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2. Then through Prudence, the chancellor of the queen, he received this reply, that Wisdom was the spouse of Christ Himself, and could not wed any other; but that if he Wished to find favour with her, this would not be refused to him. Then Solomon said: "Now will I strive to see what difference there is between wisdom and folly; for nothing pleaseth me that happens under the sun."

3. Oh, how greatly I rejoiced, hearing that now at last—God be thanked!—I should obtain a guide and councillor different from those I had had before, one with whom I could dwell safely, with whose help I could examine everything, and whom, lastly, I could follow where he went. And I began to praise God within my mind.

4. Now, Solomon had with him a vast company of servitors and friends, who came with him to behold Wisdom, this queen of the world. Among