Kebra Nagast

How King Solomon swore to the Queen everything. And she marvelled exceedingly at what she saw, and at what she heard, and she praised the God of Israel in her heart ; and she was struck with wonder at the splendour of the royal palace which she saw. For she could see, though no one could see her, even as Solomon had arranged in wisdom for her. He had where she was seated, and had over it spread purple hangings, and laid down carpets, and decorated it with miskdt (moschus), and marbles, and precious stones, and he burned aromatic powders, and sprinkled oil of myrrh and cassia round about, and scattered frankincense and costly incense in all direcbeautified the place tions. And when they brought her into this abode, the odour thereof was very pleasing to her, and even before she ate the dainty meats therein she was satisfied with the smell of them. And with wise intent Solomon sent to her meats which would make her thirsty, and drinks that were mingled with vinegar, and fish and dishes made with pepper. And this he did and he gave them to the Queen to eat. And the royal meal had come to an end three times and seven times, 1 and the administrators, and the counsellors, and the young men and the servants had departed, and the King rose up and he went to the Queen, and he said unto her now they were alone to" Take thou thine ease here for love's sake until gether " Swear to me by daybreak." And she said unto him, thy God, the God of Israel, that thou wilt not take me by force. For if I, who according to the law of men am a maiden, be seduced, I should travel on my journey [back] in sorrow, and affliction, and tribulation." CONCERNING HOW KING SOLOMON SWORE TO THE QUEEN ; And Solomon answered and said unto her, " I swear 30. unto thee that I will not take thee by force, but thou must swear unto me that thou wilt not take by force 1 i.e., c three courses and seven courses had been consumed, 33