THE WISE KING AND THE BEE.

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ONG ago there lived inthe East the great-
est king in the world.

It was believed that no one could ask
him a question which he could not answer.

Wise men came from far and near, but they were
never able to puzzle King Solomon.

He knew all the trees and plants.

He understood the beasts, fowls and creeping
things almost as weil as he did people.

The fame of his knowledge spread into all lands.
In the south, the great Queen of Sheba heard of
the wonderful wisdom of .Solomon and said, “]
shall test his power for myself.”

She picked some clover blossoms from the field
and bade a great artist make for her, in wax, flowers,
buds and leaves exactly like them.

She was much pleased when they were finished,
for she herself could see no difference in the two
bunches.

She carried them to the king and said, “Choose,
Oh wise king, which are the real flowers P”

At first King Solomon was puzzled, but soon he
saw a bee buzzing at the window.

“Ah,” said he, “here is one come to help mein
my choice. Throw open the window for my friend.”