But all this did not bring happiness to the king. He sat upon his magnificent throne, his frowning countenance dark with despair. Dissipation had left its impress upon his once fair and intellectual face. He was sadly changed from the youthful Solomon. His brow was furrowed with care and unhappiness, and he bore in every feature the unmistakable marks of sensual indulgence. His lips were prepared to break forth into reproaches at the slightest deviation from his wishes.{3BC 1165.4}

Men alt dette bringer ikke lykke til kongen. Han sad på sin ophøjede trone, hans mørke mine var i fortvivlelse. Udsvævelser havde efterladt sit aftryk på hans tidligere ærlige og forstandige ansigt. Han var sørgeligt forandret fra den ungdommelige Salomon. Hans pande var rynket af bekymringer og ulykke, og han var alle umiskendelige træk af sensuel hengivenhed. Hans læber var parat til at bryde ud i bebrejdelser for de mindste ønsker der ikke blev opfyldt.