4740. [4745] CONCERNING KINGS AND QUEENS WHO BELIEVE THEMSELVES TO HAVE ABSOLUTE POWER, AND TO HAVE THE LIVES OF MEN AT THEIR DISPOSAL. A PROFANE CHARACTERISTIC. There was a queen - it was said that she was from Africa - who had absolute power, and who believed that she had power over the lives of men, namely, that it had been lawful for her to kill whomsoever she pleased, whether innocent or guilty. Moreover, from her religious belief she knew that there was a God, and likewise acknowledged Hi. She was lascivious in an extreme degree, and admitted lovers, but had afterwards caused them to be slain, lest a report should thence spread to the public, that she was of such a character. She was seen. She was black like the inhabitants of that region, with a handsome face, and, also, beautiful hair. It was granted to speak with her, and to say that absolute authority does not confer such power, but that [her power should operate] against those who act contrary to the laws and justice and equity, not against the innocent. But she supposed that she had [that power], because they bestowed it upon her [at her coronation]. It was granted to say, that she knew there is a deity above her, and it would he contrary to the deity and his laws so to do: but she was not then able to withstand this, and was silent. She was profane, because she acknowledged a deity, and yet lived in such a manner. She suffered most grievous punishments, and it was said that her hell was a most grievous one, of the character which is allotted to the profane. [It was also said] that they [the profaners] at length become like skeletons, scarcely holding together, in which there is so little of life as to be scarcely anything; for the state of a profane person has this property from that holiness which coheres with a profane [act]. They [evils and goods] cannot be separated [with these] as with others, but they are torn asunder and, then, the life which is only in holy things, that is, in goods and truths, perishes, or is changed into most abominable stenches, and accompanied with torture.