them, for his words were as thorns and nails that are driven home.
(They hold Counsel as to how they could outwit him.)
4. But I followed them not, but remained in the palace, standing with my guides, who were horror-stricken, and beheld everything that further befell there. The queen, namely, who had recovered from her faint, began to take counsel with her councillors as to what should be done. Zeal, Sincerity, and Courage advised that all the forces should be collected and sent in pursuit of Solomon, that he might be captured. Prudence, on the contrary, declared that no good would be done by means of violence; for not only was Solomon himself also powerful, but he had almost the whole world as his following. Thus did the messengers, who, one after the other, brought news of what had happened, report; rather should Affability and Flattery be sent after him, and they should take Pleasure with them from Fortuna's castle; wherever he was, they should trickishly enwind themselves round him, showing and praising the beauty and loveliness of the kingdom of the world. "Thus, perhaps," Prudence said, "he could be caught; another way she knew not." And it was ordered that these three should set out at once.
