The king was deeply troubled, and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And thus said as he went, “My son Absalom, my son. My son Absalom–why your death instead of mine. I instead of you! Absalom, my son, my son!”
Joab was told, “Behold, the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.” So deliverance of that day was turned into mourning for all the people. For that day the people heard it said. “The king is grieving for his son.” And the people crept back into the city that day like people ashamed for being cowardly in the midst of battle. The king covered his face and cried out with a loud voice, “My son Absalom! Abasalom, my son!”
2 Kingdoms 19:1-5 (The Orthodox Study Bible)
