Page:Muhammad Diyab al-Itlidi - Historical Tales and Anecdotes of the Time of the Early Khalîfahs - Alice Frere - 1873.djvu/121

92 seven doors. And she and her people are worshippers of the Sun."

Then said King Solomon, "I shall inquire, and find out whether thou hast spoken truth or falsehood." And he added, "Take this letter and go with it to her. And when thou hast delivered it, retire to a short distance, and listen to what she and her people say."

So the Hud-hud took the letter, and went to Balkîs. And he found her at a place called Maʾarab, between which and the capital of el-Yémen was three days' journey. And Balkîs was in her palace, and all the doors were locked: for when she would sleep she locked the doors and placed the keys beneath her pillow. And the window was so made that when the Sun rose his first ray might fall upon the Queen. But the Hud-hud settled upon the window and shaded it with his wings. So the Sun rose, but did not as usual enter the room. And when Balkîs awoke, she marvelled at not seeing the Sun; and she arose and went to the window to discover the cause. Then the Hud-hud threw the letter down before her. And she took it, and when she saw the seal she trembled, and became weak, and knew that he who had sent the letter