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But so it was; and as the people of Jabesh-Gilead either knew not or cared not for their real defence, the God of Israel, they found themselves too hard bestead by the Ammonites, and, exhausted probably by the weary siege, proposed terms of capitulation.

Weary and distraught, and well nigh overcome with the struggle, as she felt the loud pulsations of his throbbing heart, and experienced the mesmeric influence of strong earthly passion, the sorely bestead maiden breathed from her fainting soul an earnest prayer for guidance; and her silent petition for aid in the hour of need was answered.

They shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: … and curse their king and their God.

Many far worse bestead than ourselves.

XX Thus with distress and sorrow was Etzel ill bestead, Right bitterly bewailing his kin and subjects dead.