8. Now afterward David arose and went out of the cave and called after Saul, saying, "My lord the king!" And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the ground and prostrated himself.
9. David said to Saul, "Why do you listen to the words of men, saying, 'Behold, David seeks to harm you'?
10. Behold, this day your eyes have seen that the Lord had given you today into my hand in the cave, and some said to kill you, but my eye had pity on you; and I said, 'I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord's anointed.'
11. Now, my father, see! Indeed, see the edge of your robe in my hand! For in that I cut off the edge of your robe and did not kill you, know and perceive that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands, and I have not sinned against you, though you are lying in wait for my life to take it.
12. May the Lord judge between you and me, and may the Lord avenge me on you; but my hand shall not be against you.
13. As the proverb of the ancients says, 'Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness'; but my hand shall not be against you.
14. After whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog, a single flea?
15. The Lord therefore be judge and decide between you and me; and may He see and plead my cause and deliver me from your hand."
16. When David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, "Is this your voice, my son David?" Then Saul lifted up his voice and wept.
17. He said to David, "You are more righteous than I; for you have dealt well with me, while I have dealt wickedly with you.
18. You have declared today that you have done good to me, that the Lord delivered me into your hand and yet you did not kill me.
19. For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safely? May the Lord therefore reward you with good in return for what you have done to me this day.
20. Now, behold, I know that you will surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hand.
21. So now swear to me by the Lord that you will not cut off my descendants after me and that you will not destroy my name from my father's household."