She said, "My officials, what are your views on this matter? I will not decide until I have your views. 32 They said, 'We possess force and we possess great might. The affair rests with thee; so consider what thou wilt command.' 33 She said, "Surely, when mighty kings invade a country, they despoil it and humiliate its noblest inhabitants, these men will do the same, 34 I will send them a gift and then see with what answer my envoys return." 35 So when [the envoy] came to Solomon he said, "What! Are you offering me wealth? But that which God has given me is better than that which He has given you. Yet you rejoice in your gift. 36 Return thou to them; we shall assuredly come against them with hosts they have not power to resist, and we shall expel them from there, abased and utterly humbled.' 37 He said: "O chiefs! Which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me surrendering themselves in obedience?" 38 An efreet of the jinns said, 'I will bring it to thee, before thou risest from thy place; I have strength for it 39 Said one who had knowledge of the Book: "I will bring it to thee within the twinkling of an eye!" Then when (Solomon) saw it placed firmly before him, he said: "This is by the Grace of my Lord!- to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! and if any is grateful, truly his gratitude is (a gain) for his own soul; but if any is ungrateful, truly my Lord is Free of all Needs, Supreme in Honour!" 40 He said, "Disguise her throne. We shall see whether or not she will recognize it." 41 So when she came, it was said: Is your throne like this? She said: It is as it were the same, and we were given the knowledge before it, and we were submissive. 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