19 So he smiled, wondering at her word, and said: My Lord, grant me that I may be grateful for Thy favour which Thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do good such as Thou art pleased with, and admit me, by Thy mercy, among Thy righteous servants.

20 And he reviewed the birds, then said: How is it I see not Hudhud, or is it that he is one of the absentees?

21 I will certainly punish him with a severe punishment, or kill him, or he shall bring me a clear excuse.

22 And he tarried not long, then said: I have compassed that which thou hast not compassed and I have come to thee from Saba’ with sure information —

23 I found a woman ruling over them, and she has been given of everything and she has a mighty throne.

24 I found her and her people adoring the sun instead of Allāh, and the devil has made their deeds fair-seeming to them and turned them from the way, so they go not aright —

25 So that they worship not Allāh, Who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens and the earth and knows what you hide and what you proclaim.

26 Allāh, there is no God but He, the Lord of the mighty Throne. [Prostration]

27 He said: We shall see whether thou speakest the truth or whether thou art a liar.

28 Take this my letter and hand it over to them, then turn from them and see what (answer) they return.

29 She said: O chiefs, an honourable letter has been delivered to me.

30 It is from Solomon, and it is in the name of Allāh, the Beneficent, the Merciful:

31 Proclaiming, Exalt not yourselves against me and come to me in submission.

32 She said: O chiefs, advise me respecting my affair; I never decide an affair until you are in my presence.