vindicate me from you. But my hand will not be against you.
14. So too, it is said in the ancient proverb, 'From the impious, impiety will go forth.' Therefore, my hand will not be upon you.
15. Whom are you pursuing, O king of Israel? Whom are you pursuing? You are pursuing a dead dog, a single flea.
16. May the Lord be the judge, and may he judge between me and you. And may he see and judge my case, and rescue me from your hand."
17. And when David had completed speaking words in this way to Saul, Saul said, "Could this be your voice, my son David?" And Saul lifted up his voice, and he wept.