46 LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS. 
perceived to his astonishment two strangers seated 
opposite to him on the divan. As strict orders 
were issued that no person whatever should be 
admitted during the first four hours of the day, 
David wondered greatly how the strangers had 
gained access to his closet. They rose, and 
begged pardon for having entered unannounced, 
because they had an urgent complaint to lay 
before him. David quitted the harp, and placed 
himself on his judgment seat. " This man," began 
one of them, " has ninety-nine sheep, which plenti- 
fully supply all his wants ; while I, poor wretch, 
had but one that was my joy and comfort, and that 
one he has forcibly taken from me." At the men- 
tion of the ninety-nine sheep, David could not help 
thinking of the flock of his harem. He recognized 
in the strangers two angels of the Lord, and was 
sensible of the heinousness of his offence. Forth- 
with [he threw himself upon the floor, and shed 
tears of bitter repentance. There he lay for forty days 
and forty nights upon his face, weeping and trem- 
bling before the judgment of the Lord. As many 
tears of repentance as the whole human race have 
shed, and will shed on account of their sins, from 
the time of David till the judgment day, so many 
