"I accept thy challenge," replied the Queen, "and at once."
Behind Her Majesty stood two beautiful girl attendants, each holding a bouquet of flowers. The Queen of Sheba took the flowers, and holding a bouquet in each hand, said to King Solomon:
"Tell me, thou who art the wisest man on earth, which of these bunches of flowers is real and which artificial."
"They are both beautiful and their fragrance delicious in the extreme," replied King Solomon.
"Ah," said the Queen, "but only one bunch has fragrance. Which is it?"
King Solomon looked at the flowers. Both bunches looked exactly alike. From where he sat, it was impossible to detect any difference. He did not answer at once, and he knit his brows as if perplexed. The courtiers also looked troubled. Never before had they seen the King hesitate.
"Is it impossible for your Majesty to answer the question?" the Queen asked.
Solomon shook his head and smiled.
"Never yet has a problem baffled me," he said. "Your Majesty shall be answered, and correctly."
"And at once," said the Queen of Sheba imperiously.