magnificence
of his daily table, and the circumstances of its preparation and
ministration, with the apparel of his servants that waited, and the
skillful and decent management of their attendance: nor was she less
affected with those daily sacrifices which were offered to God, and the
careful management which the priests and Levites used about them.
When she saw this done every day, she was in the greatest admiration
imaginable, insomuch that she was not able to contain the surprise she
was in, but openly confessed how wonderfully she was affected; for she
proceeded to discourse with the king, and thereby owned that she was
overcome with admiration at the things before related; and said, "All
things indeed, O king, that came to our knowledge by report, came with
uncertainty as to our belief of them; but as to those good things that
to thee appertain, both such as thou thyself possessest, I mean wisdom
and prudence, and the happiness thou hast from thy kingdom, certainly
the same that came to us was no falsity; it was not only a true report,
but it related thy happiness after a much lower manner than I now see
it to be before my eyes. For as for the report, it only attempted to
persuade our hearing, but did not so make known the dignity of the
things themselves as does the sight of them, and being present among
them. I indeed, who did not believe what was reported, by reason of the
multitude and grandeur of the things I inquired about, do see them to be
much more numerous than they were reported to be. Accordingly I esteem
the Hebrew people, as well as thy servants and friends, to be happy, who
enjoy thy presence and hear thy wisdom every day continually. One would
therefore bless God, who hath so loved this country, and those that
inhabit therein, as to make thee king over them."

6. Now when the queen had thus demonstrated in words how deeply the king
had affected her, her disposition was known by certain presents, for she
gave him twenty talents of gold, and an immense quantity of spices and
precious stones. [They say also that we possess the root of that balsam
which our country still bears by this woman's gift.] [17] Solomon also
repaid her with many good things, and principally by bestowing upon her
what she chose of her own inclination, for there was nothing that she
desired which he denied her; and as he was very generous and liberal in
his own temper, so did he show the greatness of his soul in bestowing on
her