But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but (b) now [thou art] worth ten thousand of us: therefore now [it is] better that thou succour us out of the city.
(b) Signifying that a good governor is so dear to his people that they would rather lose their lives than have anything happen to him.