‘“In that case, quite clearly, you were wise already.”
‘“You are immeasurably kind... but...” King Solomon’s eyelashes opened wide, and a smile tinged with sadness crossed his face. “I am clearly not wise enough. Queen Balkis, there is something I need to ask you?”
‘“You are wise enough, great king. You are wise enough to ask me!”
‘“I have been told that you may have the knowledge to be able to help me...”
‘“What is your problem, mighty Suleyman?”
‘“I need to know the answer to a riddle which has been troubling me... Which are the more numerous, Queen Balkis, the days or the nights?”
‘“That is your riddle? Why do you need to know the answer?”
‘“I... A young woman set me the riddle, Queen Balkis. She will accept me only if I am able to resolve this question to her satisfaction.”
‘“Y
