Dawn drove away the darkness. The deep-blue eighth heaven turned pale cyan, and the flowers in the grass released their fragrance as they bloomed. Once all the young men and women who had left Florence to escape the plague had gathered, they followed the queen at a leisurely pace toward a small grove not far from the villa.
Because of the plague, no one had hunted in the woods recently. The goats, elk, and other animals seemed almost tame, showing no fear of strangers. When the visitors stepped forward to stroke them, the animals ran and leapt about, and everyone had a wonderful time.
The Sun began to climb higher. The young men and women wore wreaths woven from holm oak leaves and sang while holding fragrant flowers in their hands.
The servants brought picnic baskets filled with abundant food. The governor served the dishes, and everyone ate with great delight.
After eating and drinking their fill, the appointed time came, and they began taking turns telling stories again.
King Solomon's wisdom was known to all, but even more valuable was his approachability. He never refused anyone who came to seek his advice. Thus, whenever people from around the world encountered problems they could not solve, they would travel thousands of miles to seek an audience with him.
There were two sons of wealthy families. One wished to ask Solomon how to become beloved by others, while the other wished to ask how to tame the shrew at home. They traveled together to Jerusalem and, under the introduction of a court attendant, presented their questions to King Solomon.
"Go love," King Solomon told the young man who had asked how to become beloved.
"Go to Goose Bridge," King Solomon told the young man who had asked how to tame his