Act III. _Solomon_ is alone with the queen. She has one request to

make of him, that he shall release _Assad_. Why? He is nothing to her but she wants to see whether the king has regard for his guest. And _Solomon_ refuses the request of the deceitful woman who, breathing vengeance, strides out of the palace. But when _Sulamith_ complains, _Solomon_ consoles her. _Assad_ will shake off the unworthy chains. Far away on the borders of the desert, she will find peace with _Assad_.