SIXTH CHILD: O king, a word fitly spoken, Is like apples of gold in baskets of silver. And the king that faithfully judgeth the poor, His throne shall be established forever. (_She presents basket of oranges._)
SOLOMON (_in great delight_): Ha, whose words are those?
SIXTH CHILD (_with a demure courtesy_): Your Majesty's!
SOLOMON: Well done! Well spoken! I shall strive indeed to be a king whose judgments shall be like apples of gold in baskets of silver.
SIXTH CHILD (_to others_): Come now; the king would be alone.
CHILDREN: And with thee also, O thou son of David! (_They courtesy and go._)
SOLOMON (_ascends to High Place and prays_): O Lord God of my fathers, thou hast showed unto my father, David, great mercy according as he walked before thee in uprightness of heart; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father; and I am but a little child. I know not how to go out nor come in. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad. For who is able to judge this thy so great a people?
(_There is a pause during which the_ SECOND WOMAN _rises slowly and approaches_ SOLOMON. _She kisses the hem of his robe. He turns and regards her with astonishment. She rises and speaks prophetically._)
SECOND WOMAN: O king, because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast thou asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies, but hast asked understanding to discern judgment, behold, God will give unto thee a wise and understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee; neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.
SOLOMON: Who art thou? for it was thus I heard the words of God speaking to my heart! Who art thou?
SECOND WOMAN (_prostrating herself_): The least of thy servants! A grain of dust by the roadside!
SOLOMON: Why art thou come here to the Hall of Judgment?
SECOND WOMAN: I came hither for justice; but thy judge in Gibeon is as the chaff which the wind beareth away--
SOLOMON (_sternly_): Beware how thou speak evil of them in authority. (_Then he smiles._) I gather that the case went against thee. What hast thou lost? Fear not; I will requite thee. (_He offers her gold._)