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Solomon and Balkis both witness a butterfly, arguing with his wife. The butterfly tries to impress her by saying that his magic powers are so great that he could Solomon's palace and its gardens disappear by stamping his foot. Solomon, overhearing, is amused by the insect's presumption; he asks him why he told such a lie. The butterfly confesses that he only said it to quiet his wife, who has been quarelling with him all morning.
Balkis has an idea on restoring Solomon's domestic tranquility. She calls the butterfly's wife over. The insect admits she does not believe her husband, but lets him think she does for the sake of peace. Balkis convinces her to put her husband's powers to the test. She and her husband begin to argue again, and she challenges him to stamp. The butterfly runs to Solomon, and he, as a joke, uses his ring to summon four djinns; he tells them to take away his palace and gardens when the butterfly stamps, and to bring them back again when he stamps a second time. The butterfly does so, and his wife, suitably impressed, promises not to doubt him again.
Solomon is so overcome with laughter at this development that he does not notice the arrival of the other queens. Balkis tells them that Solomon has done this to teach a lesson in obedience to a butterfly's wife; the other wives do not believe her at first, but convinced by the sight of Solomon talking to the insect couple. The wives, realizing how much they have vexed Solomon, leave nervously. Balkis explains what has happened to Solomon; since he used his power as a joke and not out of pride, he has escaped humiliation. Solomon is amazed at the wisdom of his wife.
29 March 1942, 1:35-2:30 PM, WABC "and affiliated stations." Columbia Concert Orchestra and Columbia Chorus, Howard Barlow conducting.
Stage premiere:
14th April 1942, Lowell Dining Hall, Harvard University. (also 15th) Harvard University Orchestra and Radcliffe Choral Society, Malcom H. Holmes, conductor. Stage direction by S. Leonard Kent.