199 But Lamoni said unto him, I will not slay Ammon, neither will I return to the land of Ishmael, but I go to the land of Middoni, that I may release the brethren of Ammon, for I know that they are just men, and holy prophets of the true God.
200 Now when his father had heard these words, he was angry with him, and he drew his sword that he might smite him to the earth.
201 But Ammon stood forth and said unto him, Behold thou shalt not slay thy son, nevertheless, it were better that he should fall than thee:
202 For behold he has repented of his sins; but if thou shouldst fall at this time, in thine anger, thy soul could not be saved.
203 And again, it is expedient that thou shouldst forbear; for if thou shouldst slay thy son, (he being an innocent man,) his blood would cry from the ground, to the Lord his God, for vengeance to come upon thee; and perhaps thou wouldst lose thy soul.
204 Now when Ammon had said these words unto him, he answered him saying, I know that if I should slay my son, that I should shed innocent blood; for it is thou that hast sought to destroy him: and he stretched forth his hand to slay Ammon.
205 But Ammon withstood his blows, and also smote his arm that he could not use it.
206 Now when the king saw that Ammon could slay him, he began to plead with Ammon, that he would spare his life.
207 But Ammon raised his sword, and said unto him, Behold, I will smite thee, except thou wilt grant unto me that my brethren may be cast out of prison.
208 Now the king, fearing that he should lose his life, said, If thou wilt spare me, I will grant unto thee whatsoever thou wilt ask, even to the half of the kingdom.
209 Now when Ammon saw that he had wrought upon the old king according to his desire, he said unto him, If thou wilt grant that my brethren may be cast out of prison, and also that Lamoni may retain his kingdom, and that ye be not displeased with him, but grant that he may do according to his own desires, in whatsoever thing he thinketh, then will I spare thee; otherwise I will smite thee to the earth.
