Kebra Nagast

How the Queen made ready for her Journey And she was exceedingly anxious to go to him, but when she pondered upon the long journey she thought that it was too far and too difficult to undertake. And time after time she asked Tamrin questions about Solomon, and time after time Tamrin told her about him, and she became very wishful and most desirous to go that she might hear his wisdom, and see his face, and embrace him, and petition his royalty. And her heart inclined to go to him, for God had made her heart incline to go and had made her to desire it. 24. How THE QUEEN MADE READY TO SET OUT ON HER JOURNEY And the Queen said unto them, " Hearken, O ye who are my people, and give ye ear to my words. For I desire wisdom and ing. I my heart seeketh to find understand- am smitten with the love of wisdom, and I am constrained by the cords of understanding ; for wisdom is far better than treasure of gold and silver, and wisdom is the best of hath been created on the that everything earth. Now unto what under the heavens shall wisdom be compared ? It is sweeter than honey, and it maketh one to rejoice more than wine, and it illumineth more than the sun, and it is to be loved more than precious stones. And it fatteneth more than oil, and it satis- more than dainty meats, and it giveth [a man] more renown than thousands of gold and silver. It is a source of joy for the heart, and a bright and shining light for the eyes, and a giver of speed to the feet, and a shield for the breast, and a helmet for the head, and chain-work for the neck, and a belt for the loins. It maketh the ears to hear and hearts to understand, it is a teacher of those who are learned, and it is a consoler of those who are discreet and prudent, and it giveth fame fieth to those who seek after it. And as for a kingdom, it cannot stand without wisdom, and riches cannot be the foot cannot keep the preserved without wisdom ; 21