[Prologue on the First book of Kings [This prologue is from M.] .]
IN this book of Kingis the first is contened, how Anna, the wijf of Helchana, that was longe tyme bareyn, axide of God to haue a sone, and God ȝaf to her axing; which sone Anna ȝaf in to the seruyse of the Lord, in the tabernacle of boond of pees, vndur Heli the heiȝeste prest. And God chees Samuel, and spak to him alle thingis, and forsook Heli and hise sones, for wickidnesse that the sones diden, wherfore thei perischiden alle in o dai. And Samuel anoyntide Saul in to king on Israel; and whanne Saul fulfillide not the hestis of God, God forsook him; and Samuel anoyntide Dauith in to king, whanne he kepte hise fadris scheep; wherfor Saul hatide Dauith, and pursuwide him, til to the dai of veniaunce of the Lord cam; and Saul perischide, and hise sones, and al his hous.