Act I. In _Solomon's_ magnificent palace everybody is preparing for

the reception of the _Queen of Sheba_. But nobody is more delighted than _Sulamith_, the daughter of the High Priest. _Assad_, who had gone to meet the foreign queen, returns. Here he comes already into the hall. But _Assad_, growing pale, draws back before his betrothed. He confesses to _King Solomon_ that he has not yet seen the _Queen of Sheba_ but at a certain well a wonderful woman favoured him with her love and since then his mind has been confused. The King consoles the young man by telling him that God will permit him to find her again. Now the queen's train approaches; she greets _Solomon_ and unveils herself. _Assad_ rushes toward her. What does the young man want of her? She does not know him.