Now advise me in this, Counsellors. I never decide any affair till I have conferred with you." 32 They said: "We have great strength, and great ability for war, but it is for you to command; so think over what you will command." 33 She said, “Indeed the kings, when they enter a township, destroy it and disgrace its honourable people; and this is what they do.” 34 Hence, behold, I am going to send a gift to those [people,] and await whatever [answer] the envoys bring back." 35 So when (the envoy) came unto Solomon, (the King) said: What! Would ye help me with wealth? But that which Allah hath given me is better than that which He hath given you. Nay it is ye (and not I) who exult in your gift. 36 Go back then, we shall surely come against them with soldiers of which they have no power to oppose, and we shall drive them from there abased and humiliated' 37 [When Solomon learned that the Queen of Sheba was coming,] he said [to his council]: "O you nobles! Which of you can bring me her throne ere she and her followers come unto me in willing surrender to God?" 38 A stalwart of the jinn said: "I will bring it to you before you rise from your council. Surely I have the power to do so and I am trustworthy." 39 One with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said: I will bring it thee before thy gaze returneth unto thee. And when he saw it set in his presence, (Solomon) said: This is of the bounty of my Lord, that He may try me whether I give thanks or am ungrateful. Whosoever giveth thanks he only giveth thanks for (the good of) his own soul; and whosoever is ungrateful (is ungrateful only to his own soul's hurt). For lo! my Lord is Absolute in independence, Bountiful. 40 He said: "Disguise her throne for her that we may see whether she will be guided (to recognise her throne), or she will be one of those not guided." 41 And when she came she was asked: 'Is your throne like this' And she replied: 'It looks like it' And we were given the knowledge before her, and were Muslims. 42 And that which she was worshipping other than Allah had averted her [from submission to Him]. Indeed, she was from a disbelieving people." 43 She was asked to enter the lofty Palace: but when she saw it, she thought it was a lake of water, and she (tucked up her skirts), uncovering her legs. He said: "This is but a palace paved smooth with slabs of glass." She said: "O my Lord! I have indeed wronged my soul: I do (now) submit (in Islam), with Solomon, to the Lord of the Worlds." 44