people in a way that shall be right in thy

sight."

And God was pleased with Solomon's choice, so wise and unselfish. Behold I have given thee," God said in answer, "wisdom and understanding. But I will give thee more.

I will give thee what thou hast not asked for; riches and possessions and honor. And if thou dost obey me and serve me, I will bless thee all the days of thy life."

Then Solomon arose, and went to Jerusalem, and offered sacrifices there. And while he was there two women came to him with a little babe. They were angry, both of them, and they cried to Solomon.

"O my Lord," said one, "I and this woman live in one house. We had each a little son. This woman's child died; and when she saw it was dead she came and

brought it to me, and laid it in my arms while I was sleeping. And my own child she took away from me.'

"It is not true!" the other woman cried.

This living child is mine. Judge thou between us."

Solomon was for a

for a moment puzzled. How should he know which woman spoke the truth?

So he took the child and laid it before him. Bring me a sword," he said to his servant. And when the servant had brought the sword, he said, "Now cut this child in halves; and give one half to one woman and the other half to the other."

But as he spoke one woman fell upon her knees, and cried, "O do not kill it! Let the

other woman have it if need be! its innocent life!"

But spare

And the other woman stood by, a sneer

upon her face.

Now Solomon had no intention of slaying

the child.

He only meant to test the women; for well he knew the child's own mother would

cry out to save it.

And when the woman fell upon her knees, Solomon commanded the servant to lay down the sword, and to give the child into her keeping; and she was, indeed, its mother.

And so, day by day, the wisdom of Solomon grew. He knew all that could be known of birds and fishes and animals; of trees and flowers; of the earth and the sea and the heavens.

He wrote many wise books as well; and the histories of the nations, he knew them all.

But Solomon had not forgotten David's