Gérard de Nerval's account in Voyage en Orient, as recounted in masonic studies on Hiram Abiff, presents a romantic legend in which the Queen of Sheba, Balkis, broke off her engagement with King Solomon and promised to marry Hiram Abiff instead. She was drawn to Hiram because she was captivated by his genius, skill, and mastery as a builder, rather than Solomon's grandeur.
This marriage, however, was never actually celebrated or consummated. As the Masonic Trowel notes, Hiram Abiff was murdered before the union could take place, leaving the promised union unfulfilled.
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