V.
The rumour spread over all Ethiopia and the neighbouring kingdoms that King Balthasar had ceased to love Balkis.
When the tidings reached the country of Sheba, Balkis was as indignant as if she had been betrayed. She ran to the King of Comagena who was employing his time in forgetting his country in the city of Sheba.
“My friend,” she cried, “do you know what I have just heard? Balthasar loves me no longer!”
“What does it matter,” said the King of Comagena, “since we love one another?”
“But do you not feel how this blackamoor has insulted me?”
“No,” said the King of Comagena, “I do not.”
Whereupon she drove him ignominiously out of her presence, and ordered her grand vizier to prepare for a journey into Ethiopia.
“We shall set out this very night. And I shall cut off your head if all is not ready by sundown.”