And the Lord sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. (12:1)

The rich [man] had exceeding many flocks and herds: (12:2)

But the poor [man] had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. (12:3)

And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him. (12:4)

And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, [As] the Lord liveth, the man that hath done this [thing] shall surely die: (12:5)

And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. (12:6)