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Updated: May 15, 2025
And the sage Sembobitis replied: "My lord, science is infallible, but the learned often err." Balthasar was endowed with fine natural sense. He said: "Only that which is true is divine, and what is divine is hidden from us. In vain we search for truth. And yet I have discovered a new star in the sky.
In those days Balthasar, whom the Greeks called Saracin, reigned in Ethiopia. He was black, but comely of countenance. He had a simple soul and a generous heart The third year of his reign, which was the twenty-second of his age, he left his dominions on a visit to Balkis, Queen of Sheba. The mage Sembobitis and the eunuch Menkera accompanied him.
At last, after a march of twelve days, Balthasar became conscious of the fragrance of roses, and very soon they saw the gardens that surround the city of Sheba. On their way they passed young girls dancing under pomegranate trees in full bloom. "The dance," said Sembobitis the mage, "is a prayer." "One could sell these women for a great price," said Menkera the eunuch.
With his arms outstretched towards her, Balthasar cried: "Give me but the little feather that has fallen on your neck and in return you shall have half my kingdom as well as the wise Sembobitis and Menkera the eunuch." But she rose and fled with a ripple of dear laughter. When the mage and the eunuch returned they found their master plunged deep in thought which was not his custom.
Every evening, seated on the terrace of his palace in company with the sage Sembobitis and Menkera the eunuch, he gazed at the palm-trees standing motionless against the horizon, or watched the crocodiles by the light of the moon float down the Nile like trunks of trees. "One never wearies of admiring the beauties of Nature," said Sembobitis.
What is she doing?" "My lord," replied Menkera, "she is closeted with the King of Comagena." "They are doubtless agreeing to an exchange of merchandise," added the sage Sembobitis. "But be not so disturbed, my lord, or you will redouble your fever." "I must see her," cried Balthasar. And he flew towards the apartments of the queen, and neither the sage nor the eunuch could restrain him.
It is a beautiful star, and it seems alive; and when it sparkles it looks like a celestial eye that blinks gently. I seem to hear it call to me. Happy, happy, happy is he who is born under this star, See, Sembobitis, how this charming and splendid star looks at us." But Sembobitis did not see the star because he would not see it. Wise and old, he did not like novelties.
"Wisdom confers happiness," replied Sembobitis. "I will try it," said Balthasar. "But let us depart at once for Ethiopia." And as he had lost all he loved he resolved to consecrate himself to wisdom and to become a mage. If this decision gave him no especial pleasure it at least restored to him something of tranquillity.
Smiling, she stood before them in a jewelled robe. At sight of her Balthasar was greatly troubled. She seemed to him lovelier than a dream and more beautiful than desire. "My lord," and Sembobitis spoke under his breath, "remember to conclude a good commercial treaty with the queen." "Have a care, my lord," Menkera added. "It is said she employs magic with which to gain the love of men."
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