A literary history of Persia

148If then thy sentry by day a smoke-cloudSees, or at night a fire like the sun flaming,Know then at last the Worm's witcheries ended,Know that its star is set, its strength departed.'Out of hiscaptains then seven men chose he,Brave men and valiant all, lions in warfare ;E'en from the winds of heav'n kept he his counsel.Then from his coffers fair gems he gathered,Gold coins and rare brocades and rich possessions,Holding things priceless cheap in his prudence.With lead and copper then two chests he crammed full,And, midst his baggage bound one brazen cauldron,Being well skilled in crafts and devicesWhen in this wise hisFrom the horse-master ten asses claimed he,And like an ass-herd in coarse apparel clad,wares had been chosenBut with his bales filled full with gold and silverFared he with anxious heart forth on the forward way,And from the camp set his face to the fortress.Also those two brave peasants who gave himHarbour and shelter once in disasterChose he as comrades on his forth-faring,Since he had proved them loyal and wary.Thus on the road they drew near to the fortress,Breasted the hill-ridge, rested to breathe again.(For the Worm's service sixty were set apart,Eager and earnest each in his service,Of whom one cried aloud as they approached,'What have ye hidden there in your boxes ?Thus the King answered that stern inquiry :Of every precious stuff samples I bring you :'Red gold and silver white, ornaments, raiment,Dinars and fine brocades, jewels and sable.I from Khurasan come as a merchant,Leaving luxurious ease for toilsome journeys.Much wealth have I amassed by the Worm's blessing,And now I grateful come unto the Worm's throne ;Since by its favour my fortunes prospered,Right do I deem it service to render.''