Solomon and Balkis by Robert Browning
After Solomon solves Balkis's riddles, they claim to welcome the wise and the good, respectively. A truth-compelling ring reveals that he wants artists to glorify him and she favors young, handsome men. Solomon distinguishes heavenly aspirations from earthly wants, and Balkis asks him for a kiss.
By Robert Browning · Genre: Narrative Poetry, Satirical Poetry · 1,095 words
First lines
Solomon King of the Jews and the Queen of Sheba, Balkis, / Talk on the ivory throne, and we well may conjecture their talk is / Solely of things sublime: why else has she sought Mount Zion, / Climbed the six golden steps, and sat betwixt lion and lion?
She proves him with hard questions: before she has reached the / middle / He smiling supplies the end, straight solves them riddle by riddle; / Until, dead-beaten at last, there is left no spirit in her, / And thus would she close the game whereof she was first beginner:
Genres
- Narrative Poetry — Rhymed verse follows a riddle contest, the accidental exposure of a truth-compelling ring, and the royal pair's ensuing confessions.
- Satirical Poetry — Solomon's professed respect for artistic excellence becomes a demand for self-glorification, while Balkis's devotion to goodness conceals a preference for attractive men.
Tags
riddles · wisdom · vanity · desire · royal court · magical ring
What this Textopian page supports
Solomon and Balkis is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Browning, dated Date unknown.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Robert Browning
- Date: Date unknown
- Language: English
- Genres: Narrative Poetry, Satirical Poetry
- Length: 1,095 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Solomon and Balkis by Robert Browning
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