19* So he smiled, amused at her speech; and he said: "O my Lord! So order me that I may be grateful for Thy favors, which Thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may work the righteousness that will please Thee: and admit me, by Thy Grace, to the ranks of Thy Righteous Servants."  
| |20* And he took a muster of the Birds; and he said: "Why is it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?  
| |21* "I will certainly punish him with a severe punishment, or execute him, unless he bring me a clear reason (for absence)."  
| |22* But the Hoopoe tarried not far: he (came up and) said: "I have compassed which thou hast not compassed, and I have come to thee from Sabwith tidings true.  
| |23* "I found (there) a woman ruling over them and provided with every requisite; and she has a magnificent throne.  
| |24* "I found her and her people worshipping the sun besides Allah. Satan has made their deeds seem pleasing in their eyes, and has kept them away from the Path,- so they receive no guidance,-  
| |25* "So that they worship not Allah, Who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what ye hide and what ye reveal.  
| |26* "Allah!- there is no god but He!- Lord of the Throne Supreme!"  
| |27* (Solomon) said: "Soon shall we see whether thou hast told the truth or lied!  
| |28* "Go thou, with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them: then draw back from them, and (wait to) see what answer they return"...  
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