Page:The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart.pdf/272



, seeing this, I tell my guides that I also would gladly behold what was to befall. Impudence immediately consented, and went forth; the interpreter did likewise. Then, when we had set out, we find Solomon with his companions in the street of the scholars; and to the wonder of all, he conversed of the nature of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall. He spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes; of the nature of the earth, the power of the elements, the constellations, the thoughts of men, and so forth. And men came from all nations to listen to his wisdom. Being thus extolled beyond all measure himself, he began to delight in himself; this all the more when Affability and Flattery, cautiously approaching him, began yet further to increase his praise before the eyes of men.